The effects of repeated sessions of exercise on immune cells and cortisol infemale athletes

Studies have shown that insufficient recovery between sessions causes immune suppression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repeated bouts resistance and endurance exercise on blood leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes count and plasma cortisol levels in athlete girls.

9 athlete girls (ages, 20-25 years), participated in the study voluntarily. They performed two experimental protocols in two phases on two separate days. At first, subjects performed two bouts of resistance exercise (8 exercises with 65% 1RM) at 09:00 and 15:00. After one week rest, subjects performed two bouts of endurance exercise (60 min cycling on 65% HR Reserve) at the same time. Blood samples were taken before and after each bout and 1 hour after the second bout of exercise. Statistical analysis was performed using Kolmogroph-Smirnoff, independent t-test and ANOVA with repeated measure.

Repeated bouts endurance exercise significantly increased blood leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes count and plasma cortisol levels, but repeated bouts resistance exercise only increased blood lymphocytes count significantly (P < 0.05). Comparison of the two exercise types indicated that there was a significant difference in blood monocytes count (P < 0.05).

The results showed no significant difference between repeated bouts of resistance and endurance exercise in a day on immunological variables and cortisol hormone.