Why exercise gets harder the less you do it

LONDON: Doing less exercise could deactivate a vital protein in the body, causing further inactivity and making exercise more difficult, new research suggests. Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered that deactivating the Piezo1 protein, a blood flow sensor, reduces the density of capillaries carrying blood to the muscles. This restricted blood flow means activity becomes more difficult and can lead to a reduction in how much exercise is possible, the team found.

Exercise is known to protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and cancer. "Unfortunately, many people fail to exercise enough, for reasons such as injury and computer usage. This puts people at more risk of disease. The less people exercise, the less fit they become, often leading to a downward spiral," said lead author Fiona Bartoli, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the University's School of Medicine.

Although many responses to exercise are known, how the benefits of exercise are initially triggered at a molecular level has remained mysterious.

"Our study highlights the crucial link between physical activity and physical performance made at this level by Piezo1. Keeping our Piezo1s active by exercising may be crucial in our physical performance and health," Bartoli said. (IANS)

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