Enhancing physical performance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Dynamic hyperinflation is a risk factor for mortality and severe exacerbations in COPD patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess if dynamic hyperinflation is an independent risk factor for mortality and severe exacerbations in COPD patients.

METHODS

A cohort of 141 patients with stable COPD and moderate to very severe airflow limitation, treated according to conventional guidelines, was followed for a median of 9 years. Clinical characteristics were recorded and arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests, 6-min walk and incremental exercise test with measurement of respiratory pattern and operative lung volumes were performed. Endpoints were all-cause mortality and hospitalization for COPD exacerbation.

RESULTS

58 patients died during the follow-up period (1228 patients x year). The mortality rate was higher in patients with dynamic hyperinflation (n = 106) than in those without it (n = 35) (14.6; 95% CI, 14.5-14.8 vs. 7.2; 95% CI, 7.1-7.4 per 1000 patients-year). After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, pack-years and treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, dynamic hyperinflation was associated with a higher mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.725; 95% CI, 1.010-8.161), and in a multivariate model, comorbidity, peak oxygen uptake and dynamic hyperinflation were retained as independent predictors of mortality. The time until first severe exacerbation was shorter for patients with dynamic hyperinflation (aHR, 3.961; 95% CI, 1.385-11.328), and dynamic hyperinflation, FEV1 and diffusing capacity were retained as independent risk factors for severe exacerbation. Moreover, patients with dynamic hyperinflation had a higher hospitalization risk than those without it (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.574; 95% CI, 1.087-2.581).

CONCLUSION

In stable COPD patients, dynamic hyperinflation is an independent prognostic factor for mortality and severe exacerbations.

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

The present systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) aimed to investigate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

The RCTs of pulmonary rehabilitation programs published between 1999 and 2021 were retrieved from electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase). Two reviewers independently assessed the topical relevance and trial quality and extracted data for meta-analysis using the Stata software version 14.0.

RESULTS

A total of 39 trials involving 2,397 participants with COPD were evaluated. We found that patients who received pulmonary rehabilitation program had significant improvement in the 6-min walk test (6MWT), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire score, and the modified British Medical Research Council score as compared to those who received usual care. Yoga and Tai Chi showed significant improvement in the forced expiratory volume (FEV1)% in 1 s predicted value. However, no significant difference was detected in the modified Borg score, forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC predicted value between the pulmonary rehabilitation and usual care groups.

CONCLUSION

Yoga and Tai Chi showed a significant improvement in the FEV1% predicted value. Also, pulmonary rehabilitation program improved the exercise capacity, the quality of life, and dyspnoea in patients with COPD.Key messagesA total of 39 trials involving 2,397 participants with COPD were evaluated.We found that patients who received pulmonary rehabilitation program had significant improvement in the 6MWT, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire score, and the modified British Medical Research Council score as compared to those who received usual care.Yoga and Tai Chi showed significant improvement in the FEV1% predicted value.No significant difference was detected in the modified Borg score, FVC, and FEV1/FVC predicted value between the pulmonary rehabilitation and usual care groups.

An in silico analysis of oxygen uptake of a mild COPD patient during rest and exercise using a portable oxygen concentrator

Oxygen treatment based on intermittent-flow devices with pulse delivery modes available from portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) depends on the characteristics of the delivered pulse such as volume, pulse width (the time of the pulse to be delivered), and pulse delay (the time for the pulse to be initiated from the start of inhalation) as well as a patient's breathing characteristics, disease state, and respiratory morphology. This article presents a physiological-based analysis of the performance, in terms of blood oxygenation, of a commercial POC at different settings using an in silico model of a COPD patient at rest and during exercise. The analysis encompasses experimental measurements of pulse volume, width, and time delay of the POC at three different settings and two breathing rates related to rest and exercise. These experimental data of device performance are inputs to a physiological-based model of oxygen uptake that takes into account the real dynamic nature of gas exchange to illustrate how device- and patient-specific factors can affect patient oxygenation. This type of physiological analysis that considers the true effectiveness of oxygen transfer to the blood, as opposed to delivery to the nose (or mouth), can be instructive in applying therapies and designing new devices.

Performance enhancement in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Exercise limitation is a hallmark of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is integral to the associated impaired health status of these patients. The poor exercise tolerance is multifactorial in origin, relating to airflow obstruction, disadvantageous lung mechanics, reduced oxygen delivery and skeletal muscle dysfunction. A number of interventions have been studied to determine whether they can impact on exercise performance. The most evidence-based of these is exercise training, which along with other approaches, both previously investigated and putative, are discussed in this review.

