Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A large study found that hourly movement breaks of just 5 minutes each are the most effective balance between feasibility and effectiveness in mitigating sedentary harms. The breaks significantly improved mood and reduced fatigue, with no impact on work performance.
Researchers will examine the impact of 'partygoing' behaviors on young people's health, as well as the use of nicotine pouches. The projects aim to provide practical evidence for prevention, policy, and health promotion in Western Australia.
The NFL PLAY 60 initiative encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day to support both immediate and long-term physical and mental health. The program is rooted in the American Heart Association's physical activity guidelines, which recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily fo...
Researchers at King's College London discovered that chewing sugary gum after consuming beetroot increases nitrite production, leading to lower blood pressure. This finding could have implications for sports people using beetroot to improve athletic performance.
A new poll shows nearly all Michiganders age 50 and over value keeping their brains healthy, but less than half know daily habits can reduce dementia risk. Only half practice key brain-protecting habits.
A new perspective paper argues that current public health recommendations focus on preventing deficiency rather than maximizing long-term health. The study recommends higher levels of exercise and protein intake to maintain physical and cognitive function as people age.
A new study published in JACC found that women who consistently strength train showed substantially lower risk of major cardiovascular disease, particularly alongside aerobic activity and reduced sedentary time. Higher levels of resistance training were associated with lower risk of major CVD, especially myocardial infarction, with no ...
A new study suggests that moderate sitting may be beneficial for highly active adults, contradicting previous guidelines. The research found a J-shaped association between daily sitting time and health outcomes, with the lowest risk at approximately 4 hours of sitting per day.
A study found that adults taking GLP-1 receptor agonist medications experienced significant decreases in daily step counts and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote exercise alongside obesity treatment.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that just four minutes of daily strengthening exercise can significantly improve key factors in quality of life for aging adults. The study showed that strength and mobility improved dramatically in adults aged 65 and older, leading to better independence and reduced fall risk.
Research synthesis reveals consistent biomarker increases and minor ventricular function changes after marathon running, varying by age, sex, and training level. However, the clinical relevance of these changes remains unclear, warranting further study to determine physiological responses versus long-term adaptations.
Researchers discovered that exercise enhances oxygen delivery to arthritic joints through tiny vesicles released from red blood cells, relieving tissue hypoxia and promoting joint health. Physical activity drives the circulation of these EVs into the joint, where they deliver oxygen and maintain joint function.
A global study of over 8,000 participants found that changes in physical activity are closely linked to changes in mood throughout the day. Participants who engaged in light activities like walking or doing chores reported feeling happier and more energized.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that eight different skills in football are unrelated and require separate practice. The research involved 23 semi-professional players who underwent technical exercises to measure their skills in areas such as dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Researchers from Drexel University developed BioCoach, a program using AI and computer vision to analyze video and provide form coaching in real time. The system analyzes visual appearance and motion patterns, as well as 3D skeletal movements and body shape, to deliver detailed biomechanics-based feedback.
A WVU study found that pregnant women who spend more time sitting are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sitting for over 10 hours a day was associated with twice as many adverse pregnancy outcomes as shorter periods of sitting.
A 30-year study found that 90-120 weekly minutes of strength training significantly lowers the risk of death from cardiovascular and neurological diseases, with added benefits from aerobic exercise. The researchers suggest different amounts of resistance training may be needed to optimize benefits across outcomes.
A new study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that most children meet guidelines for restrained sitting, but urban children and those with more vehicle time are less likely to meet the guideline. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with greater likelihood of meeting the recommended guideline.
Researchers found that running high-intensity interval training (HIIT) triggers a more inflammatory immune response than cycling HIIT. Cycling produced a similar anti-inflammatory effect compared to running, suggesting it could be used in exercise programs to achieve beneficial effects without tissue damage.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that gut microbiome alterations persist even after adenoma removal, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. The researchers discovered that diet and physical activity were closely tied to CRC-associated gut microbes, suggesting lifestyle habits may contribute to sustained risk.
