Exercise Immunology Research
Exercise immunology is the study of the interaction between exercise and the immune system. The immune system is central to health and the prevention of illness. Preventing illness during heavy training and competition is a high priority for athletes, coaches and exercise scientists. A perception exists that some athletes, especially athletes in sports such as rowing, cycling, swimming and triathlon, undertaking prolonged intense exercise, may suffer from an increased incidence of upper respiratory tract illness (URTI) during heavy training and competition. Given the considerable personal and economic investment in preparing athletes for competition, a need exists to identify strategies aimed at improving host resistance and minimizing the risk of illnesses that may compromise athletic performance.
Researchers at the AIS have conducted extensive research over the last 20 years examining the acute and chronic effect of exercise on the immune system and on illness in elite and sub-elite athletes (see here for a list of scientific publications). This research is recognized world-wide. Currently the research team is examining the effects of various nutrition supplements to enhance the immune system and prevent illness (click here for current research projects).
Research team
Researchers at the AIS collaborate with colleagues in other institutions. The research team currently includes:
- Professor Peter Fricker - AIS Director
- Professor David Pyne - Senior Sports Physiologist
- Dr Peggy Horn - Visiting Fellow
- Dr Amanda Cox - AIS Physiology
- Mr Nicholas West - AIS Physiology
- Professor Allan Cripps - Pro-Vice Chancellor, Griffith University
- Professor Maree Gleeson - Director, Hunter Medical Research Institute
The research conducted at the AIS fits within International Society for Exercise and Immunology (hyperlink). The International Society of Exercise and Immunology (ISEI) is devoted to fostering scientific research, education, and the dissemination of scientific information. Providing current practical and valid information to the scientific community is ISEI's primary focus.
Especially research directed towards the improvement of health, prevention and treatment of disease through physical activity is of central interest, because this is in favour of the whole community. The next ISEI symposium (hyperlink) is to be held in Oxford England in 2011.
