Changes of mucosal immune responses in soccer players in different positions in a single bout of soccer

Background and purpose: Mucosal Immune system has a key role in homeostasis especially in upper respiratory tract in a physical activity. The aim of this research was to evaluate a few mucosal immune indices of soccer players in different positions. Materials and methods: Twenty soccer players from two teams of second league in Iran, including 8 defender (average age 21 ± 1 yr, height 180 ± 4.81 cm), 7 halfback (average age 22 ± 3 yr, height 173.14 ± 4.72 cm) and 5 forward (age 22 ± 2 yr, height 176.19 ± 3.57cm) participated in this study. Before, immediately and 24 h post-exercise, unstimulated salivary samples were collected. Repeated measurements were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, LSD post hoc was used for assessment of inter group changes at (P≤0.05). Results: Data showed that there is not any significant difference between IgA, Cortisol, total protein, s-IgA/Pro ratio and s-IgA between experimental groups in the three stages, also there is no difference between the levels of salivary flow rate after competition but immediately after competition the inter difference was significant (defends and forward groups). LSD post hoc showed that, IgA concentration in the three groups did not change significantly in all three stages. Cortisol, total protein and salivary flow rate in three groups have been increased significantly. Salivary IgA secretion rate differences were significant in defender group only. S-IgA/Pro ratio in halfback group showed significant difference compared with defender and forward groups (P≤0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that salivary flow rate significantly decreased in three groups, but it is not true for other variables. LSD post hoc showed that a single soccer match can cause significant changes in all mucosal immunity parameters.