Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A large-scale study found that regular physical activity significantly reduces the risk of developing pneumonia and dying from it. The research, led by the University of Bristol, analyzed data from over 1 million participants and showed a strong association between exercise and reduced risk of pneumonia-related death.
Researchers found that increased physical activity reduced mortality risk in all groups, but health benefits plateaued in healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular risk factors. In contrast, cardiovascular disease patients showed no further benefit beyond a certain volume of physical activity.
A team of Australian researchers has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the benefits of exercise on retinal health and function. By identifying unique molecular signals, they aim to develop a supplement that can harness these benefits for patients who are unable to engage in physical activity.
Researchers discover changes in muscle torque recovery can predict maximum voluntary strength gains but not delayed-onset muscle soreness. The study's findings offer a promising approach to assessing muscle damage symptoms after exercise.
Research found that individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience cardiac autonomic dysfunction, which is improved by regular vigorous physical activity. The study assessed participants' ability to increase heart rate during exercise and recover afterwards, finding a relationship between vigorous physical act...
Researchers found that video-based, telehealth-delivered exercise and weight loss programs improved pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. The intervention with dietary component led to substantial weight loss and additional benefits.
A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that exercising intensely at the start of a fast can maximize health benefits by speeding up the transition to ketosis. Participants who exercised reached ketosis on average three and a half hours earlier, producing 43% more B-hydroxybutyrate.
A new study published in Annals of Medicine recommends that athletes returning to training after long COVID undergo a series of tests and receive regular advice from medical specialists. The researchers defined long COVID as symptoms lasting more than four weeks, and warned of the risk of organ damage and mental health issues.
A new study by Ritsumeikan University reveals that whole-body dynamic balance training increases brain connectivity and improves motor learning. The research found significant changes in brain activity associated with offline learning, opening up new avenues for studying neural networks during natural tasks.
New research found that physical activity is linked to lower microglial activation, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease pathology. The study, published in JNeurosci, suggests that exercise may help reduce inflammation and improve cognitive aging in older adults with more severe AD pathology.
Research from Harvard University reveals that physical activity later in life shifts energy towards mechanisms that extend health, reducing chronic illnesses. The study highlights the importance of staying physically active as we age to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow down deterioration.
A new study from the University of South Australia is investigating the benefits of a unique sport called RaceRunning for children with cerebral palsy. The research aims to assess the impact on physical, social, and mental health, finding improvements in muscle strength, mobility, and participation in sporting activities.
A new study published in Gut Microbes found that exercise intervention reduced pain and lowered inflammatory substances in people with arthritis. Exercise increased levels of cannabis-like substances called endocannabinoids, which may help treat certain conditions.
A new study found that preadolescent endurance runners who experience weight loss, have a history of bone stress injury, or follow a vegetarian diet are more likely to use dietary supplements. The study discovered that supplement use was associated with lower food intake and energy deficiency.
A recent study found that digital health programs and apps are less effective in boosting physical activity among users with lower socio-economic status. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 studies and concluded that these interventions do not provide clear benefits for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Research by Assistant Professor Yue Liao found that cancer survivors improved their physical functioning and quality of life after participating in a 12-week group-based exercise program. The study focused on minority and medically underserved cancer survivors who often lack access to physical activity resources.
Research suggests women with lingering COVID-19 symptoms experience heart rate irregularities during physical exertion, leading to delayed recovery and reduced exercise tolerance. Targeted rehabilitation programs are needed to manage these consequences in women with persistent heart and lung problems.
A large study of collegiate athletes reveals persistent COVID-19 symptoms are rare, but exertional chest pain warrants further clinical evaluation. The study used the Outcomes Registry for Cardiac Conditions in Athletes and found low prevalence of exertional symptoms upon return to exercise.
A recent study found that using mechanical tools can improve understanding of complex sentences and vice versa. Researchers discovered that motor training with tools activates the same brain region as syntax exercises, suggesting that these skills rely on shared neurological resources.
A study published in The BMJ found that early post-operative exercise improves shoulder and arm mobility, reduces pain, and increases quality of life for women after non-reconstructive breast cancer surgery. The exercise programme is also cost-effective, with an average saving of £387 per patient.
