Exercise, Muscle, and Mitochondria: Signaling Mechanisms, Health Consequences and New Challenges for the Future

Habitual physical activity has long been heralded as a laudable lifestyle behaviour, which can improve overall health and help stave off many major chronic diseases. In spite of substantial scientific evidence and public awareness about the importance of incorporating physical activity into our daily lives, the majority of the North American society remains insufficiently active, failing to meet the minimum requirements set forth by global health authorities. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is now regarded as the 4th leading risk factor for premature death worldwide(1). In fact, recent research suggests that physical inactivity is responsible for approximately 6-10% of the world’s major noncommunicable diseases(2). These pathological conditions - which include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and various types of cancers - account for nearly one third of all deaths that occur annually throughout the world, indicating just how important physical activity is in preventing the onset of disease