Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A study analyzing 15 exercise apps found limited options for frail older adults, with none adapted to users' cognitive needs. The researchers recommend involving end-users in app creation processes and focusing on simplicity and intuitive design.
A cohort study of older adults found that those who followed recommended exercise guidelines before the pandemic had significantly lower odds of being infected or hospitalized from COVID-19. Physical activity was associated with a 10% lower risk of infection and 27% lower risk of hospitalization.
A new study published in CANCER reveals that higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower pain intensity for both adults with and without a history of cancer. Participants who exceeded physical activity guidelines reported 16% less moderate-to-severe pain compared to those who did not.
A recent study found that home environment features, particularly lighting, influence home activity metrics in older adults with visual impairment. The results suggest that home modifications may improve at-home physical activity, highlighting the importance of considering environmental factors in promoting health and mobility.
A new study published in Trends in Molecular Medicine found that resistance exercise training can improve anxiety and depressive symptoms. The research suggests that this type of exercise may be a viable alternative to established therapies, offering potential benefits for public health.
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found associations between high age, low education, and poor lifestyle habits with increased allostatic load. The study suggests that effective depression prevention strategies at a population level could help reduce allostatic load.
New research from Flinders University found that regular exercise and a personalized falls prevention plan based on individual needs can reduce the likelihood of falls. The studies also highlighted the importance of having an individual falls risk assessment and modifying strategies according to specific circumstances, such as dementia.
Research found that boosting weekly total physical activity by just over an hour is associated with a 33% lower risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. The study also showed that longer bouts of moderate-intensity exercise, even those below 10 minutes, contribute to better outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 104 studies with 341,000 participants found that physical activity was associated with better late-life cognition, although the association was weak. The findings suggest that even a weak link between physical activity and cognitive decline is still important from a population health perspective.
A new study found that combining brain stimulation with intense physical rehabilitation helped stroke survivors recover movement in their arms and hands and maintain these improvements for one year. The pairing of rehabilitation therapy with vagus nerve stimulation likely helps the brain strengthen new neural pathways.
A study found that living in a neighborhood with easy access to recreational centers and gyms is linked to higher physical activity levels among stroke survivors. The analysis suggests that having a conversation with stroke patients about available physical activity resources can help them continue their recovery.
Participation in moderate to vigorous leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower odds of non-injurious and injurious falls among older women. Brisk walking also reduced the risk of non-injurious falls.
A smartphone-based mall walking program combined with physical shopping mall facilities and digital incentive coupons increased daily walking steps. The study found that this innovative approach can motivate people to walk more, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Researchers found that when participants had more self-compassionate responses to their lapse, they reported better mood and self-control over their eating and exercise behavior. Practicing self-compassion can help individuals become less demoralized by setbacks and quickly resume pursuing weight loss goals.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Mansoo Yu found that online weight loss interventions with counseling and social support are effective for middle-aged adults with obesity. The study identified two key features: professional health coaching and access to social support from other users, which led to significant long-...
A new study found that only 6% of people with type 2 diabetes achieved diabetes remission solely through weight loss by about eight years after diagnosis. People who initially lost a significant amount of weight in the first year were more likely to achieve sustained remission.
New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that physical exercise improves ability to learn and remember motor skills, such as riding a bike or driving a car. Exercise before or after practicing new skills can lead to up to 10% improvement in memory, with enhanced effects when done both times.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that older adults who exercise with their spouse achieve lower physical activity levels. Personalised fitness feedback from trackers increased physical activity in these individuals, suggesting it may be more effective to encourage older adults to exercise individually.
Researchers at Iowa State University found that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises reduces cardiovascular disease risks as much as aerobic-only regimens. The study, which involved 406 participants, showed significant decreases in body fat percentage across all exercise groups compared to the no-exercise control group.
Research from University of South Australia shows professional firefighters have lower movement quality as they age, which could put them at greater risk of injury. Functional strength training can help maintain a fit and healthy workforce.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent a single session of aerobic exercise experienced temporary reductions in blood pressure at rest and under stress. The study, conducted at the University of São Paulo, demonstrates the benefits of moderate-intensity walking for cardiovascular management and blood pressure control.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 'smart glove' that can track and analyze hand movements with high accuracy, helping stroke patients recover and regain mobility. The wearable device uses machine learning models to detect finger joints and grasping forces, providing valuable insights for personalized exercise programs.
