Physical and Immunological Aspects of Exercise in Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are believed to be independent risk factors for the occurrence of numerous diseases, including, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health, all leading to substantial morbidity and/or premature death. It has been found that regular exercise, is associated with better quality of life and health outcomes, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Here, we review the effects regular exercise has on mental health and well-being, on the immune system and in cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity and metabolic syndrome. Is exercise the new immunotherapy to treat diseases?

Keywords::

• cancer
• chronic diseases
• exercise
• immune status
• immunity
• immunotherapy
• inflammation
• physical activity

Financial & competing interests disclosure

DE Borkoles’ work is supported through the Australian Government’s Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) program. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

DE Borkoles’ work is supported through the Australian Government’s Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) program. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.