Title:   Effects of Exercise on the Demargination of White Blood Cells
Students: Jackie Kofoed, Leah Albornoz, Curtis Gapinski, Rob Johnson
Faculty Mentor: Yasmen Simonian
Date:   October 6, 2004   

 Abstract:

The study will determine the effects of exercise on circulating white blood cells (WBC). This will include the percentages and the types of white blood cells (differential counts) on blood smear preparations, in addition to total WBC counts from anticoagulated blood samples.  It has been proposed that an individual’s immunity can increase through exercise.  We are proposing to select students from WSU Aerobics classes and students enrolled in ROTC to participate.  The participants will then be divided into two groups.  The aerobic classes will be the cardiovascular group and the ROTC students will be the cardio/strength training group. A questionnaire will be given to the volunteers to identify any obstacles that may affect the results and will disqualify participation. The individuals will then have their blood drawn a total of four times. After all the participants have been identified, data will be gathered, values will be analyzed and a conclusion will be determined.

Introduction:

It has been noted that people who exercise become ill less often than those who do not. According to previous studies, avoiding the common cold can be as simple as taking a daily walk[1]. Research has shown that there is an increase in WBC with moderate exercise. During exercise the white blood cells tend to demarginate, stay in the blood vessels instead of moving out into surrounding tissues. For this reason, there should be an increase in the amount of white cells in the circulation.  Therefore causing the white cells to more effectively identify and eliminate the pathogens. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, natural killer cells, a type of WBC, increased in number[2]. However, researchers commented that white blood cell counts alone were not evidence of improved immunity2.

Objective:

The intent is to show that after moderate exercise WBC increase in the circulation, therefore, possibly reducing the risk of infections. In particular, the expectation is to see an increase in the neutrophils (white cells that increase in bacterial infections) and natural killer cells (present in both viral and bacterial infections), which are some of the key components of fighting infection and general immunity.

Through the questionnaire and the results of the laboratory tests, significant variables that may influence the baseline (pre-test values) and post-test values will be identified. The heart rate during exercise and the pulse rate will be taken.   Additionally, blood will be taken pre/baseline and post exercise to identify a possible trend to find a correlation with increased white blood cells and intensity or level of exercise. From the two different groups involved, one will be strictly cardiovascular, while the other group will be cardiovascular and strength training.

Methods:

• The study will start with distributing questionnaires to at least 60 (30 in each group) volunteer participants regarding factors that may alter or influence the results, such as medications, infections, illnesses, food and health conditions. Numbers will be assigned to each participant to maintain confidentiality.
• Two to three days prior to their workout, the participants’ blood will be drawn to create baseline values of their WBC, differential tests, along with the pulse and temperature.
• Both groups blood will be drawn 5 minutes after exercise every other week for a total of three draws in a six week period.
• Both groups will wear a heart rate monitor to measure the degree and length of peaks in heart activity of each individual during exercise comparing it to the white blood cell count.
• Immediately upon receiving the samples, differentials and complete blood counts (CBC) will be performed.
• Once data (heart rate, pulse, temperature, white blood counts and differentials) has been collected it will be compared to baseline values, taking into consideration the interfering factors from the questionnaire. Proper statistical analyses will be performed.  Charts and graphs will be designed to illustrate shifts, trends or any other changes.
• After gathering all samples, participants will receive compensation for their time.

Materials:

• Butterfly drawing needles: 23 gauge needles by ¾ with 12 inch tubing, 2 packs of 50 = $110.00
• EDTA blood collection tubes, 4ml, 13x75 mm, packages of 50 @ $7.20, need 4 packs = $28.80
• Co-flex NL Cohesive Bandages, assorted colors, 2 inch – pack of 36 rolls $84.91
• $$$ for incentives for participants. (i.e. granola bars, power bars, water bottles, towels, orange juice, stress balls, etc.).