Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A long-term study of 3,926 adults with CKD found that higher levels of physical activity reduced the risk of atherosclerotic events, new-onset heart failure, and death. The association was strongest for incident peripheral arterial disease and reinforces current guideline recommendations.
Regularly active adults showed lower all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates compared to physically inactive peers. Weekend warriors who performed recommended levels of weekly physical activity one to two times also had similar mortality rates as regularly active participants.
A new wearable technology project aims to empower older women to continue participating in sports and exercise without fear of pain or injuries. The project, MISFIT, will develop smart textiles and footwear insoles to monitor injury risk and provide personalized advice to health professionals.
Researchers from Kessler Foundation found that virtual reality (VR) technology can strengthen the effects of traditional cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training in individuals with MS. By increasing sensory input and promoting multisensory integration, VR may increase the effectiveness of these therapies.
The American Heart Association has revised its cardiovascular health checklist to include sleep duration as a key factor in ideal heart and brain health. The new Life's Essential 8 score replaces the previous Life's Simple 7 and assesses factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and blood pressure.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that low blood-oxygen levels affect executive control-related neural activity and cognitive performance during exercise. Maintaining oxygen saturation can prevent these effects, suggesting oxygen supply is crucial for cognitive function in low-oxygen environments.
Research reveals associations between cardiovascular risk factors, low physical fitness, and decreased neural activity in the social brain network, leading to social cognitive function decline. A healthy lifestyle may mitigate this decline through targeted interventions.
University of Missouri researchers develop wearable smart bioelectronic devices, including a 'smart' face mask that can monitor physiological status and detect respiratory problems. The masks also use laser-assisted fabrication to provide breathable soft electronics for better real-time health monitoring.
A new cross-disciplinary paper from Edith Cowan University suggests that tourism can provide real health benefits for those with mental health issues or conditions. Lead researcher Dr. Jun Wen found various aspects of going on holiday, such as social meals and physical activity, could have a positive impact on dementia patients.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise improves autonomic regulation of the heart and contributes to proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Walking for 45 minutes three times a week increased heart rate variability, a scientifically validated parameter to assess the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.
A systematic review of 84 studies found insufficient evidence that multivitamins or supplements can prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer in healthy adults. In contrast, diet and exercise are key to maintaining health. Whole fruits and vegetables contain a mixture of vitamins, phytochemicals, fiber, and other nutrients that act syn...
Researchers from Tohoku University found that virtual training can decrease psychosocial stress response and lower anxiety levels, comparable to real exercise. The study used immersive virtual reality to simulate physical activity, inducing physiological changes and cognitive benefits in young healthy subjects.
A new study demonstrates a computer tool, PrimSeq, that accurately identifies and counts arm movements in people undergoing stroke rehabilitation. The tool has shown to be 77% effective in tracking the intensity of patients' movements during therapy.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends genetic testing for athletes with certain genetic mutations to prevent sudden cardiac death. Athletes with conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome may need to limit their exercise intensity or take preventive measures such as wearing a defibrillator.
A long-term study found that bariatric surgery improves physical activity and diet quality in participants, but only a small percentage meet federal guidelines. Patients may need continued support to maintain weight loss and health benefits after surgery.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that physical activity can boost the body's immune response to influenza vaccination. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 individuals and concluded that regular exercise may provide better protection against the flu.
A novel study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology demonstrates that Nordic walking provides greater long-term improvements in functional capacity compared to high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training. Nordic walking engages core, upper, and lower body muscles, resulting in a sig...
Researchers identified a molecule called Lac-Phe that suppresses food intake by 50% in diet-induced obese mice. Lac-Phe also improves glucose tolerance and reduces body weight, paving the way for potential exercise pills to treat obesity and related conditions.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that Synapsology, a game-like dual-task exercise, helps maintain or improve cognitive and physical abilities in older adults aged 85-97. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that this cost-effective intervention can have a societal impact.
A study of over 100,000 individuals found that those who sat for six to eight hours a day had a 12-13% increased risk of early death and heart disease, while those who sat for more than eight hours daily increased the risk by 20%. High amounts of sitting time were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease globally.
