The Effect of 10 Weeks Combined Training in Water on Immunosenescence in Elderly Rats

A complex of restricted naïve lymphocytes in conjunction with an age-associated accumulation of senescent T cells and/or thymic involution are major contributors to immunosenescence, which can be modulated by exercise training. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate 10 weeks of combined training in water on immunosenescence in elderly rats.

16 rats for 24 months with mean weight 320 ± 5gr were randomly distributed into a control group (n = 8) and combined training (n = 8). Combined training was performed in 4 sessions per week (two endurance days and two resistance days) in a container with dimensions of 50×50×100 centimeter with water at 30 ± 1 ºC. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test.

A significant decrease was observed in training groups than control in thymus weight and indicators related to senescent TCD8+ and senescent naïve TCD8+ and TCD4+ (P = 0.01), as well as, there was a significant increase in indicators related to CD4+ and CD8+ and naïve TCD8+ and TCD4+ lymphocytes (P = 0.01). While wasn't observed significant difference between CD4+/CD8+ ratio and indicators related to senescent TCD4+ (P = 0.48 and P = 0.19, respectively).

The results of this study suggest that combined training in water is a safe activity for the elderly to improve the immune system and reduction of senescence-prone T cells.