Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
Researchers discovered that moderate-intensity exercise significantly improved cartilage health and tissue resilience in aging-related osteoarthritis. The molecular cargo of extracellular vesicles was found to be enriched with microRNA-29, which restored youthful characteristics in cartilage cells and reduced joint degeneration features.
Research suggests that isometric exercise training, even with less frequent training, can help maintain significant blood pressure reductions. The study found that those who exercised once or twice a week maintained improvements in blood pressure and other cardiac measures.
A randomized clinical trial found that supervised physical therapy after ACL surgery yielded greater improvements in pain, function, and muscle strength compared to a self-directed exercise program. Researchers concluded that supervised exercise therapy combined with education offers meaningful short-term benefits for young adults with...
A new study suggests that eating a diet low in ultra-processed foods and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, even in those with a strong genetic predisposition. The analysis of data on tens of thousands of people found that those who followed these habits were up to 70% less likely to develop the condition.
Participants with mild disabilities experienced a $1,177 annual reduction in care costs, compared to non-participants. Community gathering places promote social participation, exercise, and mutual support, contributing to healthy aging and mitigating long-term care costs.
A new study found that exercise can significantly reduce acute and chronic pain across various conditions, with shorter-duration programs delivering greater pain reductions. Exercise was associated with substantial reductions in pain, regardless of the type, intensity, or duration of exercise.
A study with mice found that seven days of strength training activated lipid breakdown mechanisms, reduced fat cell size, and decreased fat around the intestines. This effect occurred even before any weight loss was observed on the scale.
A global alliance of sports and exercise medicine professionals addresses challenges of aging societies, including functional longevity. They emphasize the need for sports medicine to adapt to an aging population, prioritizing preventative measures.
Researchers assessed glucose levels, carbohydrate intake, and continuous glucose monitoring accuracy during the 2025 Poznań Marathon. Participants with type 1 diabetes completed the race with performance comparable to controls, highlighting the potential for safe marathon participation with proper glucose management.
A UK Biobank study found that higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are associated with a substantially lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly among younger adults. Encouraging older adults to be physically active could prevent more cases of type 2 diabetes due to their high overall risk.
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions by a third and heart attack risk by more than a quarter, with long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Digital programmes can be just as effective as traditional centre-based services, making rehabilitation more accessible.
College students who engage with sports content online are no more likely to participate in real-world physical activity, according to a SeoulTech study. The research suggests that YouTube sports content could be improved to encourage viewers to engage in sustained physical activity with practical features.
A meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials involving 8449 participants found that structured exercise was associated with significant improvements in overall survival and reduced risk of cancer recurrence. The benefits were strongest among participants who completed at least 70% of their exercise program.
A Finnish study found that remote workers sleep 15 minutes longer and spend 45 minutes more sitting and lying down than office workers. This increase in sedentary behavior is attributed to less standing and increased sitting in a home setting.
A new framework proposes 'movement span' as a third dimension of aging beyond life span and health span. Movement span is defined as the duration of life during which an individual can move with confidence, responsiveness, and adaptive control.
A study found that just 10 minutes of very slow running improves mood and executive function, activating the prefrontal cortex. This suggests that even low-intensity exercise can have cognitive benefits.
Research found that different combinations of step count and intensity lower risk of early death, with brisk pace for 30 minutes/day and fewer steps at faster pace or more steps at slower pace being associated with lower risk. Higher intensity at lower volume provides health benefits comparable to higher volume at lower intensity.
Research from Monash University and the University of Sydney found that walking at a brisker pace may be the sweet spot for those with sedentary lifestyles, and that every step counts, regardless of pace or daily step count.
Researchers found typical errors in smartwatch calorie estimates of about 15% to 25%, with averages for the worst-performing watches climbing much higher. Smartwatches can still be useful, but users should understand their limitations and use data to track personal trends over time.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise significantly improves executive functions, including planning, task-switching, and focus, in post-menopausal women. Regular exercise can help preserve cognitive health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, with benefits observed as early as three months into the program.
