Treatment of asthma, diabetes, obesity, depression.
Civilisation diseases, like the ageing process itself, are associated with a systematic — though variously paced — impairment of organ function and bodily processes. This phenomenon is linked to limitations of the cells’ “regenerative potential” and to the variability of anabolic and catabolic signalling pathways, which strongly depend on neuroendocrine and inflammatory factors. The consequence is a progressive decline in quality of life. Psychophysical wellbeing points to the particular importance of the morphological signs of ageing, such as loss of muscle mass, a percentage increase in body fat, or reduced bone mineral density. These symptoms describe sarcopenia, andropause and osteoporosis, but also the triad of civilisation diseases — type II diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Impaired neuroendocrine activity, a slower metabolic rate, increased bone resorption and hyperglycaemia are often interrelated, reducing fitness, increasing fracture risk, disturbing lipid metabolism and significantly raising the risk of carcinogenic events.
Physical activity in hypoxic conditions has a strong preventive effect on the diseases and phenomena described above. The therapeutic significance of physical activity is reflected in morphostructural, functional and molecular adaptations, verified by changes in biomarkers such as inflammatory factors, chemokines and hormones, as well as miRNA activity and gene expression. Depending on the type of exercise, its duration and intensity, the adaptive response — both acute and chronic — differs. The exercise stress factor requires precise programming. The molecular mechanisms of the response to exercise are non-specific, depending on the nature of the stimulus and individual sensitivity.
