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Metabolic changes in man under hypokinesia and physical exercise
Y G Zorbas1, A B Merkov, A N Nobahar
1Hypokinetic Physiology Laboratory, European Institute of Environmental Cybernetics, Athens, Greece.
Summary
Physical exercise did not prevent metabolic changes during prolonged bed rest. Hypokinesia caused significant metabolic disturbances, including impaired protein metabolism and altered fluid balance, which exercise could not effectively counteract.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Human Physiology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Hypokinesia, or reduced physical activity, can lead to significant metabolic disturbances.
- Physical exercise is theorized as a potential countermeasure for these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of physical exercise in preventing metabolic alterations during hypokinesia.
- To evaluate the impact of 100 days of hypokinesia on biochemical parameters in healthy young men.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy men (19-23 years) were divided into experimental (hypokinesia + exercise) and control (hypokinesia only) groups.
- Subjects underwent 100 days of bed rest, followed by a 15-day readaptation period, with a controlled diet (2700 kcal/day).
- Biochemical parameters including energy metabolism, protein turnover, fluid/electrolyte balance, and blood counts were measured.
Main Results:
- Hypokinesia suppressed energy requirements and impaired protein metabolism.
- Increased loss of nitrogenous products, accelerated fluid and electrolyte excretion, and enhanced vitamin elimination were observed.
- Decreased corticosteroid levels and increased hemoglobin and cell counts indicated significant metabolic disruption.
Conclusions:
- Hypokinesia induces substantial and debilitating metabolic changes in humans.
- Physical exercise was ineffective in counteracting the adverse metabolic effects of hypokinesia in this study.