Editing Exercise (section)

== Health effects ==
{{Main|Exercise physiology}}
[[File:Effects of exercise on the organ systems of the body (cropped).jpg|thumb|Exercise affects many organs.]]

Physical exercise is important for maintaining [[physical fitness]] and can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, regulating the digestive system, building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility, promoting physiological well-being, reducing surgical risks, and strengthening the immune system. Some studies indicate that exercise may increase life expectancy and the overall quality of life.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gremeaux V, Gayda M, Lepers R, Sosner P, Juneau M, Nigam A | title = Exercise and longevity | journal = Maturitas | volume = 73 | issue = 4 | pages = 312–317 | date = December 2012 | pmid = 23063021 | doi = 10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.09.012 }}</ref> People who participate in moderate to high levels of physical exercise have a lower mortality rate compared to individuals who by comparison are not physically active.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Physical Activity and Health|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WZZPc1FmL7QC&pg=PA3|journal=United States Department of Health|isbn=978-1-4289-2794-0| author = United States Department Of Health And Human Services |year=1996}}</ref> Moderate levels of exercise have been correlated with preventing aging by reducing inflammatory potential.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Woods JA, Wilund KR, Martin SA, Kistler BM | title = Exercise, inflammation and aging | journal = Aging and Disease | volume = 3 | issue = 1 | pages = 130–140 | date = February 2012 | pmid = 22500274 | pmc = 3320801 }}</ref> The majority of the benefits from exercise are achieved with around 3500 [[metabolic equivalent]] (MET) minutes per week, with diminishing returns at higher levels of activity.<ref name=BMJ2016 /> For example, climbing stairs 10 minutes, vacuuming 15 minutes, gardening 20 minutes, running 20 minutes, and walking or bicycling for transportation 25 minutes on a daily basis would ''together'' achieve about 3000 MET minutes a week.<ref name=BMJ2016>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kyu HH, Bachman VF, Alexander LT, Mumford JE, Afshin A, Estep K, Veerman JL, Delwiche K, Iannarone ML, Moyer ML, Cercy K, Vos T, Murray CJ, Forouzanfar MH | display-authors = 6 | title = Physical activity and risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and ischemic stroke events: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 | journal = BMJ | volume = 354 | pages = i3857 | date = August 2016 | pmid = 27510511 | pmc = 4979358 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.i3857 }}</ref> A lack of [[physical activity]] causes approximately 6% of the burden of disease from coronary heart disease, 7% of type 2 diabetes, 10% of breast cancer, and 10% of colon cancer worldwide.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lee IM, Shiroma EJ, Lobelo F, Puska P, Blair SN, Katzmarzyk PT | title = Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: an analysis of burden of disease and life expectancy | journal = Lancet | volume = 380 | issue = 9838 | pages = 219–229 | date = July 2012 | pmid = 22818936 | pmc = 3645500 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61031-9 }}</ref> Overall, physical inactivity causes 9% of premature mortality worldwide.<ref name=":2" />

The American-British writer [[Bill Bryson]] wrote: "If someone invented a pill that could do for us all that a moderate amount of exercise achieves, it would instantly become the most successful drug in history."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bryson |first=Bill |author-link=Bill Bryson |title=[[The Body: A Guide for Occupants]] |publisher=[[Doubleday (publisher)|Doubleday]] |year=2019 |isbn=978-0857522405}}</ref>

