Researchers found that sensor data from fitness trackers can identify COVID-19 cases with greater accuracy than symptoms alone. The DETECT study uses mobile app data to analyze changes in heart rate, sleep, and activity levels to detect viral illnesses.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that people doing hard physical work have a 55-per cent higher risk of developing dementia. Despite previous findings suggesting physical activity reduces dementia risk, this study highlights the importance of 'good' form of physical activity.
A recent US Air Force study found that nutrition has a significant impact on both physical and cognitive performance. The study revealed that consuming the right nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and lutein, can improve working memory, reaction time, and muscle mass.
A 12-week exercise regimen improved physical fitness in active-duty airmen, with added benefits from consuming a nutrient-enriched beverage. The study found significant gains in strength, endurance, mobility, and stability, as well as enhanced cognitive function, including better episodic memory and fluid intelligence.
A randomized clinical trial found that different fitness strategies were effective for distinct subgroups of participants based on their personality and behavioral characteristics. These subgroups included extroverted and motivated individuals, less active and less social participants, and those who were less motivated and at-risk.
The study proposes a mathematical model to understand the interactions between microorganisms within hosts and their transmission ability. The framework allows for the prediction of infection trajectories in single hosts and transmission in host populations, even considering complex interactions and stochasticity.
Patients with a first-time depression diagnosis have an increased risk of worsening and requiring hospitalisation if they have previously been treated for a physical disease at a hospital. The risk is also influenced by age and the number of physical diseases, with more diseases under 65 increasing the risk.
Researchers developed an IoT-based exercise system that improves physical fitness in elderly individuals by measuring oxygen intake and monitoring exercise intensity. With a 5-month training program, participants increased their fitness level to match that of 10 years earlier, utilizing interval walking training (IWT).
A two-year project is prototyping miniature fitness trackers and environmental sensors to monitor lobsters' health and shipping conditions. The devices aim to reduce mortality and improve survival in the lobster supply chain, valued at nearly half a billion dollars annually.
A new study from the University of Jyväskylä found that women scoring high in neuroticism reported less physical activity and had lower leisure time physical activity. High extraversion was linked to higher leisure time physical activity in middle-aged women.
A recent study found that social components of fitness apps facilitate motivation and beliefs in physical activity, leading to increased engagement. The study highlights the importance of social support in promoting exercise behavior.
Obesity, as measured by body mass index and abdominal fat content, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and progression of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Lower physical fitness levels are also linked to a higher cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that inhibiting the PHD3 enzyme improves mouse exercise capacity, running distance, and VO2 max. This finding sheds light on a key mechanism for fat metabolism and offers clues toward understanding muscle function and fitness.
Research by Technical University of Munich shows that faster-growing bacteria are more likely to die when deprived of food, highlighting the balance between growth and survivability in bacterial fitness. The study may lead to improved effectiveness of antibiotics by stimulating intestinal bacteria growth.
A new study found that fitness watches can be beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses, increasing exercise motivation, but also causing unnecessary anxiety due to misinterpreted data. Researchers recommend a collaborative care approach to help patients and clinicians jointly interpret wearable device data.
Researchers found that a pre-epidemic Zika virus mutation enhanced virulence and fitness for transmission, increasing maternal-to-fetal transmission in nonhuman primates. The mutation did not affect mosquito-borne infection but increased the virus's ability to spread through human populations.
A new study shows that physically fit patients are more likely to benefit from atrial fibrillation ablation, with a lower risk of recurrent arrhythmia and improved outcomes. The study found that high cardiorespiratory fitness can act as an antiarrhythmic medication, keeping patients in rhythm after the procedure.
Research published at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2020 Scientific Sessions found that weight loss is not always the best strategy to enhance aerobic fitness in young women. In fact, a lower body mass index (BMI) may be aerobically counterproductive for many women under 30, who still have high aerobic ...
Children with low cardiorespiratory fitness are at risk for premature heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Improving CRF through regular physical activity, such as sports or high-intensity interval training, can lead to better academic achievement, mental health, and overall health.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that increased blood sugar levels can impair aerobic fitness and muscle adaptation in mice and humans. Despite this, regular aerobic exercise is still recommended for maintaining health, especially when combined with dietary changes.
