Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Exercise Pill is No Replacement for Exercise

Exercise Pill is No Replacement for Exercise

August 06, 2008

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Recently, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a research organization focused on biology and its relation to health, published a study in the journal Cell on the results of a substance that increased exercise endurance without daily exertion when tested in mice. Media reports have described this substance as an "exercise pill," potentially eliminating the need for exercise. Frank Booth, a University of Missouri expert on the science of inactivity, says the "exercise pill" study did not test all of the commonly known benefits of exercise and taking the pill cannot be considered a replacement for exercise.

In the Cell paper "Exercise Mimetics" the researchers demonstrated that AMPK-PPARδ pathways, which is a cellular messenger system, can be targeted by orally active drugs to enhance training adaptation or even to increase endurance without exercise. However, Booth cautions that some of the commonly known benefits of exercise were not tested in the Cell paper including:




• Decreased resting and submaximal exercise heart rate
• Increased heart stroke volume at all exercise work loads
• Increased maximal exercise cardiac output
• Lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness
• Increased aerobic capacity

A complete list of the 26 benefits not tested in the paper is included below.

The prevention of the increased risk of chronic disease produced by lifelong physical inactivity also was not tested in the Cell paper. According to Katzmarzyk & Janssen (Can J Appl Physiol 29:90, 2004), human physical activity decreases the risk of:

• Coronary artery disease (decreases risk by 45 percent)
• Stroke (decreases risk by 60 percent)
• Hypertension (decreases risk by 30 percent)
• Colon cancer (decreases risk by 41 percent)
• Breast cancer (decreases risk by 30 percent)
• Type 2 diabetes (decreases risk by 50 percent)
• Osteoporosis (decreases risk by 59 percent)

Until targeting AMPK-PPARδ pathways by drugs is shown to have all the above listed exercise benefits in humans, it is premature to use the term "exercise mimetics" from the very limited observations of the Cell paper, Booth said. Booth's expectation, based upon his more than 40 years of research experience in exercise and physical inactivity adaptations, is that the drugs in the Cell paper will only partially imitate exercise. In order for any "exercise pill" to counter physical inactivity, the pill must be
polygenic, or control many genes at once; therefore the Cell drugs are not likely to provide all of the
benefits of comprehensive physical activity. In Booth's opinion, the drugs used in the Cell paper were not conclusively proven to mimic exercise, contrary to media reports.

Booth has more than 40 years of research experience in physiological, biochemical, molecular and genetic adaptations that occur during exercise. He is a professor in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and the MU School of Medicine and a research investigator in the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center. He is a member of the editorial boards of Journal of Applied Physiology, American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology, Physiological Genomics and CardioMetabolic Syndrome.

Commonly known benefits of exercise not tested in the Cell paper were:
• Decreased resting and submaximal exercise heart rate
• Increased heart stroke volume at all exercise work loads
• Increased maximal exercise cardiac output
• Lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness
• Increased aerobic capacity
• Increased strength and cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle
• Delayed loss of muscle mass and strength with aging and physical frailty
• Improved balance and coordination
• Improved flexibility
• Reduced osteoporosis
• Reduced joint stress and back pain
• Decreased gallstone disease
• Improved endothelial function
• Decreased incidence of myocardial ischemia
• Less myocardial damage from ischemia
• Decreased oxidative stress
• Decreased inflammation
• Improved immune function
• Decreased liver steatosis and fatty liver disease
• Improved insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
• Less likelihood of depression, anxiety, stress and poor psychological well-being
• Ameliorating hyperlipidemia: lower total cholesterol, higher HDL, and decreased blood triglycerides
• Improved cognitive function in the elderly
• Increased blood flow and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hypothalamus
• Prevention of the loss of brain volume in the elderly
• Delay in decline of physiological reserve in organ systems with aging

University of Missouri



Related Exercise Current Events and Exercise News Articles Exercise Current Events and Exercise News RSS Exercise Current Events and Exercise News RSS
Physical education key to improving health in low-income adolescents
School-based physical education plays a key role in curbing obesity and improving fitness among adolescents from low-income communities, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and UC Berkeley.

