Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less fit than their peers, with aerobic fitness levels 25% lower and muscle function 10% lower. The study suggests that active living can help reduce the risk of future health problems in IBD patients.
Researchers developed a new approach to predict which flu strain will be prevalent in a given year by tracking pairs of genetic changes. This method offers insights into epistasis, where mutations interact with each other to affect the virus's fitness. By analyzing these interactions, scientists can gain early warnings of emerging muta...
Investing in public parks and recreational services can lead to increased physical activity, better health outcomes, and a less strained healthcare system. The research suggests that the quality of these services has a direct impact on resident fitness levels and overall well-being.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS develop an electronic fitness trainer that collects data on user movements and breathing, providing personalized feedback and advice. The system aims to motivate users towards regular exercise and improve physical well-being, particularly for older adults.
New UK research found that boys and girls who engage in physical activity with their best friend tend to be more active. The study suggests that encouraging children to exercise with friends outside of school can increase their physical activity levels.
A new study published in Spine found that patients who received early physical therapy after an episode of low back pain were less likely to receive epidural steroid injections, lumbar surgery, and frequent physician visits. This suggests that prompt access to physical therapy can lead to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Research on 1,000 adults aged 18-85 found that physically fit individuals experience fewer and milder colds. Exercise was shown to boost immune system cells, reducing infection frequency by 43% and symptom severity by 41%.
Researchers found that over 70% of particulates released during fires are ultrafine and can be inhaled into the lungs. Firefighters are at a higher risk of heart disease due to exposure to these harmful particles, particularly those with low physical fitness or health.
A lifestyle intervention has been shown to provide long-term benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes, leading to significant weight loss and improvements in fitness, hemoglobin A1c levels, and cholesterol profiles. The study suggests that this approach can help prevent long-term complications of the disease.
Research at University of Illinois found that physically fit children have a bigger hippocampus and perform better on tests of memory. A study using MRI measures found associations between aerobic fitness and improved cognitive tasks in pre-adolescent children.
Researchers develop new theory explaining the evolution of eusocial behavior, finding that standard natural selection is sufficient to account for cooperation in species like ants and bees. The study suggests that eusociality arises independently multiple times due to the stability of colonies once established.
A new study by University of Alberta researchers found that wealthier families in Canada get the biggest bang for their buck from the Children's Fitness Tax Credit. Lower-income families can't afford registration fees and therefore qualify less often.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Kerry Courneya will investigate the impact of physical activity on breast cancer outcomes in a five-year study. The study aims to explore how physical fitness levels affect disease recurrence, treatment completion, and quality of life in women with breast cancer.
A brain fitness program has been shown to improve visual memory in older adults by up to 10%, leading to increased accuracy and a link to changes in neural activity. This study's findings suggest that focused training can lead to plasticity in the brain, improving cognitive function in aging populations.
A new study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that physical activity has no impact on weight change in children, but weight loss can lead to reduced physical activity. This suggests that addressing childhood obesity through reducing caloric intake and portion size may be more effective than increasing physical activity.
A preliminary study using comic strips to educate African-American girls aged 8-10 showed high log-on rates and statistically significant increases in fruit consumption and physical activity. The program aims to be expanded to a larger group of volunteers with the goal of developing a version for Hispanic girls.
A lifestyle intervention program reduced body fat and improved fitness in preschoolers from migrant families. The program taught children to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, get more sleep, and reduce media use.
Researchers found an association between physical fitness and lower metabolic risk factors, such as triglycerides and blood glucose levels, in college students. Even those with higher than desirable body fat percentages can benefit from exercise to reduce chronic disease risk.
Research by NiCole Keith highlights the need for physicians to consider physical activity levels a vital sign, similar to height and blood pressure. Regular discussions about exercise habits can help reduce stigma and promote healthy behaviors, leading to better weight management outcomes.
Researchers found that traditional aerobic fitness training improved systolic blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion, and peak VO2 levels compared to pedometer-based walking programs. Participants in the supervised fitness program also showed greater adherence rates.