A study led by University of Gothenburg researchers found that both moderate and strenuous exercise significantly alleviate symptoms of anxiety in patients with the disorder. Exercise intensity was also found to impact improvement, with higher intensity exercising resulting in greater symptom reduction.
A new case study presents a medially challenging situation where NSAIDs triggered anaphylactic reactions in a female runner. The patient's symptoms worsened with exercise, emphasizing the importance of being aware of this phenomenon and taking preventive measures.
A study found that cardiopulmonary exercise testing is highly applicable for early detection of respiratory disorders in obese individuals. The test assesses physiological responses to exercise and identifies potential issues before symptoms appear.
A study by the Universities of Basel and Saarland found almost no risk of coronavirus infection in football players, contradicting previous assumptions about team contact risks. The research team collected data from over 1,300 cases and concluded that outdoor sports with minimal physical contact pose a very low risk of infection.
Research reviews show that back pain in space is often sciatica, a form of back pain radiating down the legs. Astronauts experience changes in spine curvature due to microgravity, leading to acute and chronic pain upon return to Earth.
A new study suggests that vigorous exercise during leisure time is not associated with an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, intense physical activity at work hours was linked to a higher risk, possibly due to repetitive motion or exposure to chemicals. Moderate exercise, even after symptoms begi...
A recent study found that fitness apps utilizing illness- and death-related messages are more effective in motivating users than those focusing on social stigma, obesity, or financial costs. The research discovered a significant relationship between these messaging types and self-regulatory beliefs and outcome expectations.
A new study identifies 13 genes as key factors in shaping physical fitness through various forms of exercise. Genetic differences account for up to 72% of the variation in muscle strength improvements.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that increasing steps per day, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, or reducing sedentary time can improve cardiorespiratory fitness. Individuals with higher-than-average activity levels had better fitness regardless of sedentary time spent.
A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals that over 46,000 cancer cases annually in the US could be prevented with moderate-intensity physical activity. The study found that states in the South had the highest proportion of cancers attributable to physical inactivity, while northern states had lower proportions.
New research from Rice University finds that working single mothers who feel in control of their schedules are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors during their downtime. A present-focused mindset also helps them maintain a sense of control as demands on their time increase.
A study found that meditation training reduced chronic stress by 25% through decreased cortisol levels in hair. The researchers used a 9-month training programme to measure the effect, and the results showed that only sufficiently long training leads to significant stress-reducing effects.
A new study found that outdoor nature-based activities are effective for improving mental health in adults, including those with pre-existing mental health problems. Activities lasting 20-90 minutes sustained over 8-12 weeks led to improved mood and reduced anxiety.
Active video games have been shown to give similar physiological effects to traditional exercise, such as jogging, in type 1 diabetics. The studies found that playing these games could help lower blood glucose levels and improve cardiovascular health.
A team of researchers simulated the loss of physical activity during COVID19 lockdowns to study its effects on metabolism. They found that mice's energy sources shifted based on their diet composition after a sharp decline in exercise, leading to weight gain.
A clinical trial found that obese prostate cancer patients who underwent regular exercise training for 12 weeks had increased levels of anti-cancer myokines, which suppressed tumour growth and helped fight cancerous cells. The study suggests exercise may be a key weapon in cancer patients' battle against the disease.
A study published in Cell Metabolism identified a protein called neurturin as crucial for muscle health, improving metabolic rates, motor function and exercise capacity. Mice genetically modified to produce more neurturin had increased resistance to degeneration in neurons associated with ALS.
Researchers developed a dynamic respirator that modulates pore size in response to changing conditions like exercise and air pollution. The device features an AI-powered system that adjusts filtration characteristics wirelessly, providing improved breathability and comfort.
A Boston University study of 2,000 participants found that moderate to vigorous exercise significantly improves fitness levels compared to walking. Higher intensity activity is also more efficient in improving lower-level exertion and sustaining peak performance.
Researchers found that adopting the DASH diet, losing weight and improving aerobic fitness can lower blood pressure significantly. The study suggests lifestyle modifications can help people with resistant hypertension successfully lose weight and increase their physical activity.
