Exercising regularly can prevent cold, finds study

Exercise is the most inexpensive way to reduce the economic expenditure on recovering from the disease which includes both direct and indirect costs.

"The physically active always brag that they're sick less than sedentary people," said lead researcher David C. Nieman, director of the Human Performance Laboratory at the Appalachian State University, North Carolina Research Campus, in Kannapolis, N.C.

"Indeed, this boast of active people that they are sick less often is really true," he asserted.

1002 people surveyed
The study looked at the data of 1,002 men and women aged between 18 to 85 years in the year 2008.

The incidences of upper respiratory tract infections suffered by the participants was recorded by the researchers over a 12 week period.

They were also surveyed for the amount and types of aerobic exercises practiced by them.

The participants were rated for their overall fitness levels by the researchers using a 10-point system.

Other factors affecting the immune system like lifestyle, dietary patterns, and stressful events of the participants too were taken into account.

The study results
People who exercised for at least 5 days a week were at a 46 percent lower risk of developing cold as compared to those who exercised for just one day per week.

The number of days people suffered cold symptoms was 41 percent higher for the inactive group as compared to the active group.

Also, the severity of the colds was worse among the sedentary group.

Those who exercised the highest experienced 41 percent less severe cold than the ones who exercised the lowest.

Exercising boosts the immune system at a high rate, leading immune cells to better attack viruses, and thus helping in fighting cold.

A perceived feeling of fitness too is helpful in countering symptoms of illness, the authors noted.

Dr. Marc Siegel, an associate professor of medicine at New York University added, “people who are physically fit may report fewer sick days because they are "more macho."

However, the effect is not just psychological, Siegel added. "It's a combination of psychological and physical factors," he said.

"But the idea that the immune system is revved up when you are exercising and better able to defend you I believe is true."

The report is published in Nov. 1 online edition of the 'British Journal of Sports Medicine.'