=== Fitness ===
{{Main|Physical fitness}}
Most people can increase fitness by increasing [[physical activity]] levels.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal | vauthors = Neil-Sztramko SE, Caldwell H, Dobbins M | title = School-based physical activity programs for promoting physical activity and fitness in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2021 | issue = 9 | pages = CD007651 | date = September 2021 | pmid = 34555181 | pmc = 8459921 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD007651.pub3 }}</ref> Increases in muscle size from resistance training are primarily determined by diet and testosterone.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hubal MJ, Gordish-Dressman H, Thompson PD, Price TB, Hoffman EP, Angelopoulos TJ, Gordon PM, Moyna NM, Pescatello LS, Visich PS, Zoeller RF, Seip RL, Clarkson PM | display-authors = 3 | title = Variability in muscle size and strength gain after unilateral resistance training | journal = Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise | volume = 37 | issue = 6 | pages = 964–972 | date = June 2005 | pmid = 15947721 }}</ref> This genetic variation in improvement from training is one of the key physiological differences between elite athletes and the larger population.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Brutsaert TD, Parra EJ | title = What makes a champion? Explaining variation in human athletic performance | journal = Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology | volume = 151 | issue = 2–3 | pages = 109–123 | date = April 2006 | pmid = 16448865 | doi = 10.1016/j.resp.2005.12.013 | s2cid = 13711090 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="newsci_geddes">{{cite magazine| vauthors = Geddes L | title = Superhuman| pages = 35–41| magazine = New Scientist| date = 28 July 2007}}</ref> There is evidence that exercising in [[middle age]] may lead to better physical ability later in life.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.medicineonline.com/news/12/10297/Being-active-combats-risk-of-functional-problems.html | title=Being active combats risk of functional problems}}</ref>

Early motor skills and development is also related to physical activity and performance later in life. Children who are more proficient with motor skills early on are more inclined to be physically active, and thus tend to perform well in sports and have better fitness levels. Early motor proficiency has a positive correlation to childhood physical activity and fitness levels, while less proficiency in motor skills results in a more sedentary lifestyle.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wrotniak BH, Epstein LH, Dorn JM, Jones KE, Kondilis VA | title = The relationship between motor proficiency and physical activity in children | journal = Pediatrics | volume = 118 | issue = 6 | pages = e1758–e1765 | date = December 2006 | pmid = 17142498 | doi = 10.1542/peds.2006-0742 | s2cid = 41653923 }}</ref>

The type and intensity of physical activity performed may have an effect on a person's fitness level. There is some weak evidence that [[high-intensity interval training]] may improve a person's [[VO2 max]] slightly more than lower intensity endurance training.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Milanović Z, Sporiš G, Weston M | title = Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT) and Continuous Endurance Training for VO2max Improvements: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials | journal = Sports Medicine | volume = 45 | issue = 10 | pages = 1469–1481 | date = October 2015 | pmid = 26243014 | doi = 10.1007/s40279-015-0365-0 | s2cid = 41092016 | url = https://research.tees.ac.uk/ws/files/6460688/561180.pdf }}</ref> However, unscientific fitness methods could lead to sports injuries.{{source needed|date=October 2024}}

=== Cardiovascular system ===
{{Main|Cardiovascular fitness}}
[[File:Central (cardiovascular) and peripheral (skeletal muscle) adaptations to exercise training.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Central (cardiovascular) and peripheral (skeletal muscle) adaptations to exercise training]]
The beneficial effect of exercise on the cardiovascular system is well documented. There is a direct correlation between physical inactivity and cardiovascular disease, and physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for the development of [[coronary artery disease]]. Low levels of physical exercise increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases mortality.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Warburton DE, Nicol CW, Bredin SS | title = Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence | journal = CMAJ | volume = 174 | issue = 6 | pages = 801–809 | date = March 2006 | pmid = 16534088 | pmc = 1402378 | doi = 10.1503/cmaj.051351 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="aha2017">{{cite web|url=http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/American-Heart-Association-Recommendations-for-Physical-Activity-in-Adults_UCM_307976_Article.jsp|title=American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults|publisher=American Heart Association|date=14 December 2017|access-date=5 May 2018}}</ref>

Children who participate in physical exercise experience greater loss of body fat and increased cardiovascular fitness.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lumeng JC | title = Small-group physical education classes result in important health benefits | journal = The Journal of Pediatrics | volume = 148 | issue = 3 | pages = 418–419 | date = March 2006 | pmid = 17243298 | doi = 10.1016/j.jpeds.2006.02.025 }}</ref> Studies have shown that academic stress in youth increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in later years; however, these risks can be greatly decreased with regular physical exercise.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ahaneku JE, Nwosu CM, Ahaneku GI | title = Academic stress and cardiovascular health | journal = Academic Medicine | volume = 75 | issue = 6 | pages = 567–568 | date = June 2000 | pmid = 10875499 | doi = 10.1097/00001888-200006000-00002 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

There is a dose-response relationship between the amount of exercise performed from approximately {{nowrap|700–2000}}&nbsp;[[kcal]] of energy expenditure per week and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality in middle-aged and elderly men. The greatest potential for reduced mortality is seen in sedentary individuals who become moderately active.