Energy gap useful tool for successful weight loss maintenance strategy
Americans continue to get heavier. Most weight control methods short of bariatric surgery are generally considered ineffective in preventing obesity or reducing weight.

Discrimination takes its toll on Black women
Racial discrimination is a major threat to African American women's mental health. It undermines their view of themselves as masters of their own life circumstances and makes them less psychologically resilient and more prone to depression.

A decade later, lifestyle changes or metformin still lower type 2 diabetes risk
Intensive lifestyle changes aimed at modest weight loss reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes by 34 percent compared with placebo in people at high risk for the disease, researchers conclude based on 10 years of data.

Exercise Keeps Dangerous Visceral Fat Away a Year After Weight Loss, Finds UAB Study
A study conducted by exercise physiologists in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Human Studies finds that as little as 80 minutes a week of aerobic or resistance training helps not only to prevent weight gain, but also to inhibit a regain of harmful visceral fat one year after weight loss.

Muscle weakness a common side effect of long stays in intensive care units
After decades of focusing on the management of respiratory failure, circulatory shock and severe infections that lead to extended stays in hospital intensive care units, critical care researchers are increasingly turning attention to what they believe is a treatable complication developed by many who spend days or weeks confined to an ICU bed: debilitating muscle weakness that can linger long after hospital discharge.

Web-based nutrition program reduces health care costs for employees with cardiac risk factors
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) have shown that an employer-sponsored, internet-based diet and exercise program shows promise as a low-cost benefit to lower healthcare costs for those at higher risk for above-average costs and healthcare utilization such as cardiac, hyperlipidemia, hypertension or diabetes patients. These findings appear in the current issue of the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

Exercise is good medicine for lymphoma patients
A healthy dose of exercise is good medicine, even for lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy, University of Alberta researchers have found.

Smoking gun: just 1 cigarette has harmful effect on the arteries of young healthy adults
Even one cigarette has serious adverse effects on young adults, according to research presented by Dr. Stella Daskalopoulou at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

Puberty a gateway to heart disease for Canada's teens
A seven-year ongoing study examining over 20,000 Canadian grade 9 students shows most already have at least one major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, Dr. Brian McCrindle told the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
More Exercise Current Events and Exercise News Articles
Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred
Starring: Jillian Michaels
Directed By: Andrea Ambandos

JILLIAN MICHAELS - 30 DAY SHRED (DVD MOVIE)

Stamina 15-0120 InStride Cycle XL

Stamina 15-0120 InStride Cycle XL
by Stamina

Stamina InStride CycleXL saves money and space! You don't need one of those bulky and intimidating exercise bikes to get in shape. They cost a fortune and can't fit under your bed, that's for sure. Use this Cycle with your feet or hands when you're sitting in a chair or on the floor to help tone muscle and build cardiovascular strength. The non-slip rubber feet and pedal straps keep you in place as the calories melt away! Pedal to a new you: You can use this machine in forward or reverse to work your muscles in unique ways; The one-inch tubular steel is lightweight and durable; Electronic monitor times your workout; Dimensions: 19" L x 15 1/4" W x 12 1/4" H; Weighs 9 lbs. Shape up... get this fitness helper right now! Stamina InStride CycleXL

Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism

Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism
Starring: Jillian Michaels
Directed By: Andrea Ambandos

Fire up your metabolism with TV's top trainer, Jillian Michaels, and lose big with her fierce formula that adds strength and ab moves to dynamic cardio for increased fat loss. This 40-minute circuit workout blasts your heart rate with challenging intervals to turn up the burn and peel off the pounds. Whether you're just getting started or ready for a hardcore workout, this program will ignite your metabolism and incinerate fat to reveal a ripped, lean body!

SPRI ES502R Xertube Resistance Band with Door Attachment and Exercise Charts (Blue, Heavy)

SPRI ES502R Xertube Resistance Band with Door Attachment and Exercise Charts (Blue, Heavy)
by SPRI

The Xertube is the ideal workout tool you can use anywhere, any time for safe and effective total-body conditioning. Comes with one Xertube, two exercise charts and a door attachment.

