The effects of strength training session with different types of muscle action on white blood cells counting and Th1/Th2 response

Aim: This research investigated the effects of a strength training session with two different types of muscle actions, predominantly concentric or eccentric in the physiological variables, including the counting of white blood cells and inflammatory mediators; and consequently, changes in the Th1/Th2 balance. Methods: Twelve healthy adult men performed a strength training session, using two different protocols: predominantly concentric with 5 s of the concentric phase by 1 s of the eccentric phase, and a predominantly eccentric with 1 s of the concentric phase by 5 s of the eccentric phase. Blood samples were collected, before, immediately after and 2 h after the end of the session to analyze subpopulations of white blood cells, creatine kinase (CK), irisin and the levels of anti- and pro-inflammatory mediators. Results: Both strength training protocols were able to increase the heart rate, lactate concentration, rate of perceived exertion and the levels of circulating creatine kinase. The predominantly concentric strength training exercises increased the number of total white blood cells, and neutrophils 2 h after the end of the session. The plasmatic levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (INF-γ), irisin, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (sTNFR1) and sTNFR2 did not change after the strength training protocols. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study demonstrates that a strength training session is able to disturb the body homeostasis.