A four-week study found that traditional strength training (TRT) and plyometric jump training (PJT) are equally effective in improving muscular fitness among sedentary young adults. No significant differences were observed between the two groups, suggesting these exercises can be used interchangeably for physical fitness.
A study analyzed 156 workers' sitting behavior, revealing that switching postures tends to occur later in the workday. Participants were more likely to stand if active in recent hours, but switching was not associated with physical fitness levels.
Research from McMaster University suggests that high-intensity interval training can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in people with spinal cord injuries, matching the benefits of longer bouts of moderate intensity exercise. The study also found that HIIT is generally tolerable and poses few risks for this population.
A new study provides valuable insights into the importance of reducing genetic load in conservation breeding programs, particularly for endangered species like the Pacific pocket mouse. The research suggests that introducing genes from healthier populations can increase fitness and prevent inbreeding.
Researchers from NUS and Stanford found that people with a strategic mindset ask themselves 'How else can I do this?' when faced with challenges, leading to effective strategies and improved performance in educational, professional, health and fitness goals. A strategic mindset can be taught through training and practice.
A new study found that lower body fat percentage is associated with higher levels of N-acetyl aspartic acid in white matter, a marker of neuronal health. Fitter adults show improved structural brain connectivity.
A new Stanford Medicine study provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular effects of exercise, shedding light on how physical fitness is determined at a molecular level. The research reveals a strong correlation between specific molecules and an individual's aerobic fitness, paving the way for the development of a blood test tha...
Regular endurance training and good fitness levels protect against serious cardiovascular events and early mortality for people diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The study found that participants with the lowest calculated fitness levels had the highest mortality risk, but those who met physical activity recommendations lived longer.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that online exercise advice rarely matches the national Physical Activity Guidelines, which advise adults to engage in moderate aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes per week. The study analyzed fitness recommendations from various websites and found that professional associations w...
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that incorporating cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) into traditional risk factor assessments improves mortality risk prediction accuracy. CRF was strongly associated with a lower risk of mortality, particularly when combined with age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking.
Researchers found that stroke survivors who engaged in light physical activity reported fewer physical limitations than their more sedentary peers. Light physical activity was associated with improved performance on routine physical tasks and daily activities.
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that people with very poor fitness at the beginning of a behavioral weight loss program lose less weight in the long term. Adults with poor or better fitness lost nearly twice as much weight over 18 months compared to those with very poor fitness.
A study led by James Cook University found that supervised exercise sessions can reduce the negative side effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients. The research showed sustained benefits in cardiovascular risk profile and quality of life, but not in cardiopulmonary fitness and fatigue.
A study by Duke University found that wearable devices like smart watches and fitness trackers accurately measure heart rate across different skin tones but have varying levels of accuracy during various activities. The research highlights the need for better understanding of device accuracy and its impact on medical decisions.
Low birth weight is linked to poor cardiorespiratory fitness in young adults. The study found that babies born at term weighing more than average had better fitness levels, with a 7.9-watt increase for every 450 grams of extra weight.
A new study found that a single bout of intense cardiovascular exercise can improve video game performance. The research, led by Dr. Marc Roig, challenged the idea that video gaming and physical activity are antagonistic activities. Exercise was shown to benefit players regardless of their fitness level or emotional response.
The Parkinson's Foundation has awarded a total of $30,000 to three physical therapists through its new Physical Therapy Faculty Award. The award will support individual project initiatives aimed at improving life for people with Parkinson's disease, including developing academic partnerships and heart rate monitoring protocols.
Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University compared two popular HIIT protocols, finding that 60-second intervals with 60-second rest periods improved aerobic capacity and body composition. In contrast, 30-second intervals with 120 seconds of rest had no significant impact on fitness parameters.
Good aerobic fitness is not linked to lower risk of insulin resistance in obese children. Instead, more physical activity and less sedentary time were associated with reduced insulin resistance regardless of body fat percentage. The study suggests that more physical activity plays a key role in preventing type 2 diabetes in childhood.
A new study found that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have lower physical work capacity due to a functional iron deficiency, which impairs energy production. The research suggests focusing on improving iron availability through diet may be more effective than exercise in addressing the condition.
