Effect of regular physical activity on quality of life, stress levels and immune systems in adults

• Grant number: 12/09662-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2012
• End date: September 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Maria Fernanda Cury Boaventura
• Grantee: Maria Fernanda Cury Boaventura
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul (UNICSUL). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Elaine Hatanaka Dermargos ; Renata Gorjao ; Tania Cristina Pithon Curi

Abstract

The physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle are related to risk factors for the development or aggravation of chronic diseases and seems to increase the risk of infections. Regular physical activity is used as a not pharmacological therapy that exerts a positive influence on quality of life and immune function, leading to prevention of chronic degenerative disease, psychological disorders and infections. This study will evaluate the effects of regular moderate exercise on quality of life, stress levels and immune function in adults. We will evaluate approximately 400 individuals engaged in the regular exercise program at sports gymnasium of the Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports of Cruzeiro do Sul University. Volunteers will be evaluated before, after 6 months and 1 year the start of regular prescribed exercises with mild to moderate. We will apply the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Daily Analysis of life Demands (Dalda) and Wisconsin upper respiratory symptom survey-21 (WURSS-21). The evaluation of body composition and physical capacity will be performed through anthropometric parameters (body weight, theight, body mass index, body fat percentage, ratio of waist and hip circumference) and aerobic and neuromotor capacity test (strength and flexibility). To investigate the immune function will be determined: leukocyte count, hemoglobin and hematocrit concentration in the blood, the concentration of testosterone, cortisol, ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin in the serum, IL-6, CRP, creatine kinase, iron, ferritin in the plasma and the concentration of IgA in the saliva. (AU)