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The Physiological Society


Breathing muscles remain stronger even after weeks of no training: preserved health gains could improve physical endurance and quality of life for people with chronic lung conditions

Researchers found that breathing muscle strength persisted for five weeks after training stopped, suggesting potential benefits for physical endurance and quality of life in individuals with chronic lung conditions. Inspiratory muscle training also reduced the metaboreflex, allowing for improved exercise endurance.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Is poorer blood sugar control associated with a reduced capacity to lose heat during exercise in hot conditions for people with type 2 diabetes?

Researchers found that poorer blood sugar control, as measured by haemoglobin A1c, was associated with higher core body temperature and increased heart rate during exercise in a heated chamber. This suggests that people with type 2 diabetes may be at greater risk of heat-related stress and heat-related injuries.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

New target for therapies to treat preterm labour

Researchers have discovered that Piezo1 is responsible for regulating the uterus's behavior during pregnancy, keeping it relaxed and ensuring proper expansion. The identification of Piezo1 paves the way for developing drugs and therapies to treat or delay preterm labour, a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Obesity in pregnancy increases risk of lifelong cardiovascular disease in offspring

A study found that maternal obesity impairs heart health and function of the fetus, altering gene expression and increasing risk of cardiac problems in later life. Sex differences were observed, with females experiencing impaired cardiac function that worsened with age, while males showed impairments from birth.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

The secret to staying young: New research highlights power of life long exercise to keep muscles healthy

Research published in The Journal of Physiology highlights the benefits of lifelong exercise on muscle health in older adults. Elderly individuals who engage in regular physical activity throughout their life have healthier ageing muscles with superior function and resistance to fatigue.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

Women with long COVID-19 may need targeted rehabilitation to help counter problems with physical activity tolerance

Research suggests women with lingering COVID-19 symptoms experience heart rate irregularities during physical exertion, leading to delayed recovery and reduced exercise tolerance. Targeted rehabilitation programs are needed to manage these consequences in women with persistent heart and lung problems.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021

Ketone supplement might be a novel therapeutic for boosting brain function in obesity

A new study found that ketone supplements enhanced blood flow to the brain and improved aspects of cognitive function, such as working memory and processing speed, in adults with obesity. This suggests that ketone supplements may be a novel therapeutic strategy for protecting and improving brain health in people with obesity.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Using the microbiome to promote muscle growth in muscle loss conditions such as ageing and cancer

A new study found that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for skeletal muscles to grow after exercise. Researchers used mice with antibiotics to disrupt the microbiome, showing reduced muscle growth compared to healthy mice. The findings support previous studies linking the gut microbiome to muscle health.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2021

Keeping fit with HIIT really does work

Low-volume HIIT (less than 20 minutes total exercise time) yields comparable improvements to longer interventions despite requiring significantly less time. This approach is especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules who struggle to meet current physical activity guidelines.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 15, 2021

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 frontline

The conference shares current knowledge and thinking across physiological systems, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between physiology and critical care. Physiologists have played an integral part in managing COVID-19, highlighting the importance of understanding pathophysiology to drive appropriate clinical intervention.

The good cough and the bad cough

Researchers have identified separate brain pathways for good and bad coughs, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic cough disorders. The study used functional brain imaging to assess cough reflex sensitivity and identified two distinct neural circuits involved in coughing.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 7, 2020