A University of Jyväskylä study found that menopausal women's ability to use fat as an energy source is not impaired by estrogen levels or menopause. Women who burned more fat during exercise had higher fitness and physical activity levels, while those with better glucose tolerance did not necessarily burn more fat.
Researchers found that healthy choices, such as no smoking, high leisure-time exercise, and adequate sleep, are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, intakes of certain polyphenols, commonly found in tea and other foods, may also play a role in protecting brain health among Black participants.
A recent study found that older adults in later-born generations are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions than prior generations. This trend may lead to increased strain on the well-being of older adults and medical insurance systems, particularly as the US population ages. The researchers suggest that sociodemographi...
Research in western Amazonia found that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week correlated with lower birth weight and reduced risk of childhood obesity and diabetes. The study also showed that physical activity during pregnancy may help prevent excessive weight gain, contributing to a reduced birth weight.
A study found that intense training schedules are associated with a heightened risk of non-allergic asthma in competitive cross-country skiers. Skiers with high-performance levels and intense training hours were more likely to develop non-allergic asthma, which was linked to airway damage caused by cold air.
A study found that older Latinos who participated in a culturally relevant Latin dance program for eight months significantly improved their working memory compared to those in a control group. The program used four types of Latin dance styles and incorporated elements of social engagement, increasing physical activity levels.
A mass survey of Japanese citizens aged 50-89 years found that sagittal spinal balance measurement can detect cognitive decline. The study discovered associations between anteriorization of the spine and lower cognitive function in both males and females, with greater risks detected in cases of SVA ≥ 70mm regardless of age.
A Rice University study found that parents accustomed to home schooling felt more resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased physical activity. In contrast, parents whose public-school children were suddenly housebound experienced increased stress and lower resilience. The study highlights the importance of physical activi...
A recent Binghamton University study found that women experience reduced stress levels on weekends due to increased downtime. The research also discovered that physically fit individuals relax faster and can benefit from incorporating physical activity into their daily routine.
A study found that walking for exercise reduced frequent knee pain in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Preliminary evidence also suggested that it might modify structural effects of osteoarthritis on the knees.
A new study by the University of Copenhagen found that children who move while learning sounds of letters significantly improve their ability to recognize individual letter sounds. This embodied learning approach can help give beginner readers a good start and may lead to better reading skills in the long run.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that walking for exercise can reduce new frequent knee pain and slow joint damage in people with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers analyzed data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative and found a 40% decrease in odds of new frequent knee pain among walkers compared to non-walkers.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that a 12-week app program improved children's motor skills by an average of 15.5 percentage points. The app-based program focused on six motor skills, including hopping, throwing, and jumping, and was shown to be effective in preventing childhood obesity.
A new analysis suggests that Black and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately affected by traffic-related deaths, and that these disparities are larger than previous estimates show. The study found that travel distances vary among racial/ethnic groups when walking, cycling, or driving, and when these differences in activity levels a...
A recent study of 7,600 adults found that higher levels of light- and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity were associated with a reduced risk of stroke. Conversely, greater sedentary time was linked to an increased risk of stroke.
A study by Kobe University researchers found significant socio-economic disparities in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with vulnerable populations experiencing reduced levels of activity. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring to address widening health disparities stemming from economic circumstances.
A new study finds that cancer patients are at a greater risk of developing diabetes, particularly those with lung, pancreatic, breast, brain, urinary tract, or uterine cancers. The study also shows that cancer patients who develop diabetes die sooner than survivors without diabetes.
Researchers found that exercise increased levels of adrenalin, reprogramming the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This led to a 50% reduction in cancer formation and 25% decrease in tumor weight in mouse models. In human patients, exercising before surgery also improved overall survival rates.
A peer-led, family-centered preventive intervention is being tested to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among Bhutanese immigrants. The program, developed by Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, uses problem management plus (PMP) and addresses multiple stressors, resulting in improved coping skills and social networking.
