Member-only story
A Post-vaccination Workout Boosts Immune Responses
90 minutes of exercise increases antibody levels
Article via LabRoots
A workout after getting a vaccine for influenza or COVID-19 may provide additional immune protection, says a new study by researchers at the Iowa State University. The team found that participants who did a 90-minute workout (either cycling or brisk walking) produced more antibodies than those who carried on with their regular routine after receiving their shots. The results in human studies mirror those previously observed by the researchers in animal models.
“Our preliminary results are the first to demonstrate a specific amount of time can enhance the body’s antibody response to the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine and two vaccines for influenza,” said the study’s lead author, Marian Kohut.
Vaccines prime the immune system to recognize and destroy pathogens such as viruses. Some vaccine formulations require a boost in the form of adjuvants, which help enhance the stimulation of the immune system to provide more substantial protection. However, some patients may experience side effects from these adjuvants, leading scientists to explore gentler options for boosting the effectiveness of vaccines.
Interestingly, in their study, Kohut and colleagues found that 90 minutes of maintaining a…
