Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 5

Outline the effects of moderate exercise training on the immune system and the risk of infection.

Step 1 of 2

The field of exercise immunology is relatively new science and deals with the study of exercise, psychological, and environmental influences on immune function. Exercise has both positive and negative impact on the immune system, as described by Dr. David Nieman. He proposed that people who do regular bouts of moderate exercise are at low risk of infections. However, those who are involved in high intensity exercise may have decreases immune functions. For example, marathon runners are at high risk of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).