Background and Aims: Stress of vigorous exercise may be causes of disorders in body immune system and appearance of acute and chronic inflammation. Caffeine supplementation prior to exercise can be effective on body immune response. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of short-term caffeine supplementation on some immune and stress index responses in non-active men after an exhaustive aerobic exercise.

Materials and Methods: 20 non-active male students randomly divided in supplementation and placebo groups. Exercise test was an exhaustive treadmill test. One hour prior to main test supplementation group consumes caffeine and control group receive placebo at the same time. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after exercise test. After supplying serum Cortisol, leukocyte and serum eHsp72 concentrations were determined using ELISA method. Paired and independent t student test was used for evaluation of inter and between group differences respectively.

Results: Data analysis showed that significant increments in lymphocyte, cortisol and Hsp72 concentrations in placebo group was higher than supp group (P<0.05). Also Mean of variation in these variables in placebo group was significantly greater than supp group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on study results caffeine supplementation prior to short-term exhaustive aerobic exercise has positive effect on innate immune system and body defensive apparatus.

Source: Urmia Med J 2011: 22(1): 80 ISSN: 1027-3727