Changes in salivary secretory immunoglobulin A to the sports practical subjects of 90-minute

Abstract

  University students must prioritize their health care to lead a meaningful student life. As a result, maintaining or improving the immune system, which is required to maintain body homeostasis, is critical. Immunity is said to change with exercise. Practical sports courses at universities provide valuable opportunities for university students to exercise. Therefore, courses on sports skills may assist university students in strengthening their immunity. However, there are no reports of studies that investigated the impact of sports skill courses on the immunity of university students. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of weekly sports practice, which is offered as a mandatory course, on the immunity of university students. The subjects were 15 students in a practical sports course. Immunity was evaluated using saliva samples, which can be acquired noninvasively with simple techniques. Saliva samples were collected before and after a 90-minute sports practice class. Secretory IgA concentration (SIgA), salivary amylase levels and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured. The results of analysis, SIgA and salivary amylase levels were all significantly increased after the class compared to before the class. The RPE of the sports practical skills class in which they participated was 12.2 ± 2.0. The results of this study showed that a 90-minute sports practice course improves the immune competence of students.