Autonomic nerve and circulation control via exercise therapy

Abstract

Exercise is known to provide multifaceted benefits in patients with cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease and heart failure. To maximize these benefits, it is necessary to understand the physiology of exercise-induced circulation. In particular, blood vessels have an important role in controlling circulation and the redistribution of blood to organs via contraction and relaxation while exercising. Regular exercise addresses abnormal sympathetic nerve activity and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, as well as excessive vasoconstriction. It can also restore the vasodilatory response via improvement of vascular endothelial function. Improvement of the autonomic nervous system is expected in various modes of exercises.