Light Jogging Helps Alleviate Atopy Symptoms

Godae Allergy Immunology Research Institute, Animal Model Study Results
"Significant Results with Moderate or Lower Intensity Appropriate Exercise"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] It is well known that aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and hiking help reduce stress and improve cardiopulmonary function. A new study has shown that these exercises also help alleviate allergic diseases like atopic dermatitis.

The research team from Korea University College of Medicine’s Allergy and Immunology Research Institute and Korea University Anam Hospital’s Asthma Environment Health Center published their findings in the international dermatology journal Experimental Dermatology. Using an allergic progression animal model in which atopic dermatitis and asthma occur sequentially, the team hypothesized that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise regulates allergic inflammation and alleviates allergy symptoms, and began their study based on this premise.

The researchers divided mice exhibiting atopic dermatitis-like reactions, the first stage of allergic march, into three groups: a non-exercise group, a group exercising 30 minutes once daily, and a group exercising 10 minutes three times daily for a total of 30 minutes. The exercise consisted of treadmill running at a speed of 16 meters per minute for eight days.

Changes in Skin Inflammation According to Exercise Intensity in an Allergy Mouse Animal Model

Experimental results confirmed that in the two groups performing continuous aerobic exercise, symptoms of skin inflammation, thickness of the epidermis and dermis, and eosinophil infiltration were reduced. Additionally, levels of immunoglobulin (IgE), MCP-1 (a chemokine that attracts immune cells to inflammation sites), and MDC protein (whose expression increases as allergic diseases worsen) all decreased.

Yoon Won-seok, the lead researcher of the study, said, "Atopic dermatitis has limitations in implementing individualized treatments due to its complex background. Based on the possibility that gut microbiota can be altered by exercise, we tested whether exercise affects inflammatory changes in an allergic disease model."

Yoon added, "In particular, this study showed significant results with moderate or lower intensity aerobic exercise. Based on these findings, we hope that future research will develop methods for atopic dermatitis patients to combine appropriate aerobic exercise tailored to their skin condition and overall health to help alleviate symptoms."