Studies have shown that since heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, regular exercise in aging women leads to healthier cardiovascular profiles.

The most beneficial effects of physical activity on cardiovascular disease mortality can be attained through moderate-intensity activity (40–60% of maximal oxygen uptake, depending on age). After a myocardial infarction, survivors who changed their lifestyle to include regular exercise had higher survival rates. Sedentary people are most at risk for mortality from cardiovascular and all other causes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Fletcher GF, Balady G, Blair SN, Blumenthal J, Caspersen C, Chaitman B, Epstein S, Sivarajan Froelicher ES, Froelicher VF, Pina IL, Pollock ML | display-authors = 6 | title = Statement on exercise: benefits and recommendations for physical activity programs for all Americans. A statement for health professionals by the Committee on Exercise and Cardiac Rehabilitation of the Council on Clinical Cardiology, American Heart Association | journal = Circulation | volume = 94 | issue = 4 | pages = 857–862 | date = August 1996 | pmid = 8772712 | doi = 10.1161/01.CIR.94.4.857 | s2cid = 2392781 }}</ref> According to the [[American Heart Association]], exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.<ref name=aha2017 />

Some have suggested that increases in physical exercise might decrease healthcare costs, increase the rate of job attendance, as well as increase the amount of effort women put into their jobs.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Reed JL, Prince SA, Cole CA, Fodor JG, Hiremath S, Mullen KA, Tulloch HE, Wright E, Reid RD | display-authors = 6 | title = Workplace physical activity interventions and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity levels among working-age women: a systematic review protocol | journal = Systematic Reviews | volume = 3 | issue = 1 | pages = 147 | date = December 2014 | pmid = 25526769 | pmc = 4290810 | doi = 10.1186/2046-4053-3-147 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

=== Immune system ===
Although there have been hundreds of studies on physical exercise and the [[immune system]], there is little direct evidence on its connection to illness.<ref name="Gleeson2007" /> [[Epidemiology|Epidemiological]] evidence suggests that moderate exercise has a beneficial effect on the human [[immune system]]; an effect which is modeled in a [[J curve]]. Moderate exercise has been associated with a 29% decreased incidence of [[upper respiratory tract infection]]s (URTI), but studies of marathon runners found that their prolonged high-intensity exercise was associated with an increased risk of infection occurrence.<ref name="Gleeson2007" /> However, another study did not find the effect. Immune cell functions are impaired following acute sessions of prolonged, high-intensity exercise, and some studies have found that athletes are at a higher risk for infections. Studies have shown that strenuous stress for long durations, such as training for a marathon, can suppress the immune system by decreasing the concentration of lymphocytes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Brolinson PG, Elliott D | title = Exercise and the immune system | journal = Clinics in Sports Medicine | volume = 26 | issue = 3 | pages = 311–319 | date = July 2007 | pmid = 17826186 | doi = 10.1097/01893697-200220010-00013 | s2cid = 91074779 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The immune systems of athletes and nonathletes are generally similar. Athletes may have a slightly elevated [[natural killer cell]] count and cytolytic action, but these are unlikely to be clinically significant.<ref name=Gleeson2007>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gleeson M | title = Immune function in sport and exercise | journal = Journal of Applied Physiology | volume = 103 | issue = 2 | pages = 693–699 | date = August 2007 | pmid = 17303714 | doi = 10.1152/japplphysiol.00008.2007 | s2cid = 18112931 }}</ref>

Vitamin C supplementation has been associated with a lower incidence of [[upper respiratory tract infection]]s in marathon runners.<ref name=Gleeson2007 />