A Saint Louis University study shows that a residential summer weight-loss camp improves the health of obese children by reducing their weight, BMI, and blood pressure. The program also boosts their physical fitness and self-esteem, as they connect with peers who share similar struggles.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend daily physical activity to prevent chronic diseases, with specific guidelines for youth, adults, and older adults. The guidelines emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity in clinical and public health practice.
Researchers found that arginine supplements improved the cycling ability of older cyclists by increasing their anaerobic threshold. The study, published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, showed a significant increase in exercise capacity after just one week of supplementation.
A new Houston study shows that a kid-friendly weight management program can lead to significant weight loss and improved physical quality of life for children. The 6-month program involved instruction-led sessions on nutrition and behavior-change skills, resulting in better outcomes compared to a self-taught approach.
A study by American Heart Association found that organized physical activity is associated with better academic performance, lower body fat levels in adolescent girls, and improved overall health. The research suggests that encouraging regular physical activity can lead to healthier, happier, and smarter children.
Highly fit multiple sclerosis patients perform significantly better on tests of cognitive function than similar less-fit patients. Aerobic fitness has a protective effect on parts of the brain most affected by MS, leading to better performance on tasks that measure processing speed.
Regular exercise has been shown to increase hippocampal volume in both healthy individuals and those with schizophrenia, suggesting the brain retains some plasticity despite the disorder. This finding offers hope for potential benefits of incorporating physical activity into treatment plans for patients with schizophrenia.
A UK-based randomized controlled trial evaluates the MEND Program's effectiveness in preventing and treating pediatric obesity. The study demonstrates improvements in weight loss, BMI, waist circumference, self-esteem, physical activity levels, and general health among participants.
A recent study shows that supervised exercise combined with nicotine replacement therapy can help women quit smoking and reduce weight gain. However, long-term relapse rates remain a challenge, highlighting the need for cost-effective maintenance programs to prevent smoking relapse.
Research from the University of Warwick found that healthcare professionals are not adequately advising patients with medical conditions about their fitness to drive. Only 7.5% of healthcare professionals correctly identified medically unfit drivers in a paper case study, while 75% failed to offer advice on driving.
Two studies found moderate physical activity in midlife reduces risk of mild cognitive impairment. A six-month high-intensity aerobic exercise program improves cognitive function in individuals with the condition. Moderate exercise is associated with a 39% reduction in odds of developing mild cognitive impairment.
Research by University of Southern California scientists found a positive association between adolescent fitness and adult cognitive performance. Fit teenage boys scored higher on intelligence tests, logical performance, and mechanical skills, while muscle strength did not have a similar impact.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that drivers with tighter glycemic control were more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes. The research suggests that a patient's HbA1c level is not necessary or sufficient for determining fitness-to-drive, questioning current traffic laws.
A new company, Cogniciti, is being formed by Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care and MaRS to develop brain fitness products. The company will produce games, training protocols, and corporate training programs grounded in 20 years of aging brain research.
A study published in Physical Therapy found that a progressive physical therapist-guided exercise and education program significantly improved physical function in patients after back surgery. The 12-week program reduced disability and improved walking performance, suggesting greater effectiveness than usual physical therapy.
Students with low socioeconomic status showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and fat-free mass after daily school physical activity classes. The study found that these children increased their VO2max by 14% and gained 2.6% more lean body mass.
A study led by researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley found that regular PE class participation is significantly associated with greater cardiovascular fitness and lower body mass index. Engagement in at least 20 minutes of exercise during PE class also improved weight status and decreased mile times.
Researchers at Penn University developed a new theory that explains the pace of evolution and determines the speed at which an organism adapts. The study predicts that some organisms, including humans, may not evolve indefinitely and that populations can accrue mutations at a constant rate even under Darwinian selection.
A three-year study by University of Alberta researchers found that aerobic exercise training significantly improved physical functioning and overall quality of life in patients with lymphoma. The study showed a 46.4% complete response rate in the exercise group, compared to 30.8% in the usual care group.
The study found that cardiorespiratory fitness declines more rapidly after age 45, with men experiencing a greater decline than women. Maintaining a healthy BMI, being physically active, and not smoking are associated with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness throughout adult life.
