Anaerobic exercise induces moderate acute phase response

Purpose: It was intended to compare the immune reaction after single and re peated short bouts of anaerobic exercise. Methods: Twelve unspecifically tr ained male subjects (27 +/- 2 yr, 75 +/- 2 kg, ((V) over dot)O-2peak 52 +/- 2 mL.min(-1).kg(-1)) performed one 60-s all-out test (SMT) on a cycling er gometer and the same test followed by eight 10-s all-out tests every 5 min (AN-TS). These tests and one control day (Co-Day) were applied in randomize d order. At rest and 15 min, 2 h, and 24 h after cessation of exercise the following venous blood parameters were determined: concentration of neutrop hils and (CD16(+)-) premacrophages (both flow-cytometrically), interleukin 6 and 8 (IL-6, IL-8), C-reactive protein (CRP) and cortisol. Results: Two h ours after cessation of exercise the neutrophils increased stronger after A N-TS than after SMT (P < 0.01). The peak in the number of premacrophages oc curred earlier after SMT (15 min post; P < 0.01 to Co-Day) than after AN-TS (2 h post; P < 0.05 to Co-Day). IL-6 was elevated at 15 min and 2 h after AN-TS (P < 0.01 to SMT and Co-Dap) but only slightly 2 h after SMT (P < 0.0 1 to Go-Day). There were no significant changes in IL-8. CRP was the only e levated parameter 24 h postexercise exclusively after AN-TS (P < 0.05 to Co -Day). Conclusion: Repeated short anaerobic bouts of cycling lead to an acu te phase response, which is more pronounced than after a single bout Athlet es should take care in performing such training sessions several times a we ek because signs of inflammation are detectable even 24 h after cessation o f exercise.