Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia

A recent study found that resistance training significantly improved muscle strength and reduced inflammation in older adults with sarcopenia. The research, conducted by Brazilian researchers, also showed that physical exercise can improve sleep quality and reduce chronic inflammation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 2, 2023

Can’t exercise a particular muscle? Strengthening the opposite side of your body can stop it wasting away

A new study found that eccentric contractions prove most effective in preventing muscle wasting and damage after immobilization. Strengthening the unaffected arm through weightlifting also counteracted muscle atrophy, with a stronger cross-education effect observed for eccentric contractions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation may help people live longer

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of death from heart-related complications among US military veterans within four years. The study analyzed data from 1,120 veterans who enrolled in a 12-week hom...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 1, 2023

To promote exercise, planners must look beyond cities

Researchers from Cornell University recommend that planners in suburban and rural communities focus on promoting recreational programs, expanding transportation options, and creating safer environments to help an aging population get more exercise. The study found that demographic factors, such as minority populations and lower incomes...

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2023

Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health

A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or medications in managing depression. The review of 97 reviews and 1039 trials shows that exercise interventions, especially those lasting 12 weeks or less, can significantly reduce mental health ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2023

Hip muscle exercises could help amputees improve functional mobility

Researchers found that strengthening hip abductor muscles can provide effective compensation for weaknesses in knee extensor muscles, leading to improved mobility in people with below-the-knee amputations. The study tested the hypothesis in eight military personnel who had undergone a lower limb amputation and showed promising results.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Psychological stress impedes performance, even for Olympic athletes

A study by Yunfeng Lu and Songfa Zhong found that high contactless real-time heart rates are associated with poor performance in elite archers. Athletes' age and gender did not significantly influence the relationship between stress and performance, but factors like competition ranking and score influenced the results.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

MU researcher studies childhood obesity prevention programs in rural schools

A recent study by Crystal Lim found that obesity prevention programs combining nutrition and exercise components over an extended period had the most success in changing students' daily behaviors. Successful programs also included evidence-based strategies like goal setting, problem solving, and self-regulation techniques.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJBI Evidence Synthesis·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 9, 2023

Neighborhood walkability linked to risk of gestational diabetes

A study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that pregnant individuals living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 109,000 births in New York City and found a significant association between neighborhood walkability and reduced risk of GD.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Regular high-intensity physical activity in early adulthood may increase the risk of urinary and fecal incontinence in middle-aged women

A study of over 1,000 women found that regular high-intensity physical activity in early adulthood was associated with an increased risk of symptoms like urge urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. Women who engaged in competitive sports as young adults were more likely to experience these issues.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateFeb 1, 2023

Moderate and intense physical activity favors good sleep

A recent study conducted in Japan found that moderate and intense physical activity favors good sleep in middle-aged Japanese women. The research used an isotemporal substitution approach and replaced sedentary behavior with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, resulting in improved sleep quality. Interestingly, this association was...

New study debunks the assumption that menstrual cycles disqualify women from exercise research

A new study from Brigham Young University researchers found no variability in endurance thresholds or performance among women across their menstrual cycles. Women's performance was consistent with men's, challenging the long-held assumption that hormonal changes during menstruation affect exercise capability.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Using running to escape everyday stresses may lead to exercise dependence instead of mental wellbeing

A recent study published in Frontiers found that recreational runners who use running as a means of escapism, particularly self-suppression, are more likely to develop exercise dependence. In contrast, those who prioritize self-expansion and positive experiences through running tend to have better wellbeing outcomes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2023

Dietary nitrate – found in beetroot juice - significantly increases muscle force during exercise

A new study found that consuming dietary nitrate from beetroot juice significantly increases muscle force while exercising. The researchers discovered a 7% increase in muscle torque production, providing the best evidence to date on the mechanisms behind why dietary nitrate improves human muscle performance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalActa Physiologica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

American College of Physicians recommends cognitive behavioral therapy or second-generation antidepressants for adults with major depressive disorder

The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 23, 2023

Reducing total calories may be more effective for weight loss than intermittent fasting

A six-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that reducing overall calorie intake was a stronger determinant of weight change than meal timing. The research suggests that limiting total eating window during the day may not be as effective for controlling weight as previously thought.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 18, 2023

Study explores effects of resistance training in older adults at the cellular level

A new study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University explored the effects of resistance training on older adults' cellular level. The study found that resistance training did not significantly affect inflammatory proteins or redox balance markers, but showed a significant reduction in a specific protein ratio. This may support the...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Rx for prolonged sitting: A five-minute stroll every half hour

A study by Columbia University exercise physiologists found that taking a five-minute walking break every 30 minutes can significantly lower blood sugar and blood pressure, while also reducing fatigue and improving mood. This regimen provided the most benefits, with only one minute of walking per hour providing modest benefits.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

How are your New Year’s exercise resolutions going? What goal motivation tips will — and won’t — help keep you on track

A new Edith Cowan University study found that engaging in exercise for autonomous and intrinsic reasons, like fun and enjoyment, promotes mental health and sustains exercise adherence. In contrast, pursuing New Year's exercise resolutions for extrinsic reasons can be detrimental to one's mental health.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2023

Eating almonds daily boosts exercise recovery molecule by 69% among ‘weekend warriors’

A randomized controlled trial found that daily almond supplementation increased the beneficial fat molecule 12,13-DiHOME in blood plasma after intense exercise. This increase was associated with reduced muscle damage and fatigue, as well as improved recovery from exercise. The researchers suggest that polyphenols in almond skin may be ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2023

Physical fitness a demographic watershed

A study of 5,308 participants aged 50-64 found significant correlations between sedentary behavior and low fitness levels. Highly uneven fitness distribution was observed among groups at higher risk, including older adults, foreign-born individuals, and those with poor health and lifestyle habits.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 22, 2022

More exercise linked to less-severe COVID-19 outcomes

A study by Kaiser Permanente found that physically active individuals had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. The research showed an association between physical activity and improved COVID-19 outcomes across major demographic groups, including black, Hispanic, and Asian patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 15, 2022

Screening a puppy’s DNA methylome may help predict how energetic or fearful they will be

Researchers found that differences in epigenetic DNA methylation predict behavioral differences between dogs better than genetic markers. Epigenetics are more informative for behavior than genetics, and the results open up new possibilities for screening and selecting desired behavioral traits in companion or service dogs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Gut microbes can boost the motivation to exercise, Penn Medicine study finds

A Penn Medicine study found that certain gut bacteria produce metabolites that stimulate sensory nerves, increasing dopamine levels in the brain during exercise. This increase reinforces the desire to exercise, boosting performance. The study suggests a new pathway for improving public health and potentially modifying motivation and mood.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 2022

Exercise is medicine for cancer and every dose counts - even in late stages in the disease

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that a single bout of exercise can significantly suppress tumour growth in people with late-stage prostate cancer. The researchers observed increased levels of anti-cancer myokines after high-intensity exercise, which helped fight cancerous cells and stimulated anti-cancer processes.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalProstate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2022

One-minute bursts of activity during daily tasks could prolong your life, finds study

Research found that three to four one-minute bursts of vigorous physical activity per day can lead to significant reductions in mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study, led by the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, used wrist-worn tracker data from UK Biobank to measure incidental physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022