Effect of recruitment training on immune system

Abstract

The aim of exercise is to improve body health and enhance immune system function. However, several studies have observed the suppression of immune response in athletes who were trained with strenuous exercise. Recruits who were undertrained in the recruitment training program for 8 weeks long might also have the immune suppression. Twenty males, age ranging from 21 to 23 years in Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy infantry battalion volunteered to participate in this study. They were asked to wear a Polar Accurex Plus Telemetric heart rate monitor during the training period. The training program composed of four types of activities; the exercise, the basic training, the marching and the formation, which have been considering the moderate to high intensity exercise training program. The results have shown as follows; first from the exercise, the heart rate ranging from 122 to 154 bpm with the average of 142.53 bpm, second activity ranging from 120 to160 bpm with the average of 145.55 bpm, third one ranging from 128 to 154 bpm with the average of 146.11 bpm and the last activity of formation ranging from 120 to 169 bpm with the average of 145.48 bpm, respectively. Tuberculin skin test which is the screening method for cellular immune responses was significantly decreased at post-training compared to the pre-training (p<0.02). The levels of serum IgG and IgM at pre-training, 4th weeks, 8th weeks and one week post-training were significantly decreased at the initiation period, which were compared between pre-training and 4th weeks of training (p<0.01), and returned to normal at the 8th weeks of training and one week post-training. This study demonstrated that subjects underwent the recruit-training program could be able to adjust themselves to a good health after the period of time i.e., in the adaptation period. The decrease in the initiation period could be compensated with the proper diet and enough rest.