[[Biomarker]]s of [[inflammation]] such as [[C-reactive protein]], which are associated with chronic diseases, are reduced in active individuals relative to sedentary individuals, and the positive effects of exercise may be due to its anti-inflammatory effects. In individuals with heart disease, exercise interventions lower blood levels of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein, an important cardiovascular risk marker.<ref name=Swardfager2012>{{cite journal | vauthors = Swardfager W, Herrmann N, Cornish S, Mazereeuw G, Marzolini S, Sham L, Lanctôt KL | title = Exercise intervention and inflammatory markers in coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis | journal = American Heart Journal | volume = 163 | issue = 4 | pages = 666–676 | date = April 2012 | pmid = 22520533 | doi = 10.1016/j.ahj.2011.12.017 }}</ref> The depression in the immune system following acute bouts of exercise may be one of the mechanisms for this anti-inflammatory effect.<ref name=Gleeson2007 />

=== Cancer ===
A systematic review evaluated 45 studies that examined the relationship between physical activity and cancer survival rates. According to the review, "[there] was consistent evidence from 27 observational studies that physical activity is associated with reduced all-cause, breast cancer–specific, and colon cancer–specific mortality. There is currently insufficient evidence regarding the association between physical activity and mortality for survivors of other cancers."<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ballard-Barbash R, Friedenreich CM, Courneya KS, Siddiqi SM, McTiernan A, Alfano CM | title = Physical activity, biomarkers, and disease outcomes in cancer survivors: a systematic review | journal = Journal of the National Cancer Institute | volume = 104 | issue = 11 | pages = 815–840 | date = June 2012 | pmid = 22570317 | pmc = 3465697 | doi = 10.1093/jnci/djs207 }}</ref> Evidence suggests that exercise may positively affect the quality of life in cancer survivors, including factors such as anxiety, self-esteem and emotional well-being.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mishra SI, Scherer RW, Geigle PM, Berlanstein DR, Topaloglu O, Gotay CC, Snyder C | title = Exercise interventions on health-related quality of life for cancer survivors | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 8 | pages = CD007566 | date = August 2012 | volume = 2012 | pmid = 22895961 | pmc = 7387117 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.cd007566.pub2 }}</ref> For people with cancer undergoing active treatment, exercise may also have positive effects on health-related quality of life, such as fatigue and physical functioning.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal | vauthors = Mishra SI, Scherer RW, Snyder C, Geigle PM, Berlanstein DR, Topaloglu O | title = Exercise interventions on health-related quality of life for people with cancer during active treatment | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 8 | pages = CD008465 | date = August 2012 | volume = 2012 | pmid = 22895974 | pmc = 7389071 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.cd008465.pub2 }}</ref> This is likely to be more pronounced with higher intensity exercise.<ref name=":1" />

Exercise may contribute to a reduction of [[cancer-related fatigue]] in survivors of breast cancer.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Meneses-Echávez JF, González-Jiménez E, Ramírez-Vélez R | title = Effects of supervised exercise on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis | journal = BMC Cancer | volume = 15 | issue = 1 | pages = 77 | date = February 2015 | pmid = 25885168 | pmc = 4364505 | doi = 10.1186/s12885-015-1069-4 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Although there is only limited scientific evidence on the subject, people with [[cancer cachexia]] are encouraged to engage in physical exercise.<ref name="pmid26401466">{{cite journal | vauthors = Grande AJ, Silva V, Maddocks M | title = Exercise for cancer cachexia in adults: Executive summary of a Cochrane Collaboration systematic review | journal = Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle | volume = 6 | issue = 3 | pages = 208–211 | date = September 2015 | pmid = 26401466 | pmc = 4575551 | doi = 10.1002/jcsm.12055 }}</ref> Due to various factors, some individuals with cancer cachexia have a limited capacity for physical exercise.<ref name="pmid29891116">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sadeghi M, Keshavarz-Fathi M, Baracos V, Arends J, Mahmoudi M, Rezaei N | title = Cancer cachexia: Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment | journal = Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology | volume = 127 | pages = 91–104 | date = July 2018 | pmid = 29891116 | doi = 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.05.006 | s2cid = 48363786 }}</ref><ref name="pmid29440149" /> [[Compliance (medicine)|Compliance]] with prescribed exercise is low in individuals with cachexia and clinical trials of exercise in this population often have high drop-out rates.<ref name="pmid29891116" /><ref name="pmid29440149">{{cite journal | vauthors = Solheim TS, Laird BJ, Balstad TR, Bye A, Stene G, Baracos V, Strasser F, Griffiths G, Maddocks M, Fallon M, Kaasa S, Fearon K | display-authors = 6 | title = Cancer cachexia: rationale for the MENAC (Multimodal-Exercise, Nutrition and Anti-inflammatory medication for Cachexia) trial | journal = BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care | volume = 8 | issue = 3 | pages = 258–265 | date = September 2018 | pmid = 29440149 | doi = 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001440 | s2cid = 3318359 | url = https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/cancer-cachexia(f73c13f1-e977-4b2a-aba8-37bb16aa4a79).html | hdl = 10852/73081 | hdl-access = free }}</ref>

