Physical exercise in liver diseases
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Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Yunwei Zhang1, Chunyan Cao1, Chaofan Li2,3
1Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Abstract:
Liver diseases contribute to ~2 million deaths each year and account for 4% of all deaths globally. Despite various treatment options, the management of liver diseases remains challenging. Physical exercise is a promising nonpharmacological approach to maintain and restore homeostasis and effectively prevent and mitigate liver diseases. In this review, we delve into the mechanisms of physical exercise in preventing and treating liver diseases, highlighting its effects on improving insulin sensitivity, regulating lipid homeostasis, and modulating immune function. In addition, we evaluate the impact of physical exercise on various liver diseases, including liver ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiogenic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In conclusion, the review underscores the effectiveness of physical exercise as a beneficial intervention in combating liver diseases.
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