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 masks have minimal effects on lung function, even in healthy individuals, and do not increase the risk of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The study suggests that wearing a mask can be uncomfortable but does not impact cardiopulmonary function.
A recent study conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that older adults who joined group exercise classes experienced decreased loneliness and social isolation. The study tracked 382 participants and found a 6.9% decrease in loneliness and a 3.3% improvement in social connectedness.
Postmenopausal women who participate in regular floorball training experience significant improvements in blood pressure and vascular function, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study demonstrates that team sport exercise can counteract the negative effects of estrogen loss on health.
The DO-HEALTH study suggests that vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation may have significant positive effects on lowering infection rates and systolic blood pressure in healthy older adults who lead an active lifestyle. However, the study found no benefits for bone health, muscle function, or memory.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that physical education is more important for kids' fitness than BMI. Students who were overweight but active in PE were more likely to stay active after school.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that people with low aerobic and muscular fitness are nearly twice as likely to experience depression. The study also found a 60% greater chance of anxiety in individuals with low fitness levels over a seven-year follow-up.
New Penn State research reveals disparities in physical activity between men and women, with women more likely to feel uncomfortable using campus recreation facilities. The study suggests that design changes, social environments, and policies can help create welcoming spaces for all students.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have discovered a gene called Prkar2a in mice that influences their eating habits and motivation to exercise. The study found that mice lacking this gene consumed less high-fat food and drank less sugar solution than those with the gene, while also being more inclined to exercise.
A USask study of 14 healthy individuals wearing face masks during strenuous workouts found no detrimental effects on performance and minimal impact on blood and muscle oxygenation. The researchers' findings support the safe use of face masks in indoor exercise facilities, making them safer for gym-goers and allowing sports to continue.
Two widely used fall prevention programs, multi-factorial fall prevention and exercise for increased falls risk, have been shown to be ineffective in reducing fractures in older adults. Despite their widespread use in health services internationally, these interventions were found to have no impact on fracture rates.
A new study has confirmed that negative health behaviours during Scotland's COVID-19 lockdown contributed to poorer mental health. The research found a link between increased alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and poorer sleep quality with higher negative mood.
Researchers found that compression garments reduce immediate and delayed strength loss after strenuous exercise, allowing athletes to resume high-intensity training sooner. The study suggests wearing a below-knee compression garment during regular workouts provides mechanical support and tissue compression, reducing the risk of musculo...
A recent study published by Shinshu University found that eating less can significantly reduce the risk of liver cancer caused by fatty liver. The research team observed a 41% decrease in liver tumors in mice with hepatitis C virus core gene, simply through dietary restriction.
A new agreement establishes a clear guideline for exercising safely with type 1 diabetes, covering carbohydrate consumption and safe glucose thresholds. The guidance is tailored for healthcare professionals to help patients manage blood sugar levels during physical activity.
Aerobic exercise promotes muscle regeneration by altering the metabolism of satellite cells, allowing them to recover from injury. The study found that satellite cells consume less oxygen, enabling them to regenerate tissue more efficiently.
Active individuals showed lower incidence of anxiety and depression compared to non-active individuals during the pandemic, despite reduced exercise. The study found a connection between physical activity, mental health, and sleep problems, but no difference in sleep quality among those who changed their exercise habits.
Researchers found that eccentric exercise on the opposing arm can prevent muscle damage and build strength in the unaffected limb. The study involved 30 participants with one arm immobilised for four weeks, showing significant improvements in strength and minimal muscle loss.
A recent US Air Force study found that nutrition has a significant impact on both physical and cognitive performance. The study revealed that consuming the right nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and lutein, can improve working memory, reaction time, and muscle mass.
A new study from Colorado State University found that older adults who spent more time sitting performed better on vocabulary and reasoning tasks, contrary to expectations. The study suggests that sedentary time may be meaningful for cognitive health, especially when accompanied by educational activities.
A study published in The BMJ found that high-intensity training intervals twice a week improved physical and mental quality of life in people over 70. Fitness levels were maintained throughout the five-year period, with a notable drop in mortality rates compared to moderate exercise.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that facemask use does not affect indicators of cognitive performance when wearers are resting or performing moderate physical work in normal work-wear in hot environments. Wearing a facemask was shown to make it more difficult to breathe during physical work in a h...
