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Picture books can boost physical activity for youth with autism

A University of Missouri researcher created fitness picture books to increase physical activity in youth with autism, providing a cost-efficient solution for low-income families. The study found that the picture books successfully increased exercise time and encouraged caregivers to provide organized structure during flexible free time.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis·DateFeb 26, 2021

Monitoring the body's fat burning by breath

A research group from Tohoku University has developed a compact, low-cost device that can measure acetone gas concentration in exhaled air to monitor fat burning. The device uses ultraviolet light to gauge the concentration with high accuracy, allowing for non-invasive monitoring and optimization of metabolism.

SourceTohoku University·JournalSensors·DateFeb 10, 2021

The Lancet Planetary Health: Millions of lives saved annually by 2040 if countries raise their climate ambitions to meet Paris Agreement targets, modelling study suggests

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health highlights the benefits to health if countries adopt climate plans consistent with the Paris Agreement. Adopting such policies could save up to 6.4 million lives due to better diet, cleaner air, and increased exercise per year across nine countries.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateFeb 9, 2021

Blink! The link between aerobic fitness and cognition

A study from the University of Tsukuba found that higher spontaneous eye blink rates correlate with improved cognitive function and enhanced executive function in physically fit individuals. The dopaminergic system, involved in physical activity and exercise, plays a crucial role in mediating this link.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateFeb 3, 2021

Study recommends rugby league invests in young players' diets

Rugby league's young players can benefit from individualized nutrition plans to improve physical capacity, health, and recovery throughout their careers. The study provides practical food and drink examples for sports dietitians and coaches to help players eat and drink enough as part of a healthy diet.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateJan 22, 2021

New treatment allows some people with spinal cord injury to regain hand and arm function

Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new treatment that uses skin-surface stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries regain hand and arm mobility. After a five-month training program, six participants showed significant improvements in hand function, which lasted for up to six months after treatment ended.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateJan 12, 2021

New technology reveals fast and slow twitch muscle fibers respond differently to exercise

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new technology that allows researchers to study muscle biology on a detailed level. The study found that fast and slow twitch muscle fibers respond differently to exercise training, with hundreds of proteins expressed uniquely in each type. This discovery has implications for ...

Despite recommendations, patients with treatment-resistant hypertension rarely tested for primary al

A retrospective cohort study found that testing for primary aldosteronism in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension was rare and associated with higher rates of evidence-based treatment and better blood pressure control. An adaptive stepped exercise program improved pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 28, 2020

Low-intensity exercise during adolescence may prevent schizophrenia

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that low-intensity exercise during adolescence can significantly reduce abnormal behaviors in a mouse model of schizophrenia. The study suggests that mild exercise habits during development could have a powerful preventative effect in individuals genetically predisposed to schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateDec 16, 2020

Exercise may protect bone health after weight loss surgery

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that exercise can help minimize bone loss after weight loss surgery. Participants who attended structured exercise sessions had higher bone mineral density measurements compared to those in the control group.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateDec 9, 2020

Combined exercise, mindfulness training may help reduce fatigue in cancer survivors

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have found that combining exercise and mindfulness training can significantly reduce fatigue in breast cancer survivors. The study used a feasibility trial with 40 women, who reported a drop in fatigue levels after participating in a combination of both interventions.

Glucosamine may reduce overall death rates as effectively as regular exercise

A new epidemiological study from West Virginia University found that glucosamine supplements reduced all-cause mortality by 39% and cardiovascular-related deaths by 65%. The researchers analyzed data from 16,686 adults and suggest that people should continue exercising while considering the potential benefits of taking glucosamine pills.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateDec 1, 2020

Fit gamers challenge 'fat' stereotype, new esports research

A new study by Queensland University of Technology found that esports players are up to 21% healthier than the general population, with many engaging in over an hour of physical exercise per day. The research also showed that top esports players were significantly more physically active and less likely to smoke or drink daily.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 30, 2020

Sniffing your way to the gym

A recent study by researchers at UC Riverside suggests that olfaction may play an important role in motivating mammals to engage in voluntary exercise. The study found genetic differences in the olfactory system between high-runner mice and control lines, which made them perceive smells differently.