Impact of resistance training on salivary interleukin-6 and c-reactive protein – A scoping review
Authors: Kusuma Kilani , Hari Hara Subramanyan P.V , Mahesh Kumar P.G , Kamalakannan M. , Subramanian Shenbaga Sundaram , Hadidi Abdel Razzaq Al , Gaowgzeh Riziq Allah Mustafa , Salman Ahmed Fekry 
Published: October 2024

This review examines the impact of resistance training on salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These biomarkers are essential indicators of inflammation and immune response. The study employed a systematic literature review method following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. 20 articles published so far were included in the literature review, sourced from various databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, ERIC, EBSCO, Embase, Medline, Global Health, and Scopus. Keywords including MESH terms “resistance training,” “salivary IL-6,” “salivary CRP,” and “inflammation.” The inclusion criteria were fixed to studies that involved human participants, measured salivary IL-6 and CRP, and incorporated resistance-training protocols. Studies were excluded if they focused on other forms of exercise or used invasive measurement techniques and were not randomized control traits or quasi-experimental trials. The study population in these articles includes a diverse range of patients, such as the general population, adults, elderly adults, individuals with type 2 diabetes, COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes, patients with systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease, overweight and obese individuals, and men with varying levels of physical fitness. By focusing on salivary measurements, this review emphasizes non-invasive methods for monitoring the physiological effects of resistance training. This review highlights the potential of resistance training to modulate inflammation as measured by salivary biomarkers. It underscores the importance of considering various factors when designing training programs and interpreting their physiological impacts. The variability in findings suggests that the relationship between resistance training and salivary IL-6 and CRP is complex. The reductions in these markers observed in some studies may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effects of regular exercise. The final remarks from an intense review of the literature have shown resistance training has the potential to influence salivary IL-6 and CRP levels, reflecting changes in systemic inflammatory and immune responses. However, the impact varies based on training protocols and individual differences. Resistance training and biomarkers have practical applications in physiotherapy, such as developing tailored treatment programs, making progressive load adjustments, selecting appropriate exercise modalities, and providing patient feedback and monitoring. Additionally, more focused studies could investigate the underlying mechanisms behind observed outcomes, and new technologies such as advanced imaging and biomarkers could be incorporated to gain deeper insights. Research could also explore the impact of combining resistance training with other therapeutic modalities or investigate the role of individualized treatments in enhancing patient outcomes.