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Int J Sports Med 1999; 20(7): 476-481
DOI: 10.1055/s-1999-8827
Immunology
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

Immune Response to Two Hours of Rowing in Elite Female Rowers

 D. C. Nieman1 ,  S. L. Nehlsen-Cannarella2 ,  O. R. Fagoaga2 ,  D. A. Henson  1 ,  M. Shannon3 ,  J. M. Davis4 ,  M. D. Austin1 ,  C. L. Hisey2 ,  J. C. Holbeck2 ,  J. M. E. Hjertman1 ,  M. R. Bolton1 ,  B. K. Schilling1
  • 1 Departments of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA
  • 2 Immunology Center and Department of Pathology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, USA
  • 3 Sports Science and Technology Division; United States Olympic Committee, Chula Vista, California, USA
  • 4 Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, USA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 1999 (online)

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The influence of carbohydrate (C) versus placebo (P) beverage consumption on the immune and hormonal responses to normal rowing training sessions was measured in 15 elite female rowers residing at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. In a randomized, counterbalanced design, the athletes received C or P beverages (double-blind) before, during, and after two 2-hour bouts of rowing (one day apart). Blood samples were collected before, and 5 - 10 minutes and 1.5 hours after rowing. Metabolic measures indicated that training was performed at moderate intensities, with some high intensity intervals interspersed throughout the sessions (mean oxygen uptake of 2,307 ± 169 ml × min-1, 57 % of V˙O2max). Glucose and insulin were significantly lower after two hours of rowing with ingestion of P compared to C. The patterns of change in cortisol, growth hormone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine did not differ between C and P rowing trials. Blood neutrophil cell counts and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher following P versus C rowing sessions. The patterns of change in blood lymphocyte and lymphocyte subset counts, and lymphocyte proliferative responses did not differ between P and C trials, except for a slight difference in NK cell counts and activity. In summary, minimal changes in blood hormonal and immune measures were found following two-hour bouts of training in elite female rowers. Carbohydrate compared to placebo ingestion attenuated the moderate rise in blood neutrophil counts, but had slight or no effects on other immune parameters.

Key words:

Rowing - immune system - neutrophil - lymphocyte - natural killer cell

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David C. Nieman

Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science Appalachian State University Boone

North Carolina 28608

USA

Phone: +1 (828) 262-3140

Fax: +1 (828) 262-3138

Phone: niemandc@appstate.edu