Effects of aerobic exercise on inflammatory factors in healthy adults: a meta-analysis

Y.-H. Wang, D.-L. Luo, H.-C. Jiang, Z.-B. Nie, L. Shao, H.-X. Qi

College of Arts and Physical Education, Nanchang Normal College of Applied Technology, Nanchang, China. smmushaolin@126.com

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• Sports Medicine

OBJECTIVE: With this meta-analysis we aimed at systematically evaluating the intervention effects of aerobic exercise on inflammatory factors in healthy adults and identifying an optimal aerobic exercise program with anti-inflammatory effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and SPORTDiscus, were searched from inception until April 30, 2021. Stata version 11.0 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 15 studies with 1160 participants were included. The pooled estimates showed that aerobic exercise could significantly reduce TNFα levels (SMD=-0.30, 95% CI: -0.58 – -0.03, p=0.032), while the levels of IL-6 (SMD=-0.14, 95% CI: -0.32-0.03, p=0.109) and CRP (SMD=-0.09, 95% CI: -0.34-0.16, p=0.484) were not significantly affected.

CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise exerts a positive effect by preventing inflammation-related diseases.

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