Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on Immune and Stress Index Responses in Non-Active Men after an Exhaustive Aerobic Exercise

Stress of vigorous exercise may cause disorders in body immune system and appearance of acute and chronic inflammation. Caffeine supplementation prior to exercise can be effective on body immune response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term caffeine supplementation on some immune and stress index responses in non-active men after an exhaustive aerobic exercise. Twenty non-active male students were randomly divided into supplementation and placebo groups. Exercise test was an exhaustive treadmill test (Bruce test). In a double-blind study one hour prior to the main test، the supplementation group received caffeine (6 mg/BW) and the control group received placebo at the same time. The serum cortisol، leukocyte and eHsp72 levels were measured before and immediately after the exercise test. Data analysis showed that significant increments in lymphocyte، cortisol and Hsp72 concentrations in placebo group was higher than the supplementation group (P<0. 05). Moreover، the mean alterations in these variables in the placebo group was significantly greater than the supplementation group (P<0. 05). The caffeine supplementation prior to the short-term exhaustive aerobic exercise may have positive effect on the immune system.