Tele-monitoring reduces exacerbation of COPD in the context of climate change--a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A home based tele-monitoring system was developed to assess the effects of heat stress (days > 25°C) on clinical and functional status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

Sixty-two COPD patients (GOLD II-IV) were randomized into a tele-monitoring Group (TG, N = 32) or Control Group (CG, N = 30). Tele-monitoring included 1) daily clinical status (COPD Assessment Test-CAT), 2) daily lung function and 3) weekly 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Duration of monitoring lasted a total of nine months (9 M).

RESULTS

From June 1st-August 31st 2012, 32 days with heat stress (29.0 ± 2.5°C) were recorded and matched with 32 thermal comfort days (21.0 ± 2.9°C). During heat stress, the TG showed a significant reduction in lung function and exercise capacity (FEV1% predicted: 51.1 ± 7.2 vs. 57.7 ± 5.0%; P <0.001 and 6MWT performance: 452 ± 85 vs. 600 ± 76 steps; P <0.001) and increase in CAT scores (19.2 ± 7.9 vs. 16.2 ± 7.2; P <0.001).Over summer, significantly fewer TG patients suffered exacerbation of COPD compared to CG patients (3 vs. 14; P = 0.006). Over entire 9 M follow-up, the TG group had fewer exacerbations compared to CG (7 vs. 22; P = 0.012), shorter cumulative hospital stay (34 vs. 97 days) and 43% fewer specialist consultations (24. vs. 42; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Heat stress affects clinical and functional status in COPD. Tele-monitoring reduces exacerbation frequency and health care utilization during heat stress and other periods of the year.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS-ID

DRK00000705.

Prognostic value of the objective measurement of daily physical activity in patients with COPD

BACKGROUND

Subjective measurement of physical activity using questionnaires has prognostic value in COPD. However, their lack of accuracy and large individual variability limit their use for evaluation on an individual basis. We evaluated the capacity of the objective measurement of daily physical activity in patients with COPD using accelerometers to estimate their prognostic value.

METHODS

In 173 consecutive subjects with moderate to very severe COPD, daily physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer providing a mean of 1-min movement epochs as vector magnitude units (VMUs). Patients were evaluated by lung function testing and 6-min walk, incremental exercise, and constant work rate tests. Patients were followed for 5 to 8 years, and the end points were all-cause mortality, hospitalization for COPD exacerbation, and annual declining FEV(1).

RESULTS

After adjusting for relevant confounders, a high VMU decreased the mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.986; 95% CI, 0.981-0.992), and in a multivariate model, comorbidity, endurance time, and VMU were retained as independent predictors of mortality. The time until first admission due to COPD exacerbation was shorter for the patients with lower levels of VMU (adjusted HR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.983-0.995). Moreover, patients with higher VMU had a lower hospitalization risk than those with a low VMU (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.099; 95% CI, 0.033-0.293). In contrast, VMU was not identified as an independent predictor of the annual FEV(1) decline.

CONCLUSION

The objective measurement of the daily physical activity in patients with COPD using an accelerometer constitutes an independent prognostic factor for mortality and hospitalization due to severe exacerbation.

Improving outcomes for COPD patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression: A systematic review of cognitive behavioural therapy

PURPOSE

Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are associated with lower levels of self-efficacy, impaired health status, poorer treatment outcomes and reduced survival following emergency admission. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be effective for treating anxiety and depression in COPD patients but evidence for this is uncertain.

METHODS

A systematic review of controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of CBT for treating mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression in adults with clinically stable COPD. Ovid electronic bibliographic databases were searched from inception to May 2006; all content held by the Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2006 was also searched.

RESULTS

One small randomized controlled trial (RCT) of moderate quality showed that CBT, when given with exercise training and education, was associated with large and significant treatment effects for both anxiety (-1.39 (95% CIs -2.19, -0.59)) and depression (-0.86 (95% CIs -1.61, -0.11)). Additionally, a larger RCT of higher quality demonstrated that CBT, when given with exercise and education, was associated with large and significant treatment effects for depression (-0.76 (95% CIs -1.34, -0.17)), but not for anxiety. No other included study reported significant reductions in either anxiety or depression in COPD patients given CBT.

CONCLUSION

There is only limited evidence that CBT, when used with exercise and education, can contribute to significant reductions in anxiety and depression in COPD patients. There is scope for a well-powered RCT to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of CBT among this patient population.

Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation for anxiety and depression in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the clinical effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (with or without education) on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Secondary outcomes were generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of primary outcomes to calculate mean change effect sizes [standardized mean difference (SMD)] and associated 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared pulmonary rehabilitation with standard care (with or without education) were included in the review. Three studies (n=269) showed that comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation was significantly more effective than standard care in reducing short-term anxiety (SMD=-0.33, 95% CI: -0.57 to -0.09, P=.008) and depression (SMD=-0.58, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.23, P=.001). Education alone and exercise training alone were not associated with significant reductions in either anxiety or depression. When compared with standard care, comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation was also associated with short-term significant gains in both disease-specific and generic HRQOL. Studies that included long-term follow-up data showed that gains in both psychological health status and HRQOL were not sustained at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Rehabilitation programmes that include up to three sessions per week of incremental and supervised exercise, along with education and psychosocial support, significantly reduce anxiety and depression more than standard care in patients with COPD. Further research should focus on exploring effective and acceptable maintenance strategies along with evaluations of stepped care approaches for the management of psychological co-morbidity, especially among those with severe anxiety and depression.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Joint ACCP/AACVPR Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary rehabilitation has become a standard of care for patients with chronic lung diseases. This document provides a systematic, evidence-based review of the pulmonary rehabilitation literature that updates the 1997 guidelines published by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

METHODS

The guideline panel reviewed evidence tables, which were prepared by the ACCP Clinical Research Analyst, that were based on a systematic review of published literature from 1996 to 2004. This guideline updates the previous recommendations and also examines new areas of research relevant to pulmonary rehabilitation. Recommendations were developed by consensus and rated according to the ACCP guideline grading system.

RESULTS

The new evidence strengthens the previous recommendations supporting the benefits of lower and upper extremity exercise training and improvements in dyspnea and health-related quality-of-life outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation. Additional evidence supports improvements in health-care utilization and psychosocial outcomes. There are few additional data about survival. Some new evidence indicates that longer term rehabilitation, maintenance strategies following rehabilitation, and the incorporation of education and strength training in pulmonary rehabilitation are beneficial. Current evidence does not support the routine use of inspiratory muscle training, anabolic drugs, or nutritional supplementation in pulmonary rehabilitation. Evidence does support the use of supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with severe hypoxemia at rest or with exercise. Noninvasive ventilation may be helpful for selected patients with advanced COPD. Finally, pulmonary rehabilitation appears to benefit patients with chronic lung diseases other than COPD.

CONCLUSIONS

There is substantial new evidence that pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial for patients with COPD and other chronic lung diseases. Several areas of research provide opportunities for future research that can advance the field and make rehabilitative treatment available to many more eligible patients in need.

Teste de caminhada de seis minutos na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica com diferentes graus de obstrução

INTRODUÇÃO: Alguns testes funcionais são utilizados complementando a avaliação dinâmica na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC), como o teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). OBJETIVOS: Verificar quanto o grau de obstrução compromete a tolerância ao esforço avaliado pelo TC6 e comparar a distância percorrida e prevista através da equação de Enright e Sherrill (1998) para indivíduos saudáveis e com DPOC apresentando grau de obstrução leve, moderado e grave, além de comparar a distância percorrida entre os grupos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 90 indivíduos do sexo masculino, sendo 19 saudáveis (grupo 1-G1, idade média de 67 ± 6,6 anos), 24 indivíduos com DPOC apresentando obstrução leve (grupo 2-G2, idade média de 69 ± 11,3 anos), 26 com DPOC moderada (grupo 3-G3, idade média de 71 ± 9,1 anos) e 21 com DPOC grave (grupo 4-G4, idade média de 70 ± 9,4 anos) quanto à distância percorrida, além da distância prevista através da equação. RESULTADOS:Constatou-se diferença significativa (teste t de Student, p < 0,05) ao comparar distância percorrida e prevista para G3 (387 ± 71m vs 456 ± 56m) e G4 (318 ± 97m vs 477 ± 52m), sendo a percorrida menor que a prevista para ambos. Na análise intergrupos, quanto à distância percorrida verificou-se diferença significativa (ANOVA, p < 0,05), sendo que G1 (506 ± 56m) e G2 (452 ± 60m) apresentaram valores maiores (Newman-Keuls, p < 0,05) que G3 (387 ± 71m) e G4 (318 ± 97m), assim como G3 maior que G4. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que quanto maior a limitação ao fluxo aéreo, menor a tolerância ao esforço físico; indivíduos saudáveis e com DPOC leve obtiveram desempenho semelhante, além de mostrar distância percorrida similar à prevista. Assim, o TC6 permite avaliar a capacidade funcional dos indivíduos saudáveis e com DPOC, estimando quanto o grau de obstrução do fluxo aéreo compromete o desempenho físico.