Research reveals antibiotics can knock out essential gut bacteria, leading to reduced motivation and endurance in athletes. The study found that high-performance mice were more affected by antibiotic treatment, highlighting the microbiome's impact on exercise behaviors.
A study published in eLife found that high-intensity interval training increases the production of proteins essential for energy metabolism and muscle contractions, as well as alters key metabolic proteins through acetylation. These changes may contribute to improved metabolic health.
Researchers found that the effectiveness of exercise depends on the time of day, with morning exercise reducing belly fat and blood pressure in women, while evening exercise increasing muscular performance. For men, evening exercise lowers blood pressure, burns more fat, and improves heart disease risk.
A new University of California, Irvine-led study identifies sex-specific circuits of muscle signaling to other tissues, highlighting differences in muscle function between males and females. The research sheds light on how muscle functions, such as exercise, promote healthy longevity, metabolism and improve cognition.
Researchers aim to determine if high-dose exercise can reduce symptoms and secondary effects of concussions. A five-year study will enroll 220 teen athletes with concussions to test the effectiveness of an individualized exercise prescription.
A recent study reveals that 91% of athletes display dysfunctional breathing patterns, which can lead to increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The study emphasizes the importance of screening and addressing these patterns through targeted interventions and breathing training protocols.
A new method measures individually measurable aerosol values during exercise, revealing moderate aerosol emissions at medium exertion and exponential increases above that point. The study suggests special protective measures are needed for high-intensity training to reduce infection risk.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that men with obesity who lost weight saw a 50% increase in sperm concentration and a 40% increase in sperm count over an 8-week period. This improvement was sustained for up to 52 weeks and even doubled for those who maintained weight loss after a year
Researchers found obese and thin individuals misreport food intake by the same amount, contrary to official guidelines. The study suggests a reevaluation of public health recommendations, focusing on dietary risk factors rather than energy expenditure.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of compression garment use found no benefit in muscle recovery following exercise. The study suggests that practitioners should reconsider the effectiveness of compression garments as a means to reduce muscle strength loss.
A 12-month home-based progressive and supervised exercise program improves physical performance, handgrip strength, and activity of daily living in patients after hip fracture surgery. The study shows that investing in rehabilitation exercise benefits individuals and society.
A recent study found that aquatic exercise is preferred by individuals with multiple sclerosis and can provide significant benefits for those with the condition. However, lack of access to pools and high costs are major barriers to participation.
A new clinical study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that daily intake of postbiotic Urolithin A improved muscle strength by 12% in middle-aged adults. The supplement supported the cells' ability to renew their powerplants, the mitochondria, during the aging process.
Exercise strengthens bones, reduces fracture risk, and improves posture in people with osteoporosis. A consensus statement recommends a balanced routine of muscle strengthening exercises on 2-3 days and moderate impact activities on most days.
A new study reveals that running increases dopamine release and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, leading to improved learning, memory, and motor skills. The findings provide insight into the long-term effects of exercise on the brain and may lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Research found that voluntary wheel running increased dopamine signaling in motor areas of mice. This increase remained even after exercise ended. The study suggests BDNF may catalyze increased dopamine signaling.
A study of over 4,000 US high school boys found a strong association between muscle-building exercise and physical fighting, as well as carrying weapons. The research highlights the importance of addressing gender equity and violence among adolescent boys.
A recent study published in Obesity Reviews found that resistance training, in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet, can lead to significant fat mass and muscle loss. This breakthrough highlights the importance of considering non-aerobic exercise options for individuals struggling with obesity.
Researchers found a link between long COVID and abnormal blood clotting markers, with participants experiencing reduced exercise capacity being four times more likely to have elevated markers. The study provides new insight into the potential mechanisms behind long COVID's longer-term effects.
A study published in Age and Ageing found that modifying lifestyle behaviors can have a marked effect on lifespan, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions. Adopting five or more healthy habits increased life expectancy by up to 6 years for healthy 40-year-olds.
A combination of aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises alongside personalized nutritional counselling reduced mobility disability by 22% over three years. The intervention also improved physical performance and reduced muscle loss in older adults.