Plasticity of the heart in response to changes in physical activity.

ABSTRACT: The human heart is very adaptable, with chamber size, wall thickness and ventricular stiffness all modified by periods of inactivity or exercise training. Herein, we summarize the cardiac adaptations induced by changes in physical activity, ranging from bed rest and spaceflight to endurance exercise training, while also highlighting how the ageing process (a long-term model of inactivity) affects cardiac plasticity. Severe inactivity during bed rest or spaceflight leads to cardiac atrophy and ventriculo-vascular stiffening. Conversely, endurance training induces eccentric hypertrophy and enhances ventricular compliance, and can be used as an effective countermeasure to prevent adverse cardiac changes during prolonged periods of bed rest or spaceflight. With sedentary ageing, the heart unde

SUBMITTER: Hedge ET 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12306423 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature