Immune Function Sedentary Lifestyle
Conditions
Keywords
CrossFit, Immune System, Acute Exercise, Chronic Exercise
Brief summary
This interventional study aims to investigate the effects of both acute and eight-week CrossFit training on immune system responses in sedentary adults. Participants will undergo an acute CrossFit exercise session, followed by an eight-week supervised CrossFit training program. Blood samples will be collected before and after the acute exercise session and again following the eight-week intervention to evaluate changes in selected immune system biomarkers. The primary objective is to determine whether acute and chronic CrossFit training induces significant alterations in immune function in previously sedentary individuals. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the immunological adaptations associated with high-intensity functional training and to provide evidence regarding the safety and potential health benefits of CrossFit exercise in sedentary populations.
Detailed description
CrossFit is a high-intensity functional training (HIFT) program that combines aerobic exercise, resistance training, weightlifting, gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning within a single exercise session. Owing to its increasing popularity among both athletes and the general population, there is growing interest in understanding the physiological and immunological adaptations associated with CrossFit training. Although regular physical activity is known to enhance immune function and improve overall health, high-intensity exercise may induce transient alterations in immune responses, particularly in previously sedentary individuals. The immune system plays a critical role in protecting the body against infections and maintaining physiological homeostasis. Acute bouts of strenuous exercise may temporarily modify immune cell function and inflammatory responses, whereas long-term exercise training may promote beneficial adaptations and improve immune regulation. However, the effects of CrossFit training on immune system biomarkers in sedentary adults remain insufficiently investigated. The purpose of this interventional study is to evaluate the effects of both an acute CrossFit exercise session and an eight-week supervised CrossFit training program on immune system responses in sedentary adults. Participants will complete baseline assessments followed by an acute CrossFit exercise session. Subsequently, they will participate in an eight-week supervised CrossFit training program. Blood samples will be collected at predetermined time points before and after the acute exercise session and following completion of the eight-week intervention to assess changes in immune system biomarkers. The primary objective is to determine whether acute and chronic CrossFit training produce significant changes in immune function in sedentary individuals. The results of this study are expected to improve understanding of the immunological responses to high-intensity functional training and provide evidence regarding the safety and potential health benefits of CrossFit exercise for previously sedentary adults.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCrossFit Training Program
articipants in the experimental group will participate in an eight-week CrossFit training program performed three days per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Each training session will last approximately 60 minutes and will include a dynamic warm-up, strength training exercises, a Workout of the Day (WOD) section, and a cool-down period. The strength training component will include functional resistance exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and push presses, performed for 3-5 sets of 5-10 repetitions. Training intensity will progressively increase from approximately 60-70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) during the first four weeks to 70-80% of 1RM during the final four weeks. The WOD component will include high-intensity functional exercises such as burpees, kettlebell swings, box jumps, rowing, sit-ups, pull-ups, and short-distance running. WOD sessions will be performed using AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) and For Time formats with durations of approximately 10-20 minutes. P
Sponsors
Inonu University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Masking description
No masking was implemented in this study. Due to the nature of the intervention, both participants and investigators were aware that participants were undergoing the CrossFit training program. Outcome measurements were performed using standardized laboratory procedures and predefined assessment protocols.
Intervention model description
All participants were assigned to a single intervention group and completed an acute CrossFit exercise session followed by an eight-week supervised CrossFit training program. Immune system biomarkers were assessed at baseline, immediately after the acute exercise session, and after completion of the eight-week intervention to evaluate acute and chronic immunological responses.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
19 Years to 24 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
- Male participants aged 18 to 23 years * Currently enrolled as a student at Yalova University * Not regularly participating in exercise or sports training * Medically eligible to participate in CrossFit training * Willing and able to complete the eight-week CrossFit training program conducted three days per week * Willing to provide venous blood samples at the specified assessment times * Willing to provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Regular participation in exercise or sports training * History of a neurological disorder within the previous year * History of an auditory, visual, or vestibular disorder within the previous year * Serious upper- or lower-extremity injury within the previous six months * Presence of a medical condition that could prevent safe participation in the exercise program * Inability to complete the training or blood-sampling procedures * Withdrawal of voluntary consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Change in Total Leukocyte Count From Baseline to Completion of the Eight-Week CrossFit Program | Baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-week CrossFit training program | Total leukocyte count will be determined from venous blood samples collected before the first training session and immediately after completion of the eight-week CrossFit training program. For each participant, the change will be calculated as the post-program value minus the baseline value. The group-level outcome will be summarized using the mean change and standard deviation. |
| Mean Change in Absolute Monocyte Count From Baseline to Completion of the Eight-Week CrossFit Program | Baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-week CrossFit training program | Absolute monocyte count will be determined from venous blood samples collected before the first training session and immediately after completion of the eight-week CrossFit training program. For each participant, the change will be calculated as the post-program value minus the baseline value. The group-level outcome will be summarized using the mean change and standard deviation. |
| Mean Change in Absolute Lymphocyte Count From Baseline to Completion of the Eight-Week CrossFit Program | Baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-week CrossFit training program | Absolute lymphocyte count will be determined from venous blood samples collected before the first training session and immediately after completion of the eight-week CrossFit training program. For each participant, the change will be calculated as the post-program value minus the baseline value. The group-level outcome will be summarized using the mean change and standard deviation. |
| Mean Change in Absolute Neutrophil Count From Baseline to Completion of the Eight-Week CrossFit Program | Baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-week CrossFit training program | Absolute neutrophil count will be determined from venous blood samples collected before the first training session and immediately after completion of the eight-week CrossFit training program. For each participant, the change will be calculated as the post-program value minus the baseline value. The group-level outcome will be summarized using the mean change and standard deviation. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed