THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON FUNCTIONING OF THE CARDIO-RENAL-PULMONARY AXIS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH VISCERAL OBESITY - THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EXERCISE AS A PREVENTIVE AND THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY

Introduction: Visceral obesity contributes to dysfunction of the integrated cardio-renal-pulmonary (CORP) axis, promoting insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, hypertension, and glomerular hyperfiltration. Physical activity (PA) is recognized as an effective therapeutic and preventive strategy; however, its specific impact on all components of the CORP axis requires a comprehensive analysis. Objective: To evaluate the effects of various forms of physical activity on: cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity (VO₂ max, cardiorespiratory fitness - CRF), renal function (glomerular filtration rate - GFR, albuminuria), pulmonary structure and function (lung volumes, tissue compliance), in adults with visceral obesity. Methods: A systematic review of the literature and selected meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was conducted using PubMed, PMC, and Embase databases up to June 2025. Interventions included aerobic training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training, and combined exercise programs. Changes in CRF, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), GFR, blood pressure, and lung function indicators were analyzed. Conclusions: Physical activity- particularly aerobic, interval, and combined training- has a beneficial effect on the function of the cardio-renal-pulmonary axis in individuals with visceral obesity. Key mechanisms include enhanced aerobic fitness, VAT reduction, improved metabolic profile, attenuation of inflammation, and nephroprotection. Regular exercise should be an essential component of therapeutic and preventive strategies in this population. Further research is warranted to clarify the dose-response relationship between exercise type/intensity and improvements in each CORP axis system.