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Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic Oakville & Burlington

Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic Oakville & Burlington

Can I really exercise too much?

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exercises ATC 2014

Can I really exercise too much?

A major disclaimer before reading this article is that this research is not meant to detract people from the importance of exercise. Research has shown that individuals who exercise always live healthier lives than their sedentary counterpart. However, recent research has shown that although regular-moderate exercise improves longevity, cardiovascular health, and is effective at preventing many common chronic diseases, extreme endurance exercise may lead to myocardial injury, say researchers.

Note: Are you an athlete or a weekend warrior living in Oakville or Burlington and you know you do not perform at your peak? Check with our physiotherapists from the Oakville and Burlington physio clinics.

The study, published in the June issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, found that training for, and competing in marathons, very long-distance bicycle rides, and iron man distance triathlons, may result in structural changes to the heart and large arteries, leading to myocardial injury.

Micah True a 58-year-old legendary ultra-marathoner, would run as far as 100 miles in a day. However, on March 27, 2012, True died suddenly while on a routine 12-mile training run. Autopsy results showed that True’s heart was enlarged and scarred and that he died of a lethal arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm).

The researchers speculate that the pathologic changes in True’s heart may have manifestations of “”Phidippides cardiomyopathy,” a condition caused by chronic excessive endurance exercise.”

According to the researchers, it now appears that cardiac changes caused by excessive exercise can result in rhythm abnormalities. Studies have also found that individuals who participate in endurance sports, such as professional cycling or ultramarathon running are up to five times more likely to develop atrial fibrillation.

Furthermore, coronary artery calcification, large-artery wall stiffening, and diastolic dysfunction may also be linked to chronic excessive sustained exercise.

Although individuals who participate in vigorous exercises regularly have excellent functional capacity, and low mortality and disability rates, more research is needed in order to identify those who are at risk for adverse cardiovascular changes, and to create physical fitness regimens for conferring optimal cardiovascular health and longevity, said Dr. O’Keefe.

In a video interview Dr. O’Keefe states that the study does not detract from the importance of exercise.

He said:

“Physically active people are much healthier than their sedentary counterparts. Exercise is one of the most important things you need to do on a daily basis. But what this paper points out is that a lot of people do not understand that the lion’s share of health benefits accrue at a relatively modest level. Extreme exercise is not really conducive to great cardiovascular health. Beyond 30-60 minutes per day, you reach a point of diminishing returns.”

– Grace Rattue. (2012, June 8). “Too Much Exercise Not As Beneficial As Moderate Training.” Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246366.php.
– “Potential Adverse Cardiovascular Effects From Excessive Endurance Exercise”
James H. O’Keefe, MD AFFILIATIONS Mid America Heart Institute of Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, MO Correspondence: Address to James H. O’Keefe, MD, 4330 Wornall Rd, Ste 2000, Kansas City, MO 64111 , Harshal R. Patil, MD, Carl J. Lavie, MD, Anthony Magalski, MD, Robert A. Vogel, MD, Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH Mayo Clinic Proceedings, June 2012, doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2012.04.005

Anson Ly, B.Kin | Health Blog

For more info, contact Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinics in Oakville and Burlington at 905-849-4576.

We are located less than 10 min from Sheridan College Oakville and 4 min East from Oakville & Milton Humane Society.

The Burlington physio clinic is located only 2 min south of IKEA Burlington and 6 min north of Burlington Golf & Country Club, on Plains Rd East.

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