EXERCISE- INDUCED MITOCHONDRIAL ADAPTATIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
Julia Lorek, Patrycja Waszkiewicz, Magda Sawin, Katarzyna Szeliga, Wiktoria Brzozowska, Daniel Grobecki et al. · International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science · 2026
Background: . Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key mechanism underlying chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and age-related conditions. In contrast, exercise training promotes mitochondrial adaptations that improve metabolic health and physical performance, making mitochondrial health an important therapeutic target.
Aim: . The
aim of this review was to evaluate the current evidence on exercise-induced mitochondrial adaptations and their role in disease prevention, focusing on molecular mechanisms linking sports science with preventive medicine.
Materials and methods: . A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases. Studies published between 2019 and 2026 were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and analyzed qualitatively.
Results: . Evidence shows that exercise training increases skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and activates pathways regulating biogenesis, dynamics, and quality control. These adaptations also occur in vascular, cardiac, and neural tissues, enhancing oxidative capacity, metabolic flexibility, and antioxidant defense, particularly in type 2 diabetes prevention. However, differences in exercise protocols and outcome measures limit
Conclusions: regarding optimal training prescriptions.
Conclusions. Mitochondrial adaptations are a major mechanism linking exercise to disease prevention. Different exercise modalities induce distinct mitochondrial responses, supporting precision exercise prescription in athletic and clinical populations.