Manifestações sistêmicas na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica é progressiva e está relacionada a uma resposta inflamatória anormal dos pulmões à inalação de partículas e/ou gases tóxicos, sobretudo a fumaça de cigarro. Embora acometa primariamente os pulmões, diversas manifestações extrapulmonares relacionadas a esta enfermidade têm sido descritas. O aumento do número de células inflamatórias, que resulta em produção anormal de citocinas pró-inflamatórias, e o desequilíbrio entre a formação de radicais livres e a capacidade antioxidante, resultando em sobrecarga oxidativa, provavelmente são mecanismos envolvidos na inflamação local e sistêmica. Além disso, a diminuição do condicionamento físico secundária às limitações ventilatórias pode estar envolvida no desenvolvimento de alterações musculares. A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica apresenta diversas manifestações sistêmicas que incluem a depleção nutricional, a disfunção dos músculos esqueléticos, que contribui para a intolerância ao exercício, e as manifestações relacionadas a co-morbidades comumente observadas nestes pacientes. Essas manifestações têm sido relacionadas à sobrevida e ao estado geral de saúde dos pacientes. Nesse sentido, esta revisão tem como objetivo discutir os achados da literatura relacionados às manifestações sistêmicas da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, ressaltando o papel da inflação sistêmica, e algumas perspectivas de tratamento.

Lung Mechanics and Dyspnea during Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

RATIONALE

Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease commonly causes hospitalization. The change in lung mechanics during exacerbation and its relationship to symptoms in spontaneously breathing individuals has not been described.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that changes in both airflow and lung volumes would occur during an exacerbation, but that only volume change would relate to symptomatic improvement.

METHODS

Lung mechanics and resting dyspnea were recorded in 22 hospitalized patients during recovery from exacerbation.

MEASUREMENTS

Spirometry, inspiratory capacity, respiratory system resistance and reactance, tidal breathing patterns, and expiratory flow limitation were recorded after nebulized bronchodilator therapy on the first 3 d after admission, at discharge, and 6 wk postadmission (Day 42). Prebronchodilator measurements were taken on Day 2, at discharge, and on Day 42.

MAIN RESULTS

Postbronchodilator inspiratory capacity increased 0.23 +/- 0.07 L by discharge and 0.42 +/- 0.1 L by Day 42, FEV1 rose 0.09 +/- 0.04 and 0.2 +/- 0.05 L at discharge and Day 42, respectively, and FVC increased 0.21 +/- 0.08 and 0.47 +/- 0.09 L at discharge and Day 42 (all p < 0.05). Consistent reduction in dyspnea was seen as the exacerbation resolved. Respiratory system resistance, FEV1/FVC, and expiratory flow limitation were unchanged throughout, indicating that changes in lung volume rather than airflow resistance predominated.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in operating lung volumes is the principal change seen as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation resolves and increase in inspiratory capacity is a useful guide to a reduction in dyspnea.

A eficácia da reabilitação pulmonar na capacidade de exercício, força da musculatura inspiratória e qualidade de vida de portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

INTRODUÇÃO: A reabilitação pulmonar é amplamente preconizada para o tratamento da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da reabilitação pulmonar na capacidade de exercício, força da musculatura respiratória e qualidade de vida de portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. MÉTODO: Em um ensaio clínico não-randomizado e aberto, foram avaliados 27 portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica admitidos em programa de reabilitação pulmonar, estáveis clinicamente e ex-tabagistas. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados antes e depois da reabilitação pulmonar. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 65 ± 5 anos, o índice de massa corporal 25 ± 4 kg/m², o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo 55 ± 25% do previsto, a relação entre volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo e capacidade vital forçada 50 ± 12%, e a pressão parcial de oxigênio no sangue arterial 70 ± 7mmHg. Comparando os valores antes e depois da reabilitação pulmonar, houve melhora na distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (513 ± 99 m vs 570 ± 104 m), na carga máxima para membros superiores (2 ± 1 Kg vs 3 ± 1 Kg), na pressão inspiratória máxima (-89±23 cmH2O vs -102±23 cmH2O) e nos domínios atividade, impacto e escore total do questionário do Hospital Saint George na doença respiratória. CONCLUSÃO: A reabilitação pulmonar, com enfoque no treinamento físico, e realizada de forma criteriosa, é eficaz na promoção do aumento da distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos, da carga máxima para membros superiores, da pressão inspiratória máxima e da qualidade de vida.

