Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
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.
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.