Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
In a surprising twist, researchers found that starving Argentine ants exercise caution when foraging in high-risk environments, unlike expectations. This counterintuitive strategy may contribute to their success as an invasive species and agricultural pest.
A new study of twins found that consistent exercise can change the molecules in the human body that influence gene behavior, leading to lower signs of metabolic disease. The study suggests that markers of metabolic disease are strongly influenced by how a person interacts with their environment, rather than just their inherited genetics.
Australian children are spending too much time glued to screens and not enough on physical activity, with 80% of kids failing to meet national guidelines. A new review calls for a National Physical Activity Plan involving multiple sectors to address the issue.
A Japanese research collaboration found associations between elementary and junior high school students' self-reported health and adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines. Meeting the guidelines for 'screen time and sleep' was associated with good self-reported health in elementary school students, while junior high school students ben...
The study found that COVID-19 restrictions led to decreased balance ability, higher body fat levels, and worsened lifestyle habits in Japanese children. The researchers suggest that quality of exercise, rather than quantity, was the main factor contributing to these changes.
A study found that up to 78% of walkers would choose a more challenging route with obstacles, suggesting 'Active Landscape' routes could improve health outcomes and tackle the 'inactivity pandemic'. The researchers identified design characteristics, such as handrails and signage, that influence participants' choices.
A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that people who are physically fit have a lower risk of needing prescription sleeping pills. The research, based on data from Norway's HUNT study, suggests that being in good physical shape can help improve sleep quality.
Researchers developed a method to measure overall fitness using wearable devices, outperforming current consumer smartwatches and fitness monitors. The model uses machine learning to predict VO2max during everyday activity, providing accurate predictions based on heart rate and accelerometer data.
Researchers used existing data from 72 women's international basketball games to analyze and classify ball movements. The study found that fast breaks, especially changes in direction of ball movement, contributed to higher scoring rates.
Research from Anglia Ruskin University reveals that spending time in snowy environments can improve body image and self-compassion. The study found that participants who scored highly in self-compassion displayed greater improvement in body appreciation after walking in a snow-covered woodland.
Researchers found that substantial exercise, sleeping longer and later, and eating a low sugar, high carb breakfast can increase alertness. A high carbohydrate breakfast was linked to individuals revving up their alertness quickly in the morning.
A study published in Oncotarget found that APOE genotype is associated with the presence and severity of cancer treatment-related side effects and symptoms, as well as the response to exercise-based interventions in cancer survivors. ApoE4 carriers showed a lower fall rate after exercise intervention compared to non-carriers.
A study by Edith Cowan University found that home-based exercise programs can accelerate recovery from cancer-related fatigue and improve health-related quality of life during radiotherapy. The research included 89 women who completed a 12-week program, with no adverse effects reported.
A study of 315 women found moderate physical activity to be associated with a 60% lower risk of death. Physical activity levels may play a crucial role in extending survival and improving quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
A study found that mothers of younger children (under four years) engage in the least moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, averaging around 18 minutes per day. In contrast, mothers of school-aged children manage about 26 minutes of such activity daily, with multiple children under five increasing light intensity activities.
A study by University of Cologne scientists found that colleagues' encouragement and own healthy behaviors positively correlate with employees' fruit and vegetable consumption. However, explicit encouragement has a positive effect on physical exercise, while colleagues' behavior does not typically influence others' physical activity.
A new study from Japan investigated the relationship between training volume and strength gain in young men. The researchers found that training volume was positively correlated with strength gain in participants who were classified as low responders.
A survey of over 1,000 cancer patients and 150 oncologists found that nearly two-thirds of patients want to know about complementary therapies before starting conventional treatment. Integrative oncology can help manage side effects and improve overall well-being, with 50% of patients and 60% of oncologists strongly agreeing.
The November issue of CHEST journal features new guidelines for perioperative management, studies on COVID-19 treatment and COPD treatment, as well as research on sleep apnea and long COVID. These findings have significant implications for patient care and healthcare resource use.
A systematic review found significant effects on anxiety, depression, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, and social impairment in cancer patients who combined behavioural graded activity with psychological therapies. The effects remained significant after a period of one to three months.
Research at Tel Aviv University found that high-intensity aerobic exercise increases glucose consumption in internal organs, reducing energy availability for tumors. The study reduced the risk of metastatic cancer in humans and animal models by up to 72%.
A University of Gothenburg study finds that light physical activity can lead to milder symptoms and improved survival rates for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The research shows a clear link between physical activity and reduced severe symptoms, as well as higher survival rates compared to those who are less active.
A new system to create personalized workouts and 'prescribed' exercises has been unveiled, with results showing greater improvement in endurance and long-term benefits. The approach, based on 'critical power,' aims to provide predictable results for each individual's exercise, helping people achieve their fitness goals.
A recent study shows that eight weeks of exercise can restore the brain's insulin sensitivity in severely overweight adults, leading to improved metabolism and reduced visceral fat. This opens up new therapeutic possibilities for reducing obesity and diabetes risk factors.
A new study by Staffordshire University reveals that women's football clubs in Europe are lacking in education on menstrual cycles, hormonal contraception, and pregnancy. The research highlights the need for more female coaches and formalized coach education to address these issues and promote player well-being.
A study by University of Essex research revealed that therapeutic community gardening helped reduce loneliness and improved mental health during the COVID-19 crisis. The study found a 9% increase in self-reported life satisfaction and mental well-being among participants.
New research from Edith Cowan University found that lowering weights sees the same improvements as lifting, despite only doing half as many reps. This focus on eccentric muscle contractions can allow people to spend their time exercising more efficiently and improve strength and size of muscles without needing to go to the gym.
Research suggests exercise-induced activation of peripheral systems, such as muscle, gut, and liver, may affect neural plasticity and cognitive health. Circulating cathepsin B (CTSB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) have been found to possess robust neuroprotective effects.
A new study found that afternoon or evening physical activity is associated with reduced liver fat content and improved insulin sensitivity. Performing MVPA in the afternoon or evening was linked to reduced insulin resistance by 18% and 25% respectively.
Researchers found that vaping and smoking e-cigarettes led to greater constriction of the brachial artery and worse heart rate variability, indicating activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Vaping was also associated with poorer performance on exercise stress testing compared to non-nicotine users.
A new study using wearable devices found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly reduces cardiovascular disease risk, even when total physical activity volume is increased. Increasing the proportion of intense physical activity within overall activity levels has an additional substantial benefit.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that physical exercise triggers a neuromuscular circuit that links the production of interleukin-6 to muscle fat breakdown. This circuit is crucial for weight loss and has significant implications for obesity treatment.
A novel screening tool has been developed to diagnose a serious heart condition in young athletes. The tool uses non-invasive ultrasound techniques to accurately identify cardiomyopathy, reducing false positives and providing better protection for the athletes of tomorrow.
Researchers found that short bursts of activity after meals can improve the body's ability to use amino acids from food to build muscle proteins. Breaking up prolonged sedentary periods with brief activity 'snacks' may help maintain muscle mass and quality, according to a University of Toronto study.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that ineffective teacher training is the likely cause of failures in promoting children's physical health in schools. The review of 51 randomised control trials suggests that key ingredients like clear goals, regular feedback, and resources are often missing from teacher training.
The American Gastroenterological Association releases new guidelines recommending medications paired with lifestyle changes for adults struggling to lose weight. The guidelines highlight the importance of treating obesity as a biological disease, reducing health complications like diabetes and fatty liver.
Researchers suggest new criteria for diagnosing sarcopenia, a syndrome characterized by loss of muscle mass and force, with lower cutoff points leading to improved prediction of mortality risk. The study found that raising handgrip strength thresholds can detect the onset of sarcopenia earlier and more accurately.
A mathematical model suggests that social interactions between sedentary and moderately active people can stimulate higher levels of overall physical activity in a population. The model found that interacting with moderately active individuals helped sedentary populations become more physically active over time.
A new study predicts that climate change will make dangerous heat commonplace during the Arba'een pilgrimage by the end of the 21st century. Pilgrims may be exposed to extreme temperatures exceeding 24 degrees Celsius, posing a significant risk to their health.
A meta-analysis by Goethe University Frankfurt found that individualized treatment combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) led to a significant increase in pain relief. The study showed an 84% higher success rate compared to standard exercise therapies, making this approach the most effective.