A recent study found that high-intensity impacts during everyday physical activity can help preserve bone density and structural properties in older adults. Moderate and high-impact activities, such as brisk walking or stair climbing, were associated with better preservation of bone mineral density compared to lower-intensity activities.
A recent study from Drexel University explored an art therapy intervention to address the health needs of overweight, postmenopausal women. The integrated approach showed significant improvements in psychosocial wellbeing, quality of life, and body image, with participants also experiencing decreases in BMI and blood pressure.
A recent study published in Sports Medicine found that cannabis users reported increased enjoyment and euphoria during exercise, with CBD seemingly having a greater impact on mood than THC. However, the use of cannabis before exercise was found to have no significant effect on performance.
The MU Extension program has proven results, showing improvements in physical energy, self-confidence, and muscle strength among participants. The program also reduces the risk of falling and provides social enjoyment for participants, who often form close relationships with instructors and each other.
Exercise prescriptions offer personalized recommendations for treating diseases and enhancing physical fitness, catering to a wide range of individuals. The future of exercise prescriptions lies in their detailed application as comprehensive health management plans.
A new study found that light physical activity can completely reverse the adverse process of childhood obesity linked to sedentary time. Children who engaged in at least 3 hours a day of light physical activity had a 9.5-15% decrease in overall fat mass gain during adolescence.
A study found that individuals who enjoy groove rhythm experience improved executive functions after listening to the same rhythm while exercising. Those who felt their bodies 'resonating' with the music showed enhanced prefrontal cortex activation and improved cognitive abilities compared to those who didn't.
A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.
A new study found that exercise-induced Pgc-1α expression inhibits fat accumulation in aged skeletal muscles. The researchers identified Pgc-1α as a key player in FAP regulation and suggested that its upregulation leads to increased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, inhibiting FAP fat accumulation.
A new study in The American Journal of Medicine highlights the correlation between social vulnerability and physical inactivity in the US, revealing geographic variance and disparities. Researchers stress the need for tailored health promotion campaigns and individual counseling approaches to address these disparities.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that physically active individuals experienced less decline in entorhinal cortex thickness over a seven-year period. Cognitive reserve is also boosted through regular mental stimulation, suggesting that brains can be trained like muscles to counteract age-related decline.
Research shows that Australian children are at risk of excessive weight gain and declining fitness during school holidays. The two-year study found that body fat increased at a faster pace and aerobic fitness declined faster than in-school periods. Promoting physical activities during holidays could help address unhealthy weight gain.
Research by Staffordshire University found that caffeine can improve short pass accuracy but negatively affect decision-making and long pass accuracy. The study suggests that coaches may need to adjust training strategies to account for caffeine's effects on young soccer players.
Patients with metastatic breast cancer who participated in a nine-month structured exercise program reported less fatigue and improved quality of life compared to those who did not undergo the exercise program. The study found significant improvements in physical fitness, social functioning, pain, and shortness of breath.
New research found that less than five minutes of daily physical activity can be beneficial for people living with inoperable lung cancer, reducing mortality rates by 60% compared to those who were largely inactive. Healthcare providers should investigate a person's levels of physical activity in early management of the disease.
Dr. Newton will study the role of fathers in promoting their children's physical activity through a proof-of-concept intervention. The study aims to understand barriers to exercise among African American families and assess the impact of social determinants on father-child interactions.
Researchers at Waseda University used diffusion tensor imaging to reconstruct fascicles in three dimensions, finding that a gearing mechanism reduces individual fascicle elongation during stretching. This mechanism allows muscles to extend without significant fiber length changes, preventing overstretching and injury.
The UTHealth Houston School of Public Health offers a 12-month lifestyle program combining evidence-based nutrition education with culinary learning to support behavior change. Participants will attend in-person and virtual classes, including hands-on cooking lessons, physical activity guidance, and mindfulness education.
