The University of Leeds has found why working out could be difficult after people take a long break from exercise. The researchers found that going for a prolonged period without exercise deactivates a crucial protein this morning blood flow to your muscles.

According to Fiona Bartoli, a senior study author from the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds, working out could help prevent cancer, depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, as many people don’t keep up with exercise, it could increase their risk of developing these diseases.

The time of Piezo1 in exercise

The researchers looked into Piezo1, a protein that lowers the density of capillaries as they deliver blood to the muscles. When people stop exercising, this protein is no longer activated, making blood flow to the muscles harder when we start working out again.

Past studies have shown the biological responses of exercise. However, scientists are unaware of how the advantages of exercise are triggered at the molecular level. Fortunately, this new study shows how people feel the benefits of exercise from the molecular level through Piezo1. The study also shows that people should exercise consistently to keep the protein active.

How researchers conducted the study

While both mice and human beings have the protein, the researchers conducted their study on mice. They split the mice into two groups. The team then disrupted the Piezo1 levels in mice while keeping them constant in the control group.

The team observed mice climbing, walking and running. The group with the altered Piezo1 were less active than their counterparts. At first, the researchers thought they were less interested and had no motivation to exercise.

However, over time, the team found no differences in the amount and duration of exercise for the two groups. Moreover, the mice with altered Piezo1 exhibited a slower capacity for exercise instead of a lack of motivation.

David Beech, another study author and professor in the School of Medicine at Leeds University, states that the study has been vital for helping the team discover the role of Piezo1 in exercise.

Beech adds that scientists already knew the role Piezo1 plays in developing blood vessels. However, fewer realise that it maintains blood vessels for adults until now.