How does exercise affect the heart's nerve control system according to the University of Bristol study?

The study found exercise creates distinct left-right adaptations in the nerves that control heartbeats, a pattern previously unrecognized.

Could these University of Bristol findings lead to new heart treatments?

Yes, understanding these side-specific nerve changes may help doctors develop more targeted and effective therapies for heart conditions.

Are the findings on exercise and heart nerves applicable to humans yet?

The research is based on lab rats, and further studies are needed to confirm if similar effects occur in people.

Home / Health / Exercise Rewires Heart's 'Autopilot' System

Exercise Rewires Heart's 'Autopilot' System

28 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Moderate exercise creates distinct nerve control changes on left and right heart sides.
Study suggests exercise may reprogram heart's nerve control for better treatment.
Findings based on lab rat research may lead to more precise heart therapies.

Exercise Rewires Heart's 'Autopilot' System

Recent scientific findings indicate that regular exercise may go beyond strengthening the heart to actively reprogramming the nerves that govern its rhythm. Research conducted over 10 weeks with lab rats has uncovered a previously unnoticed left-right pattern in the body's autonomic nervous system controlling the heart.

This study, published in Autonomic Neuroscience, observed that moderate exercise leads to differing adaptations in the nerve hubs. The right side developed more nerve cells, while the left side saw existing cells grow larger, suggesting a specialized remodeling process. This side-specific reshaping could be key to understanding treatment efficacy.