A new study found that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for skeletal muscles to grow after exercise. Researchers used mice with antibiotics to disrupt the microbiome, showing reduced muscle growth compared to healthy mice. The findings support previous studies linking the gut microbiome to muscle health.
The study found that participants who completed the Active Living After Cancer program showed significant improvements in physical activity, six-minute walk distance, and mental health. The program is effective for minority and medically underserved cancer survivors and can be implemented through a community-based model.
A new UNSW Sydney-led study suggests that strength training can lead to significant weight loss, with participants losing an average of 1.4% of their total body fat after a five-month program. The study analyzed existing evidence and found that this level of fat loss is comparable to cardio-based exercise.
Increasing physical activity and improving fitness are superior to weight loss in reducing mortality risk and treating obesity-related health conditions. Employing a weight-neutral approach also reduces the risks associated with yo-yo dieting.
A large study reveals the pandemic exacerbates mental health challenges and hinders physical activity levels, particularly among lower-income households and those living in urban areas. The survey found that higher household income was associated with better mental health status and maintained physical activity levels.
Research by the University of Kent and University of Reading reveals that a healthy lifestyle can increase happiness. The study found that consuming more fruit and vegetables and exercising can improve life satisfaction, with delayed gratification playing a key role.
A pilot study at the University of Cincinnati found that young adults with ASD and ID can lose or maintain weight with a system of education and support in place. Participants and parents reported knowledge and behavior change, with two participants losing significant weight.
A new algorithm provides accurate solutions that mimic natural human movement, reducing the risk of injury. The Pro-ISADE approach improves calculation speed while ensuring calculated joint angles are feasible for robotic use in daily activities like drinking water and brushing teeth.
Researchers found that physically active lifestyle reduced the risk of developing anxiety disorders by almost 60% over a period of up to 21 years. The association was seen in both men and women, but with a noticeable difference between male and female skiers.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery about cells' 'batteries,' revealing how they sense problems and perform quality control on mitochondrial function. This finding could lead to better treatments for non-communicable diseases, which are estimated to cause 71% of all deaths.
Researchers have shown that physical exercise normalizes metabolic abnormalities caused by cancer, reducing anemia and associated fatigue. Exercise regenerates metabolism, blunting excessive blood cell formation and destruction, leading to improved tolerance of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Research suggests that overweight and obese asthmatic children are less likely to respond to inhaled steroid medication, leading to more frequent asthma attacks. The study used genetic variants linked to BMI to investigate this link, finding a correlation between higher BMI z-scores and poor ICS response.
A study of 814 babies found that those born to physically inactive mothers had lower lung function compared to those born to active mothers. Regular physical activity during pregnancy may reduce the risk of impaired infant lung function, potentially improving respiratory health later in life.
A study of 2,100 middle-age adults found that taking over 7,000 steps per day was linked to a lower risk of death. The study also found no association between step intensity and mortality rates.
A study of rural schoolchildren found that behaviors leading to obesity decreased on school days compared to non-school days, while activity levels increased. The researchers recommend structured programs or schedules for children on non-school days to combat obesogenic behaviors.
A new study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that individuals who choose their own exercise goals and start immediately are more likely to achieve significant increases in physical activity, with an average increase of 1,384 steps per day. This approach also leads to sustained high activity periods and maintai...
Researchers developed a customisable time tool, the Goldilocks Day calculator, to help parents allocate hours and activities for optimal health outcomes. The tool considers physical health, cognitive abilities, and mental wellbeing, allowing parents to adjust daily schedules based on their child's needs.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that healthy dietary patterns are associated with higher frequency of exercise and mental wellbeing in young adults. The researchers discovered that exercising within a healthy dietary pattern maximizes the beneficial effect of healthy food and minimizes the impact of triggers.
Researchers at UTHealth found that exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation can be beneficial for stroke survivors, correcting impaired walking patterns and increasing motor coordination. The study used the Ekso 1.1 exoskeleton to guide patients with chronic post-stroke hemiplegia or hemiparesis in a 10-15 session training program over thre...
A recent study published in Current Biology found that individuals with obesity burn fewer calories on body maintenance when exercising, reducing the calorie-burning gains of exercise. This reduction in energy expenditure was most pronounced in individuals with obesity and older adults.