There is low-quality evidence for an effect of aerobic physical exercises on anxiety and serious adverse events in adults with [[Tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues|hematological malignancies]].<ref name=":3" /> Aerobic physical exercise may result in little to no difference in the mortality, quality of life, or physical functioning.<ref name=":3" /> These exercises may result in a slight reduction in depression and reduction in fatigue.<ref name=":3">{{cite journal | vauthors = Knips L, Bergenthal N, Streckmann F, Monsef I, Elter T, Skoetz N | title = Aerobic physical exercise for adult patients with haematological malignancies | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = CD009075 | date = January 2019 | pmid = 30702150 | pmc = 6354325 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD009075.pub3 | collaboration = Cochrane Hematological Malignancies Group }}</ref>

=== Neurobiological{{anchor|Brain function}} ===
{{Excerpt|Neurobiological effects of physical exercise}}

==== Depression ====
{{Excerpt|Neurobiological effects of physical exercise|Major depressive disorder|quote=yes}}

Continuous aerobic exercise can induce a transient state of [[euphoria]], colloquially known as a "runner's high" in [[distance running]] or a "rower's high" in [[Rowing (sport)|crew]], through the increased biosynthesis of at least three [[euphoriant]] neurochemicals: [[anandamide]] (an [[endocannabinoid]]),<ref name="endocannabinoids">{{cite journal | vauthors = Tantimonaco M, Ceci R, Sabatini S, Catani MV, Rossi A, Gasperi V, Maccarrone M | title = Physical activity and the endocannabinoid system: an overview | journal = Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences | volume = 71 | issue = 14 | pages = 2681–2698 | date = July 2014 | pmid = 24526057 | doi = 10.1007/s00018-014-1575-6 | s2cid = 14531019 | pmc = 11113821 }}</ref> [[β-endorphin]] (an [[endogenous opioid]]),<ref name="Endorphin">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dinas PC, Koutedakis Y, Flouris AD | title = Effects of exercise and physical activity on depression | journal = Irish Journal of Medical Science | volume = 180 | issue = 2 | pages = 319–325 | date = June 2011 | pmid = 21076975 | doi = 10.1007/s11845-010-0633-9 | s2cid = 40951545 }}</ref> and [[phenethylamine]] (a [[trace amine]] and [[amphetamine]] analog).<ref name="PEA exercise primary">{{cite journal | vauthors = Szabo A, Billett E, Turner J | title = Phenylethylamine, a possible link to the antidepressant effects of exercise? | journal = British Journal of Sports Medicine | volume = 35 | issue = 5 | pages = 342–343 | date = October 2001 | pmid = 11579070 | pmc = 1724404 | doi = 10.1136/bjsm.35.5.342 }}</ref><ref name="Renaissance">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lindemann L, Hoener MC | title = A renaissance in trace amines inspired by a novel GPCR family | journal = Trends in Pharmacological Sciences | volume = 26 | issue = 5 | pages = 274–281 | date = May 2005 | pmid = 15860375 | doi = 10.1016/j.tips.2005.03.007 }}</ref><ref name="Neuropsychiatric">{{cite journal | vauthors = Berry MD | title = The potential of trace amines and their receptors for treating neurological and psychiatric diseases | journal = Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials | volume = 2 | issue = 1 | pages = 3–19 | date = January 2007 | pmid = 18473983 | doi = 10.2174/157488707779318107 | s2cid = 7127324 }}</ref>

