Effect of hydrogymnastics physical exercise on serum level of immunoglobulin A in elderly women

Background: Decreases in function of the immune system with age contribute to the increase the risk of infectious diseases especially the upper respiratory tract. On the other hand, physical activity has been widely recommended for health. However, more studies are needed to support the benefit effect of exercise on immune system in elderly. Aim: To evaluate the effect of the hydrogymnastics on the serum level of immunoglobulin A (1gA) in elderly women. Methods: Twenty-six participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (n: 16) or a control group (n: 10). IgA concentrations were determined by nephelometry (BN2 Analyzer, Dade Behring). The hydrogymnastics training protocol was performed 5 times a week during 12 weeks. The intensity of the aerobic exercise was 50-60% of the maximum heart rate monitored by telemetry (Polar-FT7). Results: No significant differences (p: 0.797) resulted by ANOVA on serum IgA levels; the percentage of change in experimental group was Delta% = -6.7 mg/dL compared to the control group, Delta%= -7.4 mg/dL. Conclusion: After three months of hydrogymnastics the IgA level did not show significant change on elderly women; However, positive improvement in percentage of change Delta% was found.