The Exercise Rehabilitation Paradox: Less May Be More?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Lifestyle modifications, including exercise training (ET), are crucial for cardiovascular health.
• ET positively impacts blood pressure, lipids, weight, and glucose metabolism.
• However, excessive endurance ET may pose risks to cardiac function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on the adverse cardiac effects of excessive endurance exercise training.
• To discuss the potential negative impacts of high-volume endurance ET on cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current scientific publications.
• Discussion of known adverse effects of endurance ET on cardiac function.

Main Results:

• Excessive endurance ET can negatively impact cardiac anatomy.
• High-volume endurance ET may contribute to osteoarthritis and coronary artery disease.
• Increased risks of cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death are associated with excessive endurance ET.

Conclusions:

• The principle of 'more exercise is better' may not apply to endurance ET.
• Optimal exercise dosing regimens are necessary to maximize cardiovascular benefits while minimizing risks.