A study published in JACC: CardioOncology found that exercise during chemotherapy improves long-term cardiorespiratory fitness and alleviates adverse effects of cancer treatment. After treatment, an exercise program can recover lost function. The optimal timing of exercise intervention is during chemotherapy.
Researchers found a healthy diet and avoiding stressful news helped prevent anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Engaging in physical exercise, staying outdoors, and drinking water also showed protective effects on mental health.
The study found that higher population density was associated with fewer steps taken by patients, more sedentary time, and worse exercise capacity. Longer pedestrian street lengths were associated with more steps and less sedentary time, while steeper terrain was linked to greater exercise capacity.
Researchers found that participants with long COVID had a lower peak oxygen rate and irregular breathing patterns during exercise tests, indicating reduced exercise capacity. This decline was equivalent to a 40-year-old woman's expected exercise capacity dropping to that of a 50-year-old woman.
Research suggests e-bikes won't help users reach weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity targets due to fewer and less physically demanding trips. However, they may encourage older people to take up cycling who wouldn't otherwise do so.
A new study from Indiana University researchers found that young athletes who participate in multidirectional sports build stronger bones, reducing the risk of bone injuries as adults. The study suggests that delaying specialization in running and focusing on 'multidirectional' sports can lead to a more robust skeleton.
A Baycrest study found that the gut microbiome plays a role in how diet and exercise affect brain health and dementia risk. Lifestyle interventions like Mediterranean-style diets can improve cognition and promote healthier microbiomes.
A national survey of 1,733 US adults found nearly half reported misrepresenting or not adhering to COVID-19 public health measures, driven by a desire for normalcy and personal freedom. The study highlights the need for effective communication strategies to address these behaviors.
Researchers found that drafting can increase power by about 6% and potentially save time for middle-of-the-pack runners. For elite runners like Eliud Kipchoge, drafting alone could shave off 3:42 to 5:29, while slower runners can achieve similar time savings.
A study found that very light exercise activates brain pathways leading to improved mood and cognitive function. Researchers used pupillometry, a reliable indicator of arousal, to measure pupil dilation during graded exercise.
A study of 1,270 youths found that attending a high-performing public charter high school was associated with lower rates of substance use disorder and delinquent behaviors. The study also showed that attendance at such schools was linked to better physical health outcomes for males but worse outcomes for females.
A new study reveals that exercise training has opposite effects on muscle and fat tissues compared to high-fat diet-induced obesity. Exercise is found to down-regulate extracellular matrix-related pathways, while obesity up-regulates them. Conversely, exercise up-regulates circadian rhythm pathways, which are reversed by obesity. This ...
A new study reveals that coaches displaying authentic leadership qualities can decrease athlete aggression and increase trust, enjoyment and commitment. Researchers found athletes training with authentic coaches are less likely to act aggressively towards competitors.
A Finnish study found that retiring individuals experience an increase in sleep time and a corresponding decrease in physical activity. This shift is attributed to the absence of work-related activities and commute time, which are replaced by sedentary behavior.
A new study in mice has mapped the cells, genes, and pathways that respond to exercise and diet, offering potential targets for drugs that mimic exercise's benefits. Exercise was found to push these systems in the opposite direction of high-fat diets.
A randomized controlled trial found that combining time-restricted eating (TRE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improved long-term glycemic control and reduced fat mass in women with overweight/obesity. The study also showed increased cardiorespiratory fitness.
Researchers found that calf muscle stiffness contributes to passive ankle joint stiffness, especially when dorsiflexed. The study suggests that exercises to relieve triceps surae stiffness can improve joint flexibility and reduce injury risk.
Injured mice that received gabapentin showed improved rehab compliance due to mental barriers. Removing dividers between individual exercise lanes increased willingness to participate in group rehab, boosting performance and recovery. The study suggests social support may be beneficial for individuals with spinal cord injury.
Research suggests that regularly exercising with weights is associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, excluding cancer. A weekly combination of weights and aerobic exercise appears to have an additive effect on mortality risk.
A cohort study of nearly 200,000 people found that intentional weight loss reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes for those who are overweight or obese. However, for lean individuals, weight loss attempts are associated with longer-term weight gain and higher risks of type 2 diabetes.