Exercise produces molecular changes that suppress inflammation in rheumatic disease

Taking exercise can decrease inflammation in localised regions and around the entire body, says research presented at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress. The study adds to the growing body of evidence that highlights that exercise can help achieve clinical efficacy in rheumatic disease.
The current work looked at the detailed physiological changes created by exercise and their impact on inflammation. Studies on mice found that exercise generates a true biological response and leads to molecular changes that stimulate anti-inflammatory effects.
“As the inflammatory process in rheumatic diseases is a major cause of disability, we are excited to uncover the process by which exercise works on a molecular level to decrease this inflammation,” explains Dr Nicholas Young who is involved in the work. “Our results show the benefits that exercise could have in decreasing the great burden of rheumatic diseases. They also highlight the need for frequent exercise in order to create clinically significant results.”