New research from La Trobe University finds that injury or pain affects participation in social sport for one in five physically inactive women. Inactive women from lower-income households are more likely to be injury-affected, with knee, lower back, and ankle injuries being the most common complaints.
A new smartphone app called Mobilio uses AI, machine learning, and personalized audio cues to provide turn-by-turn directions, path guidance, and obstacle avoidance for people with blindness or low vision. The app completed outdoor navigation tasks 13% faster and reduced obstacle contact by 41% compared to Google Maps and a white cane.
A study in birds found that physical activity in youth decreases energy used for moving as an adult, with significant implications for human health. The research, led by Penn State researchers, suggests that children who are physically active may become more efficient movers, making exercise more accessible and beneficial for adults.
A randomized clinical trial found that pregnant women who followed a strength training program had a 0% incidence of gestational diabetes, compared to 7.3% in the control group. The program also improved quality of life and reduced pregnancy symptoms.
Researchers found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a slower age-related decline in kidney function. The study of 198 adults with preserved kidney function found that maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness may help protect kidney health later in life.
New research suggests that leisure-time exercise, such as walking or sports, is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while physically demanding jobs may increase dementia risk. The study analyzed data from over 4.2 million people and found that household physical activity also appeared beneficial.
A new book by University of Virginia Health System expert Daniel J. Cox outlines a practical alternative to medication for managing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The GEM program emphasizes smart eating, physical activity, and listening to the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
Research found that six sets of 30-second sprints altered nearly a quarter of proteins in the bloodstream, while 90 minutes of moderate cycling changed fewer than one-quarter of one percent. Sprinting triggered changes in more than 200 metabolites and was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
A recent Finnish study found that more screen time since childhood is associated with better cognitive processing in adolescence. The researchers recommend encouraging active thinking and problem-solving through screen use. The study also highlights the importance of balancing physical activity and sedentary time to promote brain health.
Researchers found that parents who ran with a stroller were less likely to sustain an overuse injury during the first three years after becoming a parent. For every 1,000 miles run, stroller runners saw a 55% lower injury rate compared to those who ran without a stroller.
Researchers found that stroller-running parents experience significantly lower injury rates compared to non-stroller-runners. The study suggests that using a stroller while running may help mitigate the risk of injuries for parents.
A meta-analysis of nearly 1,900 studies found that climbing stairs significantly reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Regular stair climbing was associated with lower risks of heart-related problems and major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
Objective physical fitness assessments reveal a graded association between balance, agility, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness with reduced all-cause mortality. This study suggests integrating fitness assessments into routine practice may improve risk stratification and guide function-oriented interventions.
Healthcare professionals can influence patients' confidence and experience of physical activity by adopting a more supportive and realistic communication style. Small, manageable activities like walking or taking the stairs can make a difference in health and quality of life.
Researchers found that exercise-induced molecular changes contribute to neuronal health, improving movement and quality of life in PD patients. Exercise types such as aerobic exercises, resistance training, balance training, and multimodal exercise were found to be helpful in reducing falls, disabilities, and improving brain function.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that even low levels of physical activity can increase life expectancy for adults with or without atrial fibrillation. The research tracked over 87,000 adults in Norway for 15 years and found a positive association between physical activity and reduced stro...
A new study reveals that station leaders play a critical role in shaping firefighters' physical readiness. Crews staffed with fit captains and lieutenants scored noticeably higher on physical readiness tests than those without, suggesting that a complete leadership structure creates better environments for healthy routines.
A new study from UT Health San Antonio found that any degree of physical activity can slow cognitive decline in Hispanics. The research, which included 402 participants, also showed that controlling blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health are associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä found that sauna steam significantly impacts thermoregulatory responses, including increased heart rates and core temperatures. High relative humidity reduces sweat evaporation, forcing the cardiovascular system to work harder.
