Stress-induced immunosuppression and physical performance

Abstract

Sports training and competition are significant sources of stress. Elite athletes may be subject to specific exercise-related physical and mental stressors that promote the development of mood, anxiety disorders and depression. Psychological stress has been shown to adversely impact the function of the immune system and compromise host defenses against various infections. Inflammation may also play a role in neuropsychiatric diseases, including major depression. These associations between stress and inflammation are relevant. The current short review discusses psychological stress and the immune system in athletes, providing a comprehensive overview of the effect of the stress response on physical performance.

Keywords

• immunosuppression
• pro-inflammatory cytokines
• depression
• elite performance