Physical activity and improvement of physiological parameters by training

Abstract

Living a better life greatly depends on maintaining healthy physiological parameters, including cardiovascular fitness, a well-balanced neuro-immuno-endocrine axis, and cognitive function—all of which contribute to focus, sharp memory, and self-esteem while mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Physical activity (high, moderate and resistance training, RT) is one of the most important lifestyle choices for reducing disease risk and improving overall health, particularly aerobic training, which increases maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max), a marker of cardiorespiratory fitness. Here, we focus on how exercise influences physiology that may contribute to improvements in health-related quality of life (QoL). Specifically, we discuss based on evidence from randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and experimental animal models the neurobiological, endocrine, immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular adaptations induced by exercise, including changes in neurochemical signaling, trophic mediators, hormones, cytokines, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Specific nutrients as supplements (creatine, omega-3 fatty acids and some amino acids) and dietary patterns (mediterranean, ketogenic, intermittent fasting) are also discussed. It is never too late to start moving—regular physical activity has been shown to counteract several deleterious effects of a sedentary lifestyle by reducing systemic inflammation, attenuating age-related brain changes, and lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.