The effect of exercise mode on salivary IgA secretion in high level triathletes

Background: It is widely accepted that exercise of either long duration or high intensity can have suppressive effects on the immune system. However, it remains to be identified if exercise mode plays a part in the deterioration of immune function. Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine if exercise mode played a part in the acute immune responses to exercise. - 72.6, s = 2.4] performed a 2 - hour bout of exercise at 55% of their peak power output (watts) [mean 192.5, s = 4.5] on both a treadmill and cycle ergometer, each sep arated by seven days. Saliva samples were obtained both pre and post both protocols. Saliva flow rate was calculated from the volume of saliva and time taken to produce the sample. sIgA concentration was measured by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent ass ay, from which sIgA secretion rate was calculated. 595, s = 64.6 and mean 841, s = 76.3] and before and after the bike were [mean 593.9, s = 51.1 and 778.8 s = 99.3]. sIgA se 657.8 , s = 92.2 and 289.3, s = 56.6] and before and after the bike were [mean 487.2, s = 123.3 and 319.5, s = 66.5]. The results indicated that sIgA secretion rate (P < 0.028) and saliva flow rate (P < 0.01) were significantly decreased following the 2 hour tre admill protocol but not the 2 hour bike protocol. sIgA concentration was also significantly elevated following the treadmill (P < 0.01), with no significant increase following the bike protocol. Discussion: Previous studies have shown that with a decrease in sIgA secretion rate and saliva flow rate there is subsequently going to be an increase in URTI episodes in the individual. This increase in URTIs can hamper an ’ p p p - par performance, which may result in loss of sponsorship deals or contracts. Conclusions: The results suggest that long duration running may be more detrimental to immune function than long duration cycling in triathletes.