The BASES expert statement on exercise, immunity, and infection

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Electronic versions

  • Michael Gleeson
    Loughborough University
  • Neil P Walsh

An individual's level of physical activity influences their risk of infection, most likely by affecting immune function. Regular moderate exercise reduces the risk of infection compared with a sedentary lifestyle, but very prolonged bouts of exercise and periods of intensified training are associated with an increased risk of infection. There are several lifestyle, nutritional, and training strategies that can be adopted to limit the extent of exercise-induced immunodepression and minimize the risk of infection. This expert statement provides a background summarizing the evidence together with extensive conclusions and practical guidelines.

Keywords

  • Exercise, Female, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Humans, Immunity, Male, Respiratory Tract Infections, Journal Article, Practice Guideline
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)321-4
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Sports Sciences
Volume30
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2012
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