Acute exercise decreases vaccine reactions following influenza vaccination among older adults

Abstract

Although valuable and effective in decreasing disease burden, influenza vaccination has low rates of efficacy, especially in those at most risk. Studies have shown that acute exercise can improve vaccine responses, most consistently with weaker antigens. Here we examined the effect of resistance exercise on the acute and longer-term responses to influenza vaccination among healthy older adults. Forty-six participants (47.8% male, mean 73.4 ± 6.6 years) were randomised to perform one 45-min moderate-intensity resistance exercise session or sit quietly prior to the receipt of influenza vaccination. Acute exercise reduced vaccine reactions but had no effect on either antibody responses or development of influenza-like symptoms during six months of follow-up. Psychosocial and behavioural characteristics were examined for potential associations with the responses to vaccination. Participants (n = 36) vaccinated in the previous year had higher baseline antibody titres but not follow-up titres nor more frequent experience of influenza-like symptoms over 6 months compared to those unvaccinated in the previous year. These findings provide further support for the ability of acute exercise to reduce vaccine reactions and suggest risk factors for vaccine responses for future exploration.

Benefits of Exercise on Influenza or Pneumonia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

“…In addition, the mechanisms by which exercise improves immune response may vary with exercise forms. Bohn-Goldbaum et al [25] demonstrated that the lymph flow rate, rather than interleukin-6 circulating levels, could be one of the biomarkers for the enhancement stimulated by acute resistance exercises. Yang et al [32] inferred that the changes of autonomic balance induced by Taiji and Qigong practice may be the potential mechanism for the enhanced responses although it has not been tested.…”

“…However, they stated that the insufficient statistical power may partly result in the non-significant results. The other two studies employed a similar exercise task, and both demonstrated that acute resistance exercise did not enhance the immune responses to influenza vaccination [25,27]. Bohn-Goldbaum et al [25] further discussed the internal mechanism, and they speculated that the relatively longer duration of resistance exercise used in their study may decrease the lymph flow rate, which then weakens the adjuvant effect.…”

Psychological and Behavioral Predictors of Vaccine Efficacy: Considerations for COVID-19

“…A similar brief (15 min) exercise protocol reduced days of swelling, fever, and low appetite, compared with a resting condition, among adolescents who received a human papillomavirus vaccine ( V. Lee et al, 2018 ). Among older adults, a 45-min moderate-intensity resistance exercise session immediately before receiving the influenza vaccine reduced vaccine reactions—including pain, redness, or swelling at injection site or other symptom/illness—compared with a resting condition ( Bohn-Goldbaum et al, 2020 ). In terms of longer exercise protocols, 10 months of cardiovascular training among sedentary, community-dwelling older adults did not affect peak antibody levels 3 and 6 weeks after influenza vaccination, but it did promote clinically significant antibody levels 6 months after vaccination, compared with flexibility and balance training ( Woods et al, 2009 ).…”

Physical Exercise Potentials Against Viral Diseases Like COVID-19 in the Elderly

“…Thus, both people with existing chronic pathologies and older populations are at higher risk of responding worse to the viral infection due to their higher susceptibility to different infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, obesity, and/or a generally sedentary lifestyle. Furthermore, these populations will also have a worse response to vaccination when compared with younger or healthier individuals ( 21 , 25 , 27 , 37 ).…”

“…Acute bouts of physical exercise, like a 30-min walk at a moderate intensity ( 19 ) or a brief exercise like rapidly ascending 260 stairs (moderate-high intensity) ( 20 ) have also been shown to enhance immune system activity by increasing the antipathogen activity of tissue macrophages in parallel with leukocytosis with higher numbers of neutrophils, NK cells, cytotoxic T cells, and immature B cells. Acute bouts of resistance exercises, like 45 min of a moderate-intensity strength session, showed an increase of the immune system response in aging individuals ( 21 ). This kind of exercise that increases muscular strength has been demonstrated to reduce metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and is one of the most important stimuli for fighting osteoporosis in aging individuals ( 22 ).…”