Dance off the Inches: Hip Hop Party

Dance off the Inches: Hip Hop Party
Starring: Jennifer Galardi
Directed By: na

Getting Fit Doesn't Have To Feel Like Work. Anyone can dance off the inches we've made it easy. Just 10 moves are all you need to dance this hip hop routine and we ll show you how. No matter what your age or fitness level, you can have a great time while dancing your way into great shape. You ll want to do this workout because it s FUN and that s the secret. The more you do it, the more inches you ll lose. It s that simple. Losing inches has never been so easy! Welcome to Dance Off the Inches Hip Hop Party. This fun and funky dance workout will help you melt calories plus tone and tighten your abs. We all know that dance is an effective way to slim down, but here you get an extra bonus: the motion used in hip hop dance is known for developing unparalleled flat, sleek abs without crunches!...

SPRI ES501R Xertube Resistance Band with Door Attachment and Exercise Charts (Red, Medium)

SPRI ES501R Xertube Resistance Band with Door Attachment and Exercise Charts (Red, Medium)
by SPRI

The Xertube is the ideal workout tool you can use anywhere, any time for safe and effective total-body conditioning. Comes with one Xertube, two exercise charts and a door attachment.

10 Minute Solution: Fat Blasting Dance Mix

10 Minute Solution: Fat Blasting Dance Mix
Starring: Jennifer Galardi

Awarded DVD of the Month in December 2006 by SHAPE magazine!

NO TIME TO EXERCISE? We have the solution for you – the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day, and we’ve developed 5 fun and energetic dance routines that are just 10 minutes each. You’ll get great cardio and toning benefits from the ten minute segments – designed to fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into 5 mini dance parties, or mix and match to hit your own unique problem areas … or do all of them together for an incredible 50-minute dance blast! SIMPLE SLIMMER "Get down" and shape up with some simple, fun dance moves that even a non-dancer can enjoy. CALORIE MELTDOWN This segment takes it up just a notch – it’s full of energy and a real calorie-burner. FAT...

SPRI ES503R Xertube Resistance Band with Door Attachment and Exercise Charts (Purple, Very Heavy)

SPRI ES503R Xertube Resistance Band with Door Attachment and Exercise Charts (Purple, Very Heavy)
by SPRI

The Xertube is the ideal workout tool you can use anywhere, any time for safe and effective total-body conditioning. Comes with one Xertube, two exercise charts and a door attachment.

The No Sweat Exercise Plan: Lose Weight, Get Healthy, and Live Longer (Harvard Medical School Guides)

The No Sweat Exercise Plan: Lose Weight, Get Healthy, and Live Longer (Harvard Medical School Guides)
by Harvey Simon (Author)

No Stress. No Strain. No Sweat.

Forget Pilates machines, gym memberships, and marathons. To get the health benefits of exercise, you need only to ramp up your everyday activities. In The No Sweat Exercise Plan, Harvard Medical School Associate Professor Harvey B. Simon, M.D., shows you how to fit fitness into your daily routine--without breaking a sweat.

Dr. Simon's motto is "No pain, big gains." His simple program is guaranteed to help you:

Shed pounds you don't want and inches you don't need Increase your energy and stamina Decrease stress, avoid mood swings, and beat depression Reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer Look and feel younger and add years to your life

With Dr....

The Biggest Loser Workout: Cardio Max

The Biggest Loser Workout: Cardio Max
Starring: Bob Harper (II), Ajay Rochester, Jillian Michaels (II)

Maximum results in minimum amount of time. Achieve greater weightloss and watch the extra pounds disappear as your endurance level and strength increase and your whole body transforms. For best results we recommend you follow our six to eight week program recommendation using the different levels as "add-ons" as your progress. THE BIGGEST LOSER CARDIO MAX DVD: This DVD consists of three different cardio workouts (plus a warm-up and a cool-down) each with an increased level of intensity: LEVEL 1: With Bob as your trainer this 20-minute boot camp will touch every part of your body and get your fat-burning engine going strong. LEVEL 2: With Jillian as your trainer this 10-minute supercardio drill workout will sweat away pounds galore. LEVEL 3: With Kim as your trainer you will continue to...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com