The finding showed that the group who got at least moderate exercise on most days averaged one cold, while the less active group reported over 4 colds in the year. The most obvious benefit to exercise appeared in the fall when nearly 40 percent of the colds were reported. The active group showed a risk reduction of 32 percent during the prime season for colds.
Other studies have also found that exercise may have a positive effect when it comes to recovering from colds. David Nieman of Appalachian State University found that women who walked regularly and still got colds had symptoms that lasted less than five days, while similar women who did not walk had colds that lasted seven days.
Researchers speculate that being physically active may stimulate immune cells that target cold infections. This stimulation appears to last only a few hours, but having this stimulation consistently for days and weeks may lower the overall risk of being susceptible to colds.
There is also evidence that too much intense exercise can lower the immune response. The classic case is of a marathon runner who has a higher risk of a cold for several days after the event. Overtraining can also cause an athlete to develop a greater risk of catching colds bugs.
Based upon the various evidence available, it appears as though there is still a good argument to be made for moderation in all things. Even exercise.
References
Matthews, C. E., eta l. Moderate to vigorous physical activity and risk of upper-respiratory tract infection. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 34, No. 8, pp. 1242 1248, 2002.
Last Review: January 2006
