Exercise Improves Mitochondrial Homeostasis: A Potential Neuroprotective Strategy for Ischemic Stroke

Regular exercise and physical activity are beneficial in reducing the risk and progression of ischemic stroke. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms by which exercise confers these protective effects remain incompletely understood. Disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis is key contributors to the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. Exercise training effectively attenuates the onset and progression of ischemic stroke by significantly maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, including improving mitochondrial biogenesis, balancing mitochondrial dynamics, maintaining mitochondrial redox, promoting mitophagy and mitochondrial transport. This review systematically summarizes the beneficial effects of exercise in the context of ischemic stroke and highlights the critical link between mitochondrial homeostasis disruption and stroke pathology. By providing a detailed analysis of the underlying molecular mechanisms, this study offers novel insights into exercise-based therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke.