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NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release:
August 7, 2002
MODERATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REDUCES RISK OF
COLDS
Study notes a reduction of about 20 percent, mostly in the fall
season
INDIANAPOLIS-The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has
released a study that sheds new light on the effect of physical activity
on the risk of catching colds; the results were published in the August
2002 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports &
Exercise®. It is well known that extreme physical exertion
increases the risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection,
but previously, little data existed that described differences in the
risk of infection between low and moderate levels of physical activity.
Researchers from the University of South Carolina and the University of
Massachusetts examined rates of upper respiratory tract infections
(URTI) among inactive and moderately active middle-aged adults, and
found that moderately active individuals reported fewer infections.
"Because the average adult suffers two to five colds a year,
resulting in missed work and visits to their doctor, we believed any
information we could provide about modifiable risk factors for colds
would be valuable," said Charles E. Matthews, Ph.D., lead researcher on
the study. "This study provides evidence that regular participation in
physical activity reduces the risk of infection by nearly 25 percent,
which in turn may reduce health care costs and increase worker
productivity." The researchers examined the physical activity - URTI
association using data from the Massachusetts-based Seasonal Variation
of Blood Cholesterol study.
The Seasonal Variation in Cholesterol study was designed to quantify
the magnitude and timing of seasonal changes in blood lipids and to
identify the major factors that contribute to these changes. It followed
641 healthy men and women between 20 and 70 years of age for one year.
Data collected included the assessment of physical activity, diet,
psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety), health habits (smoking,
alcohol), as well as demographic characteristics (age, gender,
education, family structure). Clinic visits every three months provided
the setting for reporting the number of colds, flu, or allergies. The
incidence of URTI was calculated from the number of colds reported
during the period, excluding reports of flu and allergy. Physical
activity was assessed by a series of 15 24-hour physical activity
recalls over the year (three recalls every three months).
After collecting and analyzing the data, the researchers found that
roughly 40 percent of the group reported colds in the fall and winter
and ten percent reported colds during summer. They found that moderate
levels of activity reduced the annual risk for URTI by 23 percent
relative to lower levels of activity, after controlling for a number of
other factors. In the fall of the year, moderate levels of activity
reduced risk by about 30 percent. While these results reflect the effect
of moderate and vigorous activity combined, the researchers note that
most individuals reached higher activity levels by participating in
moderate intensity activities at home, at work or during their leisure
time.
The researchers noted that because this was an observational study
and self-reports of illness and physical activity were used, obvious
limitations apply; but these data are consistent with other research,
and they provide compelling evidence that participation in regular
physical activity reduces the incidence of upper respiratory tract
infection in adults.
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports
medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than
18,000 International, National and Regional members are dedicated to
promoting and integrating scientific research, education and practical
applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and
enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life.
NOTE: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise® is
the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, and is
available from Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins at 1-800-638-6423. For
a complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 34, No. 8, pages 1242 -
1248) or to speak with a leading sports medicine expert on the topic,
contact the Department of Communications and Public Information at
317-637-9200. Visit ACSM online at www.acsm.org.
The conclusions outlined in this news release are those of the
researchers only, and should not be construed as an official statement
of the American College of Sports Medicine.
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