THE STATE OF THE HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM AMID VARIOUS TYPES OF PHYSICAL EXERTION

Abstract

The problem of the correlation between physical activity and human immunity has always been in the view of the attention of scientists, but great clarity in the study of the effect of physical exercises on the immune system has been introduced in recent decades. The appearance of a new infection, which caused a pandemic, forces to re-examine some regulations regarding athletes. The purpose of the review is to discuss advances in the study of immunity in people who are engaged in both professional sports and regular non-strenuous exercise. The work shows that changes in the immune system in response to physical exercises depend on the degree of intensity, severity and duration of the impact of physical exertion. Moderate physical activity is considered by many authors as an important stimulator for the immune system, which leads to an increase in the exchange of leukocytes between the bloodstream and tissues, an improvement in the metabolism of glucose and lipids, and has a direct anti-inflammatory effect. Such exercise-induced effects may contribute to counteracting the development of chronic metabolic diseases, reduce the process of systemic inflammation, and may also increase the specific response and increase the production of antibodies to vaccination. A slightly different reaction of the immune system occurs during long-term and intense physical exertion in athletes. Thus, damage to muscle tissue during intense physical exertion, a profound change in the metabolism of metabolites, lipid mediators and proteins can cause temporary immune dysfunction due to a decrease in the metabolic capacity of immune cells. A decrease in immune protection in athletes after intense physical activity can lead to an increase in the body's susceptibility to acute viral diseases. Of concern is that reports show a significant and variable proportion of athletes infected with COVID-19 who experienced prolonged post-Covid syndrome. Therefore, the possibility of developing complications should be taken into account during training.