A study published in JAMA found that sitting less with greater light-intensity movement and steps was associated with significantly lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and small for gestational age
A new study of over 1 million young Swedish men found that the risk of atrial fibrillation is less than previously calculated, and the benefits of high fitness levels outweigh the risks. After age 40, the balance shifts in favor of higher fitness levels, suggesting that the benefits of exercise may be more significant.
Researchers found that structured lifestyle programs with coaching and accountability can reduce frailty in older adults by promoting healthy habits. The two-year US POINTER trial showed significant improvements in overall health and frailty scores among participants who followed the structured program.
A new review of 87 studies highlights the benefits of bicycling on psychological, social, affective, and cognitive outcomes, particularly in outdoor and multi-session programs. Cycling is shown to improve focus, thinking, and mental health, while also enhancing social connections and cognitive performance.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise counteracted oxidative stress and inflammation caused by nanoplastics in female zebrafish. Exercise also improved neuroendocrine health by altering gut microbe balances.
Research shows that intrinsic motivations, such as enjoying physical activity and feeling healthy, consistently matter most in predicting aerobic fitness. Teenagers who value these factors are significantly fitter at 17 than those motivated primarily by winning or external rewards.
Adults should aim for 560-610 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a week to achieve significant cardiovascular risk reduction. Current guidelines are too low, and individuals with lower fitness levels need more exercise to achieve equivalent benefits.
A research study, COACH trial, is testing different ways to help children and families improve their health through lifestyle changes delivered by primary care clinics. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of personalized nutrition counseling, community resources, and online interactive lessons on weight management.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that creatine supplementation does not significantly reduce inflammatory markers in the body. Despite its ergogenic effects on physical performance, creatine's anti-inflammatory properties are limited to specific contexts, such as intense exercise.
Polyendocrine Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) impacts 13% of women, causing hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, and chronic pain. Lifestyle interventions, particularly diet and exercise, show benefits for physical and mental health outcomes.
A large-scale international study found that spending time in nature is associated with greater life satisfaction due to increased self-compassion and positive body image. The study also identified a pathway through which nature contact helps people feel restored, leading to improved mental wellbeing.
Research found that people with obesity experience fewer pleasant emotions during exercise and are more likely driven by external motives. Positive emotional experiences and intrinsic motivational factors explain both physical activity levels and future exercise intentions.
Aerobic exercise consistently demonstrates robust reductions in ambulatory blood pressure, while combined exercise and HIIT show promising results. The findings suggest that resistance training should be viewed as a complementary strategy to lower high blood pressure.
A pilot study suggests that physical exercise can support stem cell donation by releasing specific types of blood stem cells into the bloodstream. The exercise stimulus increases stem cell numbers only moderately, but may offer a more targeted approach than medication.
A simple 30-second sit-to-stand test can estimate muscle power and identify individuals at higher risk of hospitalization and mortality. The test revealed a strong association between low muscle power and increased risks of falls, fractures, hospitalizations, and mortality in older adults.
A global study published in Nature Human Behaviour analyzed data from over 8,000 participants to investigate the connection between physical activity and emotional well-being. The results showed that mood improves with everyday movement, and people are more physically active when they feel better.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research found that increasing daily step count to around 8,500 can help prevent weight regain in people with overweight or obesity. Participants who increased their steps during the weight loss phase and maintained this level over time lost less weight and regained less weight.
A systematic review found that structured exercise programs can modestly improve quit success, while a single bout of exercise can rapidly reduce nicotine cravings. Exercise type and intensity may also play a role in reducing cravings.
Children who engaged in regular outdoor play had lower sedentary time and higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adulthood, while those experiencing exercise restrictions during childhood had lower adult physical activity levels. These findings support personalized lifestyle interventions for patients with CHD.
A systematic review finds that a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises significantly improves cardiovascular outcomes in healthy adults. The optimal exercise duration is found to be between 40-60 minutes per week, with evening aerobic exercise showing greater health benefits.
A new study suggests that fitspiration content on social media can lead to negative self-esteem, unhealthy dieting, and exercise habits among young adults. Researchers analyzed 26 studies involving 6,111 individuals across seven countries, finding that even brief exposure to idealized images can trigger harmful comparisons.