Participation in community gathering places significantly reduces the risk of cognitive disability in older adults who don't regularly exercise. The study found that these groups had approximately half the risk of developing cognitive disability compared to non-participants.
A 10-year study in São Paulo, Brazil, found that social inequality widens the gap between people's opportunities and experiences. Women from racial minorities with low education have the lowest rates of physical activity during leisure time.
New study reveals how resistance exercise damages skeletal muscle and triggers a coordinated repair process. The research identifies key proteins involved in this network, providing insights into optimizing training programs for athletes and improving rehabilitation strategies.
Exercise produces small improvements in pain and physical function for people with hip osteoarthritis, but those improvements may not be large enough to make a meaningful difference in daily life. Quality of life showed little to no improvement with exercise.
A swimming program improved function and pain in people with chronic low back pain, reducing disability by 50% compared to education alone. The benefit persisted at longer-term follow-up, showing a suitable exercise for managing chronic low back pain.
A major international review finds that exercise addiction is marked by a loss of control and can lead to physical harm, emotional distress, and strained connections. Researchers caution against alarm and emphasize the importance of exercising smarter, building in rest and recovery days, and seeking support early.
Researchers at Penn State have developed paint-on tattoos that can power sensors and track health data like heart rate and brain waves. The innovative conductive ink can be customized with various colors and designs, providing a comfortable and accurate wearable solution.
A recent study has found that vaping and smoking can lead to reduced blood vessel functionality, breathing efficiency, and exercise capacity in young adults. The research, conducted on 75 people aged 18-30, revealed a 15% reduction in fitness compared to those who have never smoked or vaped.
Researchers found that smelling dark chocolate odors increased training volume and suppressed hunger, while milk chocolate had no effect. The study suggests that food scents can trigger changes in body and mind similar to actual consumption.
Recent studies validate AI-based chatbots as effective alternatives to human fitness professionals for generating personalized training programs. However, limitations in nuance and continuous monitoring require hybrid models combining AI tools with human expertise.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen shows that exercise plays a crucial role in improving cardiovascular health even after significant weight loss. Participants who exercised developed healthier blood vessels and lower inflammation compared to those who relied on medication alone.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that physically active children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome experienced less fatigue. Parents reported similar results, highlighting the importance of physical activity for long-term health outcomes in children with developmental disabilities.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that prolonged sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of cancer mortality and incidence. Replacing one hour of prolonged sedentary behavior with light physical activity can lower the risk of cancer death by 12%.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found exercise can help people quit smoking by reducing cigarette consumption and easing cravings. Researchers discovered that people taking part in exercise programs were 15% more likely to achieve continuous abstinence.
The Sports Heat Tool, developed at the University of Sydney, provides personalized heat risk assessments for various sports. Users can input their location and chosen sport to receive a heat-risk score and practical steps to mitigate risks, taking into account factors such as temperature, humidity, and exertion.
A review of research on repeated weight loss and regain suggests that yo-yo dieting is not necessarily as harmful as often portrayed. The benefits of weight loss can outweigh the potential risks of later weight regain, with several large studies showing that obesity itself is a primary driver of metabolic disease risk.
A recent analysis of the Healthy Primary School of the Future program found that Dutch children performing better in math tests, thanks to healthier lunches and increased physical activity. The study suggests a positive correlation between these factors and academic success.
A randomized controlled trial found no differences between whole-food plant meals and nutrient-matched shakes in stimulating muscle-building response after exercise. The study suggests that consuming high amounts of carbohydrates with protein may limit blood amino acid availability for post-exercise muscle repair.
Researchers use ENABLE, a markerless motion capture technology, to estimate metabolic cost for movement efficiency improvement in healthcare and rehabilitation. The team validates the system by comparing model outputs with experimental measurements.
A review published in Diabetes Care suggests that physical exercise could play a role in promoting immune regulation, preserving beta-cell function, and reducing inflammation in type 1 diabetes. The evidence highlights the potential benefits of exercise on immune profiles displaying anti-inflammatory characteristics.