I decided that my presentation topic would be on how exercise affects the immune system. We all learned that exercise does have an effect on the immune system, positive and/or negative, so I wanted to explore this and look into some research on this.
I will most likely look into Upper respiratory tack infections, or URTIs, for this presentation. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are the most common issues with the immune system that people get. URTIs include the common cold, sinusitis and tonsillitis. In the Martin et al. “Exercise and Respiratory Tract Viral Infections”, for example, they explore the relationship between the URTIs and the amount of exercise done by individuals. The research found a link between moderate, regular exercise and the reduced frequency of URTIs compared with an inactive state. There was also an increased risk of URTIs with excessive amounts of exercise.
This information is an example that exercise can influence a person’s vulnerability to infection. I found this research to be very interesting. It also agrees with the “open window” theory discussed in class, so I will most likely discuss this theory, and the research on it, as well.
Martin, Stephen A et al. “Exercise and respiratory tract viral infections.” Exercise and sport sciences reviews vol. 37,4 (2009): 157-64. doi:10.1097/JES.0b013e3181b7b57b
I also think this is super interesting because last year I got bronchitis and I had no idea because I’ve never had the illness before! I felt like I was dying and couldn’t move as fast! But I kind of want to know how much my body was actually affected and like at what stage of illness should you not exercise?