Researchers from the University of British Columbia are set to develop an exercise pill that will replace the need for physical exercise.
Ismail Laher, co-author of the study said “An exercise pill would do what exercise regularly does to muscle.
“Clearly people derive many other rewarding experiences from exercise — such as increased cognitive function, bone strength, and improved cardiovascular function.
“It is unrealistic to expect that exercise pills will fully be able to substitute for physical exercise — at least not in the immediate future.”
Laher explained that they have gathered detailed information on its benefits for metabolism, circulation, and improved functioning of organs such as the heart, brain, and liver.
He added that the exercise pill if successfully developed will go a long way in helping specific patients who may not be able to engage in physical activity on the road to recovery.
He said “For example, a pill for people with spinal cord injury could be very appealing given the difficulties that these individuals face in exercising due to paralysis–in such patients, a large number of detrimental changes occur in cardiovascular and skeletal muscle function.”