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Network Physiology of Exercise: Beyond Molecular and Omics Perspectives
Natàlia Balagué1, Robert Hristovski2, Maricarmen Almarcha3
1Complex Systems in Sport Research Group, Institut Nacional d'Educació Fisica de Catalunya (INEFC), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain. nataliabalague@gmail.com.
Molecular and network-based approaches offer new insights into exercise physiology (EP). Network Physiology of Exercise provides a novel framework for understanding complex physiological responses to exercise across systems and time scales.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Systems Biology
- Network Science
Background:
- Molecular and Omics approaches have advanced Exercise Physiology (EP).
- Current limitations exist in understanding complex sport-related phenomena solely at the molecular level.
- This paper contrasts molecular and network-based approaches in EP.
Discussion:
- Sport-related phenomena require a holistic, systems-level understanding beyond molecular reductionism.
- Biological evolution principles and complex network science inform a network-based perspective.
- Challenges in EP necessitate methodological advancements in variable selection, data acquisition, and analysis.
Key Insights:
- Network Physiology of Exercise (NPE) offers a new paradigm for EP.
- NPE quantifies cross-communication across physiological systems and timescales.
- This approach enhances the understanding of exercise-related phenomena.
Outlook:
- NPE opens new avenues for exercise testing in both health and disease.
- Future research should focus on integrating multi-level physiological data.
- Developing advanced analytical tools is crucial for NPE implementation.
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