{"id":80163,"date":"2026-04-29T16:37:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T20:37:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.edu\/?p=80163"},"modified":"2026-04-29T16:37:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T20:37:22","slug":"muscles-talk-to-the-whole-body-the-scientific-revolution-that-is-changing-the-view-of-exercise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/muscles-talk-to-the-whole-body-the-scientific-revolution-that-is-changing-the-view-of-exercise\/","title":{"rendered":"Muscles ‘talk’ to the whole body: the scientific revolution that is changing the view of exercise"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The idea that muscle is a simple mechanical motor has become obsolete thanks to a\u00a0<\/span>discovery<\/span><\/a>\u00a0that has changed modern physiology: in reality, it functions as an endocrine organ capable of influencing virtually all the systems of our body.<\/span><\/p>\n

During muscle contraction, hundreds of molecules called myokines are released, substances essential for the body to function correctly. This is where the idea that\u00a0<\/span>“exercise is medicine”<\/span><\/a>\u00a0originated . However, this concept has also fallen out of fashion. In reality, we should go further and say that it is as necessary for our health as breathing or eating, while a sedentary lifestyle and lack of movement are a source of illness.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are myokines?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Myokines act as hormones that communicate via the bloodstream with various organs, including the brain, adipose tissue, liver, bone, and the immune system. According to\u00a0<\/span>a 2024 review<\/span><\/a>\u00a0, they are the reason why exercise is beneficial for the immune system.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most studied myokine to date is\u00a0<\/span>interleukin-6 (IL-6)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0, which is released during high-intensity or aerobic endurance exercise up to 100 times more than at rest.\u00a0<\/span>Irisin<\/span><\/a>\u00a0, key to maintaining body fat balance, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor\u00a0<\/span>(BDNF)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0, involved in neuroplasticity and cognitive function, are also important.<\/span><\/p>\n

And before focusing on the effects of this family of molecules, it’s important to note that movement also stimulates other organs to release the equally important\u00a0<\/span>exerkins<\/span><\/a>\u00a0. For example,\u00a0<\/span>a 2022 review<\/span><\/a>\u00a0reveals their role in improving cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and neurological function. If we are sedentary and few exerkins circulate throughout our bodies, the risk of disease and mortality from all causes increases.<\/span><\/p>\n

Torrent of beneficial molecules<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Below we break down how myokines act in different parts of our body:<\/span><\/p>\n