Wounds requiring prolonged healing times can lead to infection and even amputation, however, new research reveals exercise can help speed up the healing process. Researchers at The Ohio State University in Columbus tested the effects of exercise on the healing rates of wounds. The study included 28 healthy older adults between ages 55 and 77. Thirteen of the participants exercised three times a week for three months. The other 15 participants did not change their activity habits. Researchers gave each participant a small puncture wound on the back of their upper arms. Throughout the study, researchers measured and photographed the wounds. Wounds on the subjects who exercised healed 10 days faster than wounds of people who didn't exercise. It took 29 day for the wounds to heal in the exercise group and 39 days for the non-exercise group. Researchers say the added benefit of stress reduction may explain why exercise helps wounds heal. This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/. SOURCE: Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 2005;60A:1432-1436 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.