Study Launched on Molecular Changes Related to Exercise
In April, Louisiana State University researchers in Baton Rouge held a training for 120 scientists to kick off a national research consortium designed to create a comprehensive map of the body’s molecular responses during and after exercise. The purpose of the $170 million, multicenter, 6-year research project is to promote understanding of how physical activity improves health and prevents disease.
Tuomo Rankinen, PhD, associate professor at Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and a co-leader of the study, said, “Basically, we’re looking to learn which molecules change in our bodies after exercise and which molecules transmit the benefits to the organs and tissues that aren’t directly involved in physical activity.” The study should contribute significantly to our understanding of mechanisms underlying why physical activity provides health benefits.
For more information on the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium, go to motrpac.org/.
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