Recondicionamento muscular na DPOC: principais intervenções e novas tendências

Há algum tempo o condicionamento físico vem sendo parte obrigatória no tratamento de portadores de DPOC. Estes pacientes apresentam comumente intolerância ao exercício de intensidade variável e relacionada à disfunção muscular esquelética. Neste sentido, o exercício físico apresenta-se como ramo mais importante no processo de reabilitação pulmonar. O exercício aeróbio e o treino de força com pesos são fundamentais no incremento de capacidade física e qualidade de vida, principalmente naqueles indivíduos que apresentam as formas moderada ou grave da DPOC. Além disso, espera-se atualmente maior desenvolvimento nas pesquisas em relação à aplicação de estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) e ao uso criterioso de substâncias ergogênicas tais como esteróides anabolizantes e creatina oral. Tendo em vista as repercussões negativas da disfunção muscular e a importância da reabilitação pulmonar no tratamento da DPOC, esta revisão tem como objetivo reunir informações de estudos relevantes acerca das principais estratégias para o recondicionamento muscular esquelético nestes pacientes nos últimos 15 anos.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 8: non-pharmacological management of COPD

The role of smoking cessation and the use of measures to reduce the disability associated with COPD are reviewed. The political profile of patients with COPD is increasing as patient support groups develop the confidence to campaign for better services.

Benefits of oxygen on exercise performance and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with COPD with mild hypoxemia

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To clarify the effects of oxygen on exercise performance and pulmonary hemodynamics during exercise in patients with COPD with mild hypoxemia at rest.

DESIGN

Seventy-five male patients with stable COPD ("pink puffer" type), accompanied by mild hypoxemia (> 60 mm Hg) at rest and with mild (percentage of predicted FEV1 [%FEV1] > 50%, n = 16), moderate (%FEV1 > 35% to < or = 50%, n = 25), and severe (%FEV1 < or =35%, n = 34) airflow obstruction were recruited from an outpatient clinic. A 6-min walking distance (6MD) test was administered to 75 patients, and the pulmonary hemodynamics of 43 subjects were determined during exercise on a supine bicycle ergometer at 25 W and breathing compressed air and oxygen at 2 L/min.

RESULTS

Supplemental oxygen resulted in a significant increase in 6MD, except for patients with mild airflow obstruction and mild desaturation. This increase in 6MD produced by oxygen was greater as the restriction of the airflow was more severe, and correlated negatively with %FEV1, but not with PaO2 at rest or exercise hypoxemia. Pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (Pop) increased with exercise, while the rates of increase in both types of pressure were significantly higher for severe COPD than for mild COPD and moderate COPD. Oxygen inhalation significantly reduced the increases in Ppa and Pop during exercise in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, and the effect of oxygen on the increase in Pop correlated positively with airtrapping (vital capacity - FVC).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that supplemental oxygen benefits patients with COPD with moderate-to-severe airflow obstruction and mild hypoxemia at rest, as reflected in improvement in exercise performance and pulmonary hypertension during exercise.

Waging war on physical inactivity: using modern molecular ammunition against an ancient enemy

A hypothesis is presented based on a coalescence of anthropological estimations of Homo sapiens' phenotypes in the Late Paleolithic era 10,000 years ago, with Darwinian natural selection synergized with Neel's idea of the so-called thrifty gene. It is proposed that humans inherited genes that were evolved to support a physically active lifestyle. It is further postulated that physical inactivity in sedentary societies directly contributes to multiple chronic health disorders. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the underlying genetic and cellular/biochemical bases of why sedentary living produces chronic health conditions. This will allow society to improve its ability to effect beneficial lifestyle changes and hence improve the overall quality of living. To win the war against physical inactivity and the myriad of chronic health conditions produced because of physical inactivity, a multifactorial approach is needed, which includes successful preventive medicine, drug development, optimal target selection, and efficacious clinical therapy. All of these approaches require a thorough understanding of fundamental biology and how the dysregulated molecular circuitry caused by physical inactivity produces clinically overt disease. The purpose of this review is to summarize the vast armamentarium at our disposal in the form of the extensive scientific basis underlying how physical inactivity affects at least 20 of the most deadly chronic disorders. We hope that this information will provide readers with a starting point for developing additional strategies of their own in the ongoing war against inactivity-induced chronic health conditions.