==== Concussion ====
Supervised aerobic exercise without a risk of re-injury (falling, getting hit on the head) is prescribed as treatment for acute concussion.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=De Luigi |first1=Arthur J. |last2=Bell |first2=Kathleen R. |last3=Bramhall |first3=Joe P. |last4=Choe |first4=Meeryo |last5=Dec |first5=Katherine |last6=Finnoff |first6=Jonathan T. |last7=Halstead |first7=Mark |last8=Herring |first8=Stanley A. |last9=Matuszak |first9=Jason |last10=Raksin |first10=P. B. |last11=Swanson |first11=Jennifer |last12=Millett |first12=Carolyn |date=2023 |title=Consensus statement: An evidence-based review of exercise, rehabilitation, rest, and return to activity protocols for the treatment of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37794736 |journal=PM&R |volume=15 |issue=12 |pages=1605–1642 |doi=10.1002/pmrj.13070 |issn=1934-1563 |pmid=37794736}}</ref> Some exercise interventions may also prevent sport-related concussion.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ivanic |first1=Branimir |last2=Cronström |first2=Anna |last3=Johansson |first3=Kajsa |last4=Ageberg |first4=Eva |date=2024-09-06 |title=Efficacy of exercise interventions on prevention of sport-related concussion and related outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=British Journal of Sports Medicine |volume=58 |issue=23 |pages=bjsports–2024–108260 |doi=10.1136/bjsports-2024-108260 |issn=1473-0480 |pmid=39242177|pmc=11672061 }}</ref>

=== Sleep ===
Preliminary evidence from a 2012 review indicated that physical training for up to four months may increase sleep quality in adults over 40 years of age.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Yang PY, Ho KH, Chen HC, Chien MY | title = Exercise training improves sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults with sleep problems: a systematic review | journal = Journal of Physiotherapy | volume = 58 | issue = 3 | pages = 157–163 | year = 2012 | pmid = 22884182 | doi = 10.1016/S1836-9553(12)70106-6 | doi-access = free }}</ref> A 2010 review suggested that exercise generally improved [[sleep]] for most people, and may help with [[insomnia]], but there is insufficient evidence to draw detailed conclusions about the relationship between exercise and sleep.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Buman MP, King AC | year = 2010 | title = Exercise as a Treatment to Enhance Sleep | journal = American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine | volume = 31 | issue = 5| page = 514 | doi= 10.1177/1559827610375532 |s2cid=73314918 }}</ref> A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that exercise can improve sleep quality in people with insomnia.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Banno M, Harada Y, Taniguchi M, Tobita R, Tsujimoto H, Tsujimoto Y, Kataoka Y, Noda A | display-authors = 6 | title = Exercise can improve sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis | journal = PeerJ | volume = 6 | pages = e5172 | year = 2018 | pmid = 30018855 | pmc = 6045928 | doi = 10.7717/peerj.5172 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

=== Libido ===
One 2013 study found that exercising improved sexual arousal problems related to antidepressant use.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lorenz TA, Meston CM | title = Acute exercise improves physical sexual arousal in women taking antidepressants | journal = Annals of Behavioral Medicine | volume = 43 | issue = 3 | pages = 352–361 | date = June 2012 | pmid = 22403029 | pmc = 3422071 | doi = 10.1007/s12160-011-9338-1 }}</ref>

=== Respiratory system ===
People who participate in physical exercise experience increased cardiovascular fitness.{{medical citation needed|date=May 2022}}
There is some level of concern about additional exposure to air pollution when [[Outdoor fitness|exercising outdoors]], especially near traffic.<ref name="Laeremans et al. 2018">{{cite journal | vauthors = Laeremans M, Dons E, Avila-Palencia I, Carrasco-Turigas G, Orjuela-Mendoza JP, Anaya-Boig E, Cole-Hunter T, DE Nazelle A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Standaert A, VAN Poppel M, DE Boever P, Int Panis L | display-authors = 6 | title = Black Carbon Reduces the Beneficial Effect of Physical Activity on Lung Function | journal = Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise | volume = 50 | issue = 9 | pages = 1875–1881 | date = September 2018 | pmid = 29634643 | doi = 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001632 | hdl-access = free | s2cid = 207183760 | hdl = 10044/1/63478 }}</ref>