The effect of a professional cricket match schedule on selected immune parameters

Authors

  • AW Williams Department Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
  • KH Myburgh Department Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
  • C Smith Department Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2004/v16i2a184

Abstract

Objective. The impact of a professional cricket match schedule on white blood cell (WBC) distribution and lymphocyte activation (CD69 expression) was investigated.

Methods. After a 3-month pre-season training period, physical and immune parameters were determined in 14 male cricketers before (B) and after (A) an intensive 5- week match schedule.

Results. Exercise test results were unchanged from B to A. Total WBC counts were similar, but total lymphocyte and lymphocyte subpopulation counts decreased significantly. The CD4:CD8 ratio did not change. After in vitro stimulation, percentage CD4+CD69+ cells increased (B: 54.4 ± 9.7%, A: 64.0 ± 8.5%, p < 0.01), but absolute CD4+CD69+ cell counts did not change from B to A. In contrast, both the %CD8+CD69+ cells and absolute CD8+CD69+ cell count remained similar.

Conclusion. A strenuous, interregional, professional cricket match schedule resulted in a decreased number of lymphocytes, but relatively increased in vitro reactivity of CD4+ cells, thus maintaining the absolute capacity of the CD4+ cells to become activated on stimulation. In cricketers who suffered upper respiratory tract symptoms during the match schedule (N = 7), none of the immune parameters investigated differed significantly from the others at B or A.

SA Sports Medicine Vol.16(2) 2004: 22-27

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Author Biography

C Smith, Department Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

C Smith Department of Physiological Sciences University of Stellenbosch Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602 Tel: 021-808 4388 Fax: 021-808 3145 E-mail: csmith@sun.ac.za

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Published

2004-12-20

How to Cite

Williams, A., Myburgh, K., & Smith, C. (2004). The effect of a professional cricket match schedule on selected immune parameters. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 16(2), 22–27. https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2004/v16i2a184

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2004)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2004 South African Journal of Sports Medicine

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The South African Journal of Sports Medicine reserves copyright of the material published. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) International License. Material submitted for publication in the South African Journal of Sports Medicine is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. The South African Journal of Sports Medicine does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors.