Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
Researchers developed a time-efficient single item measure to assess self-control, confirming its interchangeability with 'will-power' and 'self-discipline'. People with lower self-control also report boredom and lower socioeconomic status.
A systematic review and meta-analysis compared traditional strength training with power training for improving physical function in older adults. Power training showed similar benefits to strength training in terms of muscle power and functional ability.
A new sensor technology allows for real-time monitoring of lactate levels in the brain, providing insights into energy metabolism and potential applications in cancer detection. The sensors corrected for hemodynamic artifacts using MRI-informed corrections enable accurate cell-specific lactate level recordings.
A study of over 250,000 English adults found that only a fraction meet physical activity guidelines, particularly strengthening exercises. Women, older adults, and those from disadvantaged areas are less likely to engage in sufficient exercise.
Researchers developed a genetic-risk score to identify women most at risk for gestational and postpartum diabetes. Intensive lifestyle intervention reduced their risk, but only benefited those with the highest genetic risk.
A new study found that endurance exercise improves mitochondrial function in some patients with primary mitochondrial diseases, but not others. The research highlights the importance of considering individual genetic status when recommending exercise as therapy.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that regular high-intensity interval training exercise can significantly decrease fasting glucose levels and waist circumference, while improving oxygen consumption rates in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Exercise also modifies amino acid metabolism in adipose tissue...
A modified cardiac rehabilitation program has been shown to reduce mortality rates among stroke survivors by 76%. The program, which includes medically supervised exercise and therapy, improves functional capacity, mobility, self-care, and cognition. This finding has the potential to change the future of stroke care.
A new study suggests that reducing daily sedentary time by just one hour a day can have significant health benefits in three months. The intervention group showed improvements in blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, and liver health compared to the control group.
Researchers found that grandmaternal exercise improved glucose tolerance and decreased fat mass in adult male and female grand offspring. The study suggests that exercise during pregnancy may have long-lasting effects on metabolic health, potentially reducing the worldwide incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.
Researchers found that humans' natural tendency is to run at a speed that conserves caloric loss, defying the common goal of racing to shave time off miles. By analyzing data from wearable fitness trackers and lab experiments, scientists discovered that most runners maintained a consistent speed for short and long distances.
A study published in Current Biology found that recreational runners prefer to run at the same calorie-saving pace, regardless of distance. The researchers analyzed data from over 4,600 runners and wearable trackers, revealing that the preferred speed is indistinguishable from the energetically optimal speed measured in a lab setting.
Children's physical fitness and health-related quality of life decreased significantly after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy weight and overall well-being.
A new study found that moderate fitness can offer protection against the dampening effects of chemotherapy on natural immunity. Breast cancer survivors who were moderately fit produced a significantly larger immune response to a typhoid vaccine, while those with lower fitness levels had a reduced response.
A UK-wide study found that menstrual cycle education is inconsistent and inadequate in UK schools. Teachers reported feeling unconfident and lacking knowledge to teach this subject, affecting pupils' attendance, behavior, and confidence.
Scientists found that a single 45-minute session of moderate-intensity exercise enables the growth of new blood vessels in people with type 2 diabetes. The exercise increases levels of ATP7A, a protein carried by exosomes that helps deliver essential copper to endothelial cells, promoting angiogenesis and reducing oxidative stress.
A UK study found that physical activity can improve mental health and wellbeing for some with long COVID, but excessive exercise can exacerbate symptoms. Researchers recommend a 'paced' approach to return to exercise, prioritizing individualized programs to mitigate negative effects.
A new study suggests that glucose-lowering medications can restore aerobic exercise capacity in people with high blood sugar. The research, published in the journal Diabetes, found that combining a medication like canagliflozin with exercise training may improve exercise response in individuals with diabetes.
A six-week virtual exercise program has improved fatigue, breathlessness, and quality of life for COVID-19 patients in Ireland. Participants were able to walk further and experience significant improvements in physical fitness and overall health.
A study suggests that intense exercise can help rats resist cues for high-fat food pellets, even after a 30-day diet. The researchers found that exercise modulated the rats' willingness to work for these cues, reflecting their craving level.
A recent study found that children's socioemotional behavior at age 8 can predict midlife health behaviors, including physical activity and alcohol consumption. Well-controlled behavior in girls was linked to more physical activity, while social activity in both boys and girls predicted heavier drinking and smoking.
Researchers found that gamification increased daily steps by an average of 647 for postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, demonstrates the effectiveness of text-based gamification interventions to improve physical activity among high-risk postpartum women.
A new study demonstrated that maternal exercise during pregnancy improves the metabolic health of offspring, even when the mother is obese or on a high-fat diet. The findings suggest that physical exercise by the mother induces the placenta to secrete SOD3, resulting in a lowered risk of diabetes for the offspring.
A new study suggests that exercise helps maintain brain health by keeping insulin and body mass index levels low. People with higher physical activity had a higher total volume of grey matter in their brains than those with less activity.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies found significant mental health benefits from physical activity, including a reduced risk of depression. The study suggests that even moderate levels of exercise can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
A study at McMaster University found that cycling for 35 minutes three times a week increased overall fitness in people with myotonic dystrophy by 32%. Patients also saw significant gains in muscle mass and reductions in body fat.
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that sitting Tai Chi exercises improved short-term outcomes in stroke survivors with hand and arm weakness or partial paralysis. The modified sitting routine showed benefits in balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility, making it an effective option for these patients.
A study of 3,900 older adults found factors associated with decreased physical activity include older age, living alone, obesity, adverse health conditions, and poor physical functioning. The results highlight the need for interventions targeting these barriers to promote healthy lifestyles in older age.
A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.
A Rutgers study suggests the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) overestimates concussions and incorrectly identifies symptoms caused by intense exercise. The researchers found that players without a head impact exhibited similar symptoms to those with a concussion, highlighting the need for further studies on better assessing conc...
A study by TUM confirms that physically fit primary school pupils perform better in terms of concentration and health-related quality of life. The results show a positive correlation between physical fitness, concentration, and overall well-being.
A large US survey found that adults gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic due to changes in behavior such as increased snacking and alcohol intake. The analysis of more than 3.5 million adults also showed a 3% increase in obesity prevalence, with significant changes in exercise participation, sleep duration, and cigarette smoking.
A new study found that exercising before developing cancer reduced tumor growth and cachexia symptoms in mice. Regular exercise improved cardiac structure and function, and helped slow tumor growth even after cancer was induced.
A study found that omecamtiv mecarbil did not improve exercise capacity or daily physical activity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The drug was well-tolerated, but its effectiveness in improving functional limitations was limited.
A six-week study found that high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training improved exercise tolerance by 12% in adults aged 50 and older. The treatment involved inhaling through a handheld device adding resistance to the breath for five minutes daily.
A progressive exercise training program improves health markers in young female survivors of childhood trauma, reducing systolic blood pressure and endothelin-1 levels. Participants showed improved goal-planning and hope, suggesting a potential psychophysiological relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors.
A study found that strength training activates androgen receptors to protect against muscle pain in mice. Resistance training also alleviated pain only in male mice, while females did not show similar benefits. The findings suggest exercise may be a useful treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Research found that exercising for half an hour can improve depressed mood state and anhedonia for up to 75 minutes after exercise, with potential benefits lasting beyond this time frame. The study also suggests that exercise may synergize with therapy to deliver the most effective overall intervention.
A study has discovered that using a strategically-timed pull from a waist belt can help individuals walk more efficiently, reducing metabolic cost by as much as half. This approach uses biomechanical testing to optimize the timing of assistance, which was found to be most effective during a brief window between steps.
Research suggests that physically active individuals experience a milder form of COVID-19, with a reduced risk of hospitalization and death. Studies have found that physical activity can prolong vaccine effectiveness and boost the immune response, offering promising avenues for future research.
This year's Experimental Biology 2022 meeting features groundbreaking studies on COVID-19 vaccine-associated symptoms in non-menstruating people, a plant compound showing promise for alleviating food allergies, and the potential of omega-3s to boost immunotherapy's cancer-fighting power. Researchers also explore the safety of using CBD...
Researchers at Kobe University discover that immobilization induces loss of muscle mass by disrupting calcium levels and triggering the KLF15-IL-6 pathway. This finding may lead to the development of a treatment for muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, which affects aging societies.
A new study by the American College of Cardiology reveals that exercise nearly doubles the cardiovascular benefit for individuals with depression or anxiety. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by up to 22% in those with anxiety and depression, compared to 10% for those without these con...
A retrospective study found that cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease increased since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Late-night meals and higher alcohol intake were identified as independent predictors of developing MAFLD, especially among working-age individuals.
Researchers analyzed health records of nearly half a million patients post-heart attack and found that depression was associated with a nearly 50% higher stroke risk compared to those without depression. The study highlights the need for greater attention to mental health in research and practice.
A study found that 42% of TikTok videos on high blood pressure focused on alternative medicine, while only 5% mentioned exercise. Most creators were not healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for more emphasis on credible sources.
A study suggests that smartwatch heart rate measurement algorithms are less effective in people with darker skin tones due to increased melanin absorption. Researchers emphasize the need for diverse population inclusion and explore alternative light wavelengths for more accurate readings.
A study from the University of Georgia shows that exergaming can increase satisfaction and autonomy in exercise, leading to increased physical activity and motivation. The research followed participants who were randomly assigned to either exergame or traditional aerobics classes for six weeks.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology highlights the benefits of lifelong exercise on muscle health in older adults. Elderly individuals who engage in regular physical activity throughout their life have healthier ageing muscles with superior function and resistance to fatigue.
A new study by Rice University researchers shows that scheduled physical activity is beneficial for both elementary students and college students, improving their physical health and mental well-being. The program, which matched undergraduate mentors with local fifth graders, demonstrated the positive effects of exercise on young peopl...
A landmark study demonstrates that a community-based group exercise programme can prevent physical decline and improve quality of life in older adults with mobility limitations. The REACT programme, which involves individually tailored exercises and social interaction, shows promising results in reducing health and care costs.
A new study found that nearly half of over-35s lack confidence in recognizing cardiac symptoms during strenuous exercise. The survey of 153 Masters football players aged ≥35 years highlights the importance of education and knowledge in mitigating serious cardiac risk.
A randomized study of 379 women with obesity and unexplained infertility found that intensive lifestyle changes that shed pounds led to no better chances of pregnancy than simply increasing physical activity without weight loss. The study also showed significant health benefits from weight loss, including a decrease in metabolic syndrome.
Research suggests exercise can break the vicious cycle of inflammation that leads to diabetes and depression in people with Long COVID. A 30-minute session of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, can be beneficial.
Researchers found that chronic lactate exposure can lead to cellular disruptions, decreased fatty acid transport, and alterations of mitochondrial membranes, which may contribute to the development of heart failure and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that lactate accumulation could be a major player in disease progression.
Researchers developed a video game-based therapy, Recovery Rapids, to aid stroke patients in improving their motor skills from home. The game helped patients adhere to exercises and showed similar outcomes to traditional constraint-induced therapy.
A study by Dr. Ryoichi Ema found that eccentric cycling has higher neuromuscular activation of the rectus femoris muscle and can be performed with less effort. This suggests that eccentric cycling exercise is beneficial for improving athletic performance and preventing muscle damage.
Research from the University of Georgia shows that physical activity can improve cognitive function and brain networks in older adults. Regular movement can help maintain executive function and independence as people age.
A six-year research project aims to develop an online programme providing support, information, and tailored exercise plans for managing musculoskeletal diseases. The Digital – My Arm Pain Programme (D-MAPP) will guide participants in managing their condition through the lived experience of those affected.