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

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

Year: 2022 Journal: Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci Vol/Issue: Vol. 26, No. 12 Pages: 4163-4175

Study Characteristics

Lifestyle Pillars
Physical Activity
Study Design
Meta-analysis/Sys Review

Abstract

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.