Researchers found no support for theory that female choice is connected to 'good genes', suggesting females resist mating attempts primarily for their own benefit. Females with increased ability to reject males had higher fitness, while inadvertent selection for male persistence played a minor role.
Breast cancer patients can reduce their risk of lymphedema by seeking physical therapy services before, during, and after treatment. A study published in the journal Cancer found that pre-operative assessments by physical therapists enable early diagnosis and management of the condition, leading to more conservative treatment options.
A University of Florida study found that exercise alone can improve body image, regardless of the actual physical benefits. The researchers discovered that people who don't meet fitness standards feel just as good about their bodies as those who are more athletic.
Exercise counseling combined with fitness center-based training improves muscular strength and exercise capacity in people with type 2 diabetes, comparable to supervised exercise programs. Physical therapists can effectively prescribe this approach for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that 4 weeks of aerobic cycling exercise reduced hepatic triglyceride concentration and visceral adipose tissue volume in obese individuals, leading to lower risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study suggests that regular physical activity can benefit liver health without relying on weight loss.
A 12-week moderate aerobic exercise program improved insulin sensitivity in both lean and obese sedentary adolescents, increasing fitness without the need for weight loss. The study suggests an aerobic program like this could be a useful tool in preventing obesity-related illnesses.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that weightlifting can help reduce lymphedema symptoms in breast cancer survivors. The research challenges traditional advice and suggests a slowly progressive weight-lifting routine can be beneficial for women with lymphedema.
A new study found that antibiotic-resistant TB strains cause longer-lasting infections but with lower transmission rates. The research team estimated the rate of evolution of drug resistance and compared the relative reproductive fitness of resistant and drug-sensitive strains.
Research shows that approximately 25-35% of American adults are inactive, doubling their risk of developing numerous health conditions. A leading exercise scientist emphasizes the importance of physical activity in delaying mental decline and brain health problems.
Researchers found that quality after-school programs are essential for children's physical activity, but many lack adequate nutrition and physical activity. The HOP'N After-School Project improved physical activity levels by modifying existing activities to include more moderate-to-vigorous exercise.
Men who walk or bike to work are less likely to be overweight or obese and have healthier triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and insulin levels. Active commuting is also associated with improved fitness and reduced environmental impact.
A University of Alberta study shows that heart transplant recipients can significantly improve their physical fitness, including cardio-respiratory fitness, muscle mass, and maximal strength. However, exercise training did not improve heart or blood-vessel function.
Researchers found that inbred bumblebee colonies suffer from decreased growth rates, lower offspring production, and reduced colony survival. The presence of diploid males, produced at the expense of female workers, has a detrimental effect on colony fitness.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that young adults with low aerobic fitness levels are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes over a 20-year period. The study highlights the importance of regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
A new study published by Oregon State University researchers found that hatchery fish significantly impair the reproductive fitness of their offspring, even if they survive and reproduce in the wild. This could be hurting efforts to sustain wild salmon runs, scientists said.
A study analyzing the mutator hypothesis found that cancer cells' efficient pathways to cancer are often driven by genetic instability, supporting the hypothesis. This discovery has implications for cancer therapy, as it may enable cancer cells to rapidly evolve resistance.
Researchers found that the level of physical activity and cancer treatment do not affect a person's cardiovascular fitness. A new test, three-minute step test, can help determine a patient's current fitness level.
A new study found that parasites evolve to be less aggressive when scattered among isolated clusters of hosts, favoring the survival of the group. This discovery suggests that as human activity makes the world more connected, natural selection will favor more virulent and dangerous parasites.
Scientists at the University of Iceland and Marine Research Institute report a significant difference in Darwinian fitness between shallow-water and deep-water adapted cod. The study found that intense habitat-specific fishing pressure led to rapid elimination of shallow-water fish, drastic effects on populations and fisheries.
Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with a lower risk of all-cause death and coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis suggests that even a minimal level of CRF, above 7.9 METs, can provide significant prevention for these conditions.