Untrained and trained men respond differently to the same intensity of exercise, this is probably related to their physical activity levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an acute bout of exercise on leukocyte count in trained and untrained subjects and to observe if they respond differently to the same intensity of exercise.The practical significance of this study was that many sedentary people engage in occasional strenuous exercise that may predispose them to risk of heart disease(decrease immunity) and habitual, sustained exercise has been postulated to reduce the incidence of decrease immunity and ischemic heart disease. Fasting blood samples were collected from 40 male subjects, pre and post 90 minute football matches.Baseline leukocyte count increased significantly (P<0.05) after exercise in all subjects. Baseline leukocyte numbers in the trained were lower (P<0.05) than in the untrained ((134.50±2.46 X 50mm3 vs. 140.10±1.65 X 50mm3, P =0.009)), whereas leukocyte count in trained was higher (P<0.05) than in untrained immediately after the match (149.95±3.89 X 50mm3 vs. 142.05±4.87 X 50mm3, P =0.031).We conclude that leukocytes count of the subjects who are physically active and those who are sedentary respond differently to same exercise protocol.The lower leukocyte counts in athletes at rest might probably represent an adaptive response, not underlying pathology. This observation has implications for sports physicians or others involved in haematological assessment of healthy athletes in regular training, diagnostic and screening settings. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to assess the gender responses to leukocyte count and exercise training.
