High-intensity aerobic exercise may reduce the risk of colds and other upper respiratory infections by nearly half.
People who regularly engage in high-intensity aerobic exercise have nearly half as many upper respiratory infections as sedentary people, a 2010 study found. Those who engage in high-intensity aerobic exercise also experience fewer and less severe upper respiratory symptoms than those who engage in lower-intensity exercise.
Researchers tracked the number and severity of respiratory infections during the fall and winter of a single year among more than 1,000 adults. The participants, who were between the ages of 18 and 85 years, provided information about the frequency and intensity of their aerobic physical exercise during the 12-week period.
The researchers found that those who engaged in aerobic physical exercise five or more times per week reported 43 percent fewer upper respiratory infections than those who were sedentary. Those who engaged in high-intensity exercise reported 46 percent fewer infections than those who engaged in low-intensity exercise. Upper respiratory symptoms were 32 to 41 percent less severe among those who engaged in high-intensity exercise compared with those who engaged in low-intensity exercise.
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These findings suggest that regular aerobic exercise – especially high-intensity exercise – protects against upper respiratory infections. Other research suggests that during aerobic exercise, profound molecular changes occur that enhance the production of beneficial cytokines and other factors that support immune health. Learn more about the effects of exercise on immunity in this clip featuring Dr. Michael Snyder.