Researchers at CNIC used cardiac magnetic resonance technology to measure exercise-related hypertrabeculation in a general population. A third of participants with high vigorous physical activity met the diagnostic criteria for noncompaction cardiomyopathy, despite being healthy.
Research reveals that older adults are less able to regulate body temperature and hydration during exercise in hot environments due to decreased sensitivity to elevated blood osmolality. This can lead to increased risk of heat-related injuries and adverse heart problems, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated.
Researcher Erin Lavik found that incorporating theater improvisation activities in a graduate-level thermodynamics course led to higher rates of engagement and participation. Students reported feeling more alert, engaged, and ready to participate during improv exercises.
Researchers found that exercising in the evening reduced post-exercise hypotension by 50% compared to morning, suggesting a beneficial time frame for patients with resistant hypertension. The study's findings can help health professionals choose optimal exercise times depending on the type of anti-hypertensive drug used.
A new study suggests that people with surgically repaired ventricular septal defects have worse functional exercise capacity than those without the defect, and this difference worsens with age. The findings highlight the importance of follow-up care and exercise testing for adults with congenital heart disease.
Researchers at Swansea University are exploring a new method to help people recover from COVID-19 using breathing exercises and a hand-held device. The project aims to improve shortness of breath and overall well-being, with volunteers invited to take part.
Researchers at the University of Missouri developed a narrative writing exercise to encourage people to reduce political polarization. The study found that this exercise can foster different perspectives and create a sense of common identity, reducing angst toward those with opposing views.
Researchers analyzed focus groups with individuals who experienced post-exertional malaise (PEM), a key feature of ME/CFS. PEM symptoms included exhaustion, cognitive difficulties, and neuromuscular complaints, affecting daily life and requiring complete rest to reduce symptoms.
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes who go to bed early and wake up early have a significantly more active lifestyle than those who prefer late bedtimes. This research highlights the importance of sleep chronotypes in managing diabetes and suggests that adjusting bedtime can lead to improved physical activity levels.
Research found that increased exercise capacity lowers all-cause mortality risk in T2D patients, with moderate exercise reducing risk by 25% and high-intensity exercise by 32%. The study used data from Taiwan's National Health Interview Survey and National Health Insurance research database.
Researchers developed a complex physical exercise protocol to stimulate different motor and cognitive skills simultaneously, restoring brain regions associated with freezing of gait in advanced-stage Parkinson's disease patients. The protocol reduced symptoms by 60% and improved brain plasticity, providing new hope for treatment.
Researchers found that short-term exercise increases DICER levels in fat cells, enabling muscles to adapt and release fatty acids for energy. This signaling axis between muscle and fat tissue is central to the adaptive response to exercise training.
Researchers developed an IoT-based exercise system that improves physical fitness in elderly individuals by measuring oxygen intake and monitoring exercise intensity. With a 5-month training program, participants increased their fitness level to match that of 10 years earlier, utilizing interval walking training (IWT).
Exercise-based stress relief is linked to increased galanin levels in the brainstem, which improves stress resilience. This study found that mice with access to an exercise wheel displayed reduced anxious behaviors and elevated galanin levels in response to a stressful event.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched new guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend regular exercise, including strength-building and aerobic activities, to prevent heart disease and improve overall health.
A new artificial pancreas system has been shown to prevent hypoglycemia during and after heavy exercise in people with type 1 diabetes. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, found that the system performed well and was safe compared to standard therapy.
Researchers from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that playfulness can be induced through daily exercises that boost playful behavior. The study showed a temporary improvement in participants' well-being and demonstrated the potential for practical applications, such as improving work-life balance and relationships.
A new study found that labiaplasty significantly improves physical symptoms such as tugging and pain during exercise, while also boosting self-esteem and intimacy. The procedure reduces visible signs of excess vaginal tissue, leading to improved quality of life for women.
A study found that people who catastrophize about their pain are less likely to be physically active later in the day, leading to a cycle of sedentary behavior and worsened pain. This psychological factor may explain why patients with chronic pain avoid physical activities despite its importance for pain management.
