Effect of Moderate Intensity Exercise on Infection Rates in Individuals with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease: A Preliminary Pilot Randomized Investigation

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Individuals with a diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with healthy individuals. Regular moderate exercise enhances immune function and wellbeing. Whether exercise at recommended levels for the general population is tolerated by individuals diagnosed with PID, without adverse effects, is unknown and warrants investigation.

Methods

A prospective randomized preliminary pilot investigation with individuals diagnosed with PID was undertaken; participants were assigned to either an exercise (n = 18) or control group (n = 16). The exercise group completed an eight-week, semi-customized, home-based, moderate intensity exercise program, while the control group engaged in routine activities. Participants completed recall surveys assessing infection rates and non-routine medical care over 8 weeks prior to the eight-week intervention.

Results

Given recruitment issues, the study was underpowered. Thus, as expected, no difference between groups was observed.

Conclusion

This preliminary pilot investigation provides the foundation for a large scale, appropriately powered, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of moderate exercise on infection rates and non-routine medical care for individuals with PID. Recommendations are made to strengthen the methodology of future investigations on the effects of exercise on the immune function and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with PID.

KEYWORDS:

• Primary immunodeficiency disease
• exercise
• physical activity
• immune dysfunction
• infection

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the Immune Deficiency Foundation, especially Christopher Scalchunes, Vice President of Research, for allowing the authors to present the research concept and recruit participants during the 2017 IDF National Conference. They would also like to acknowledge the help of Dr Tara Crowell, Professor of Public Health at Stockton University, for her assistance in editing this article.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.