Daily physical activity improved key measures of cardiovascular health, such as good cholesterol levels and aerobic fitness, in overweight children. Gradual reductions in body fat, like that experienced by exercise participants, is more beneficial than focusing on weight loss.
A new study published in BJU International found that short-term exercise can reduce the adverse effects of hormone therapy on cardiovascular fitness and fatigue. Patients who underwent supervised aerobic and resistance training experienced improved cardiopulmonary fitness, reduced fatigue, and enhanced quality of life.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that increasing cardiorespiratory fitness can halve the risk of getting dementia. Participants with poor fitness in the 1980s who improved it within a decade lived two years longer without dementia.
A new report by The Gerontological Society of America identifies three key steps for maintaining 'longevity fitness': cultivating social relationships, maintaining physical and mental health, and building financial security. The report provides actionable guidance to individuals and families to thrive as they age.
Researchers found that increasing physical activity after a breast cancer diagnosis is associated with a lower risk of death, regardless of pre-diagnosis activity levels. Postmenopausal women who were insufficiently active before diagnosis but sufficiently active after diagnosis had a 50% reduced risk of overall mortality.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that adding weight management counseling to group visits improved diabetes outcomes for patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Participants who received the counseling showed significant weight loss, reduced blood sugar levels, and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia compared to those who on...
Adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia experience neurocognitive deficits and reduced exercise capacity due to their disease and treatment. However, a minor improvement in exercise tolerance may have a significant impact on survivors' intellectual health, improving performance on neuropsychological tests.
A recent Finnish study found that more active and fit children have better cardiac regulation than less active peers. Higher sedentary time and lower levels of aerobic fitness were associated with poorer heart function in both boys and girls.
A new study found that even short-term reduction in physical activity led to decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, increased waist circumference, and insulin resistance in healthy adults. Resuming normal activity levels reversed these effects, highlighting the importance of staying physically active to offset negative consequences.
A large study found that physical fitness is associated with improved cognitive ability and healthy white matter in the brain of young adults. The research used a publicly available database of 1206 MRI brain scans from the Human Connectome Project.
A study of nearly 1.7 million 18-year-old boys found that higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to a greater risk of heart attack before age 65. The research suggests that monitoring BMI during puberty and preventing obesity with healthy eating and physical activity may help reduce this risk.
A new study from the University of Southern Denmark shows that football is a surprisingly efficient type of physical training for female prediabetes patients, resulting in broad-spectrum improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal fitness. The exercise intensity and effects were similar in women and men, with impressi...
A new report from the University of East Anglia reveals that over-55s should prioritize physical activity to enjoy a fit and healthy retirement. The study found that many approaching retirement are in poor shape due to health problems, lack of motivation, and limited time.
A new study reveals that school fitness tests have little association with students' enjoyment of PE and emotions towards the subject. Despite polarized views, research suggests that fitness testing is not effective in promoting a positive outlook or discouraging participation.
Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown discovered a cell-competition mechanism called fitness fingerprints that allows cancer cells to disguise themselves as healthy cells. By blocking this mechanism, they found that tumour growth can be slowed down, but not eliminated.
Researchers found that combining aerobic exercise and resistance training preserves muscle mass in obese older adults. The study showed increased muscle protein synthesis and improved muscle quality compared to control groups.
A mobile-sensing system tracks physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being of workers to classify high and low performers. The system achieved an accuracy of 80% in distinguishing between high and low performers across different industries.
Good heart and lung fitness in middle age is associated with a lower long-term risk of chronic lung disease (COPD). Physical activity boosts fitness may delay development, progression, and death from COPD. Studies have suggested that high physical activity levels are associated with reduced COPD risk.
Researchers create mathematical framework to estimate cost-benefit trade-off of seeking shade in a warming world. The framework predicts that 17 insect species will experience 'behavioral rescue' and improve their fitness, while 19 are likely to be negatively impacted by rising temperatures.
A new study by University of Surrey researchers found that community pharmacy interventions significantly improved physical activity levels and reduced weight, BMI, and cholesterol in men with prostate cancer. These lifestyle changes also led to increased grip strength and better overall fitness.