Circulating immune cell populations at rest and in response to acute endurance exercise in young adults with cerebral palsy

AimLow physical activity alters immune function and increases the risk of developing chronic inflammation. This cross-sectional study aimed at determining the immune status and function in young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) in comparison to typically developing (TD) individuals. MethodBlood samples from 12 individuals with CP and 17 TD were collected before, immediately after, and one hour following 45 minutes of Frame Running or running, respectively. Independent t-tests were used to compare heart rate, level of exertion, and baseline cell proportions between groups. Mixed model ANOVA was utilized to investigate immune cell responses to exercise across groups. ResultsBaseline levels of TCR{gamma}{delta}+ T-cells were significantly higher in the individuals with CP. Several cell populations showed significant changes after exercise in both CP and TD groups. CD8+ T-cells were only significantly elevated immediately after exercise in the TD participants. Individuals with CP exhibited significantly lower heart rates, despite similar ratings of perceived exertion. InterpretationElevated baseline TCR{gamma}{delta}+ T-cells may indicate low-grade inflammation in adults with CP. Although most of the cell populations showed typical responses to endurance exercise, the absence of response in CD8+ T-cells in individuals with CP may indicate the need for higher intensity during exercise. What this paper addsO_LIThis is the first study addressing immune cells in adults with CP C_LIO_LITCR{gamma}{delta}+ T-cell baseline levels are elevated in adults with CP C_LIO_LIThe CD8+ T-cell response to exercise was blunted in adults with CP C_LIO_LIExercise intensity is decisive for CD8+ T-cell responses in individuals with CP C_LI