High-intensity interval training shows strongest vascular benefits in cardiovascular patients. HIIE consistently improves flow-mediated dilation and vasodilation, with combined high-intensity programs showing the largest estimated effects on endothelial function.
A study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution found that optimal birth weight for minimal kidney damage during extreme endurance events is around eight pounds. Individuals with lower or higher birth weights may face a greater risk of kidney stress or damage.
Research suggests that high-intensity exercise is most effective in reducing sleep disturbances among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Light activity also shows some benefits, while moderate exercise has little impact. Tailored exercise programs could help prolong quality of life for this growing demographic.
A new clinical trial reveals that a 10-minute daily supine exercise program enhances body balance and agility by linking trunk stability with lower extremity coordination. The study shows significant improvements within two weeks, highlighting the potential benefits of this simple yet effective exercise routine.
Researchers found that exercising to self-selected music boosts endurance by nearly 20%, allowing individuals to tolerate sustained effort for longer. Participants cycled for an average of 35.6 minutes with music versus 29.8 minutes in silence, with no change in heart rate or lactate levels at the finish.
A new review found that lifestyle behaviors like physical activity and diet can positively modulate the gut microbiome of cancer patients, but these effects are often influenced by non-modifiable variables. The study also highlighted the role of intrinsic patient characteristics in shaping microbial composition.
A study using mice and simulations found that abdominal contractions compress blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and brain, enabling gentle brain movement that facilitates cerebrospinal fluid flow and potentially removes neural waste. This mechanism may explain why exercise is thought to benefit brain health.
A study on elite male football players found that athletes of Black ethnicity, particularly those from West and Central African regions, exhibited more pronounced repolarisation abnormalities and structural remodelling. The findings suggest that treating athletes of Black ethnicity as a single group may oversimplify clinically meaningf...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement recommends that children and adolescents with certain heart conditions participate in physical activities after a detailed individualized risk assessment. Light-to-moderate intensity exercise may be suitable to maintain physical fitness and quality of life, while structured physical...
Muscle size, strength, and performance can be improved without exhausting exercises. Eccentric exercises, which involve lengthening muscles during movement, generate more force with less energy than traditional exercises.
Researchers found strong evidence for supplements like beta-alanine, caffeine, carbohydrates, and creatine monohydrate to improve cycling performance. Supplements also support recovery, bone health, and immunity.
A new study reveals a post-pandemic cycling boom in major cities, with fatality rates dropping by up to 88% in Paris, 82% in London, and 62% in New York City. The improvement is attributed to the expansion and improvement of cycling infrastructure, including cycleways separated from motor vehicle traffic.
Researchers from Duke University analyzed data from over 50,000 Fitbit users across four states and found that daylight saving time does not affect overall daily step counts. However, they did notice a shift in steps taken between morning and evening, likely due to adjustments made to match the new daylight availability.
The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.
Prenatal stress alters signaling pathways involving corticosteroids in brown fat tissue, potentially blunting the metabolic benefits of exercise. The study highlights the importance of considering maternal stress context in developmental metabolic programming.
A study found that higher midlife cardiorespiratory fitness is strongly associated with later onset of chronic disease, lower overall disease burden, and longer life expectancy. Adults with higher fitness levels developed fewer chronic diseases and spent more years free from serious illness.
A national poll suggests that one in three parents report their young adult children are minimally active or inactive, with lack of interest and screen time being major barriers. Parents often try to encourage physical activity through verbal encouragement, activities, and exercising together, but many efforts are not successful.
A Phase II trial found that exercise can improve cognitive function in patients receiving chemotherapy, while low-dose ibuprofen may also have some benefits. The study suggests that exercise is more effective in improving cognitive outcomes, but further research is needed to explore the effects of ibuprofen and combination therapy.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology has several active trials specifically designed to help people with head and neck cancers. Trials include testing high-dose prophylactic gabapentin to prevent opioid use during treatment, as well as immunotherapy with nivolumab and cabozantinib for mucosal melanoma and nasopharyngeal carcino...