A new review found sparse research on women and exercise, as well as limited understanding of the effect of menstrual periods on sports performance, physiology, or physical fitness. Hormone levels vary substantially between women during their menstrual periods, making a one-size-fits-all approach to training ineffective.
Researchers at Aarhus University investigated the impact of second-generation oral contraceptives on muscle recovery in trained females. The study found minimal difference in muscle recovery compared to non-users, counteracting earlier studies that suggested a potential negative impact.
A new study by Staffordshire University warns people with type-1 diabetes to use fitness video games with caution, as they may change perceptions of fatigue levels. The researchers recommend updating measurement tools for virtual game platforms to ensure safe and accurate exercise tracking.
A breakthrough study found that light exercise can improve cognitive health in adults with Down syndrome, leading to improved information processing and attention. After just eight weeks of walking, participants showed significant increases in physical fitness and reductions in errors during cognitive assessments.
A study of 152 male gym enthusiasts found a significant lack of awareness about the risks of gym lifestyle on fertility. High levels of estrogen from protein supplements were linked to fertility issues, prompting a call for men to educate themselves about supplementation.
Regular aerobic exercise can help prevent and treat postpartum depression. Moderate-intensity exercises performed three to four times a week are particularly effective in reducing symptoms of the condition.
Despite its cost-effective prevention for recurrent events, cardiac rehabilitation remains inaccessible to many due to lack of social support, particularly in poorer countries. Home-based rehabilitation and comprehensive lifelong healthy behavioral programs may help address these barriers.
Researchers developed a lightweight wearable balance exercise device to improve reactive postural control in older adults, reducing the risk of falls. The device uses pneumatic artificial muscles to generate unexpected perturbations, resulting in improved peak displacement and velocity.
A study by the University of Portsmouth reveals that moderate-intensity exercise improves cognitive performance in people who are sleep-deprived and have low oxygen levels. The research found that even when participants were exposed to hypoxia, exercise continued to enhance their ability to perform mental tasks.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet found a weaker association between adolescent physical fitness and later cardiovascular disease risk. High BMI remained a strong individual risk factor for cardiovascular disease in late adolescence.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
Research published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found that high-intensity interval training in water (AHIIT) improves exercise capacity in adults with chronic conditions, similar to land-based training. AHIIT may provide a safe and valuable alternative for people with chronic conditions who are unable to perform land-based HIIT.
The ORBITA-2 trial found that stenting improves symptoms compared to a placebo procedure, providing evidence-based treatment for stable chest pain. The study suggests updating guidelines for stable coronary artery disease and offers patients and medical teams two treatment strategies with similar benefits.
A recent study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that physical fitness since childhood is associated with increased cerebellar grey matter volume in adolescents. Those with better neuromuscular fitness had larger Crus I grey matter volume, while those with cardiorespiratory fitness had smaller to...
Scientists analyzed body fluids from firefighters after rigorous training to understand the effects of intense physical exercise on the body. They found a decrease in inflammatory signals, which can improve breathing, but also increase vulnerability to viral respiratory infections.
A new Harvard Medical School study reveals that exercise benefits come from the immune system, specifically through T cell activation. Regular exercise enhances muscle metabolism, reduces inflammation, and improves overall endurance by activating T cells, which counteract inflammation and boost energy production.
A recent study analyzing global and national trends of atherosclerosis found an increasing trend in incidence from 1990 to 2019, driven by adults aged 20–54. The burden of the disease is particularly concerning in low- and middle-income countries, where it is rising significantly due to lifestyle factors and aging populations.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports identified the risk of virus exposure during face-to-face encounters as peaking within 5 seconds. The researchers used a mobile full-scale mannequin and particle-tracking velocimetry system to visualize and measure aerosol particles derived from exhaled air.
A study found that African Americans with higher positivity about physical activity had lower anxiety about aging, regardless of income or living situation. The researchers aim to develop a virtual program to improve access to exercise and healthy eating for middle-aged and older adults.
A study by Washington State University found that viewing objectified images of female fitness influencers can negatively impact mental health, especially among younger women. However, a positive message such as 'Love your body' can mitigate this harm and boost self-compassion in the short term.