Researchers studied 66 young adults with major depression, finding aerobic exercise reduced depressive symptoms by 55%, while light-intensity stretching had less effect. People with better reward processing at baseline were more likely to respond to exercise treatment.
A Norwegian study shows that a structured conservative therapy programme can improve quality of care, increase patient satisfaction, and delay the need for surgery. The programme included patient education and exercise, leading to better outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis.
A recent study found that social components of fitness apps facilitate motivation and beliefs in physical activity, leading to increased engagement. The study highlights the importance of social support in promoting exercise behavior.
A new study from Lund University in Sweden found that app-based osteoarthritis treatment can halve patients' pain levels within six months and improve physical mobility. The digital program costs approximately 25% of conventional treatment, making it a cost-effective option.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that inhibiting the PHD3 enzyme improves mouse exercise capacity, running distance, and VO2 max. This finding sheds light on a key mechanism for fat metabolism and offers clues toward understanding muscle function and fitness.
A new study finds that endurance exercise induces changes in sweat biomolecule levels, potentially creating a non-invasive exercise monitoring system. Sweat extracellular vesicles contain microRNA molecules, which regulate biological processes and are essential mediators in exercise adaptations.
A Georgetown University Medical Center study reveals that veterans with Gulf War illness (GWI) and patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) exhibit distinct brain activity patterns after moderate exercise. The finding could lead to improved treatment for veterans with GWI by diagnosing CFS as a separate disorder.
A new study found that fitness watches can be beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses, increasing exercise motivation, but also causing unnecessary anxiety due to misinterpreted data. Researchers recommend a collaborative care approach to help patients and clinicians jointly interpret wearable device data.
A review of 34 studies found that ß2-agonists improved anaerobic exercise performance by 5% in athletes without asthma, with significant benefits for sprint and strength performances. The oral route was more effective than inhalation, but the impact of WADA-approved versions remains uncertain.
A new study found that acute exercise maintains the immune system's natural killer cell count at a normal level in prostate cancer survivors. Exercise appears to be safe and beneficial for these individuals, with no significant alterations in immune cell mobilization during treatment.
Adult survivors of preterm birth may have impaired respiratory mechanics, making exercise and lung function more difficult. Researchers are studying the underlying causes to help clinicians accurately target treatment.
Researchers found 43% of Staphylococcus bacteria on exercise equipment were ampicillin-resistant, with 73% resistant to multiple drugs. Regular disinfection is crucial to maintain public health and prevent infections in communal areas.
Researchers investigate how excessive exercise affects emotional states in people with eating disorders, aiming to develop personalized interventions. The study also seeks to understand individual differences in triggering excessive exercise and its impact on recovery duration.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that increased blood sugar levels can impair aerobic fitness and muscle adaptation in mice and humans. Despite this, regular aerobic exercise is still recommended for maintaining health, especially when combined with dietary changes.
Researchers found severely limited exercise capacity in adults with type 2 diabetes, increasing risk of heart failure. Subtle impairments in blood flow and heart function were detected using advanced imaging techniques.
Researchers say that five to 10 days of physical inactivity can lead to muscle loss and chronic diseases. Older adults who walk fewer than 1,500 steps a day can lose up to 4 percent of their muscle tissue in just two weeks.
Research suggests that brief reading and writing exercises can alleviate concerns about sense of belonging, leading to increased continuous enrollment among socially disadvantaged students at broad-access institutions. These interventions may also help build up the resources and skills needed for college success.
A new study reveals that exercise conveys its benefits to the brain through circulating blood factors, improving cognitive function and regenerative effects in aged mice. GPLD1, a protein abundant in exercised mice's plasma, is identified as a potential mediator of this effect.
A study found that exercising mice secretes a liver protein called Gpld1 into the blood, which correlates closely with improved cognitive function. Researchers believe this protein could be used to develop drugs that mimic the brain benefits of exercise, offering new hope for individuals unable to exercise due to physical limitations.
New research from Anglia Ruskin University found that women and older adults are more likely to meet exercise targets, whereas men and younger adults were less active. The study suggests that the public's increased free time during lockdown led to higher levels of physical activity.