Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A preliminary study found that Rock Steady Boxing participants reported significant improvements in quality of life areas, including depression, fatigue, and fear of falling. The program also boosted confidence in exercising, with current participants scoring better on standardized scales than non-participants.
A recent study by Flinders University found that exposure to #fitspiration images increases negative mood and body dissatisfaction among young women. In contrast, exercise behavior was not significantly affected by viewing these images.
A UBCO professor has developed an online platform to help people living with spinal cord injury lead a more active life. The new guideline provides clear and accessible information on the amount and type of activity needed to achieve health benefits, helping to overcome a major barrier to physical activity.
Researchers have developed a system that uses virtual reality and 3D motion capture to provide guidance for physiotherapy exercises. The study found that participants could accurately follow the movements of a virtual avatar when it was accompanied by realistic footstep sounds, but struggled with visual information alone.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation affecting cellular oxygen sensing and a patient's limited exercise capacity. The von Hippel-Lindau gene is fundamental for cells to survive in low-oxygen conditions, and its impaired functionality limits the patient's exercise capacity compared to those without the mutation.
A study using motion capture technology assessed the benefits of an exercise programme designed to reduce falls in older people. The programme aimed to build strength and increase mobility, resulting in improved joint angles and reduced fall risk. Participants showed increased confidence and ability to perform physical activities.
Researchers evaluated aorta dimensions in older competitive runners and rowers to examine the association between long-term endurance exercise and aorta enlargement. The study found a significant positive correlation between years of endurance exercise and aortic diameter.
For most people, moderate to vigorous physical activity is beneficial to overall cardiovascular health. However, intense exercise programs like marathons and triathlons can raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, or heart attacks, particularly in inactive individuals with known or undiagnosed heart disease.
People with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease showed significant improvements in speech, handwriting, and motor skills after playing pingpong once a week for six months. The study found that participants experienced reductions in symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and balance problems.
A new meta-analysis found that tart cherry concentrate significantly improved endurance exercise performance when consumed for seven days to 1.5 hours before cycling, swimming or running. The study pooled results from 10 previously published studies and concluded that tart cherries improved performance in endurance-trained individuals.
Research by University of Kent found that moderate intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, significantly benefits long-term memory performance. The study suggests that moderate exercise is a more effective approach than highly strenuous exercise for improving memory.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that hormonal changes around puberty cause sex differences in airway size, which can impact exercise performance and the development of respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma. Larger airways in males generally led to better breathing efficiency compared to females.
Researchers found that green tea extract and exercise reduced fatty liver deposits by 75% in mice fed a high-fat diet, suggesting a potential health strategy for people. The study also showed increased gene expression related to energy metabolism in mice treated with both green tea extract and exercise.
A recent Brigham Young University study found that even exceeding the recommended 10,000 steps per day did not prevent weight gain in college freshmen. Despite increased physical activity, participants gained an average of 1.5 kg over the six-month period.
Preliminary research found that regularly golfing can lower the risk of death among older adults. Golfing was associated with a significantly lower rate of death compared to non-golfers, likely due to its benefits such as stress reduction and regular exercise.
A long-term study of 200,000 long-distance skiers found they were almost 30% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. This 'motor reserve' dissipates with time and age.
Research from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that integrating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into standard physical education improved children's health within a short period of time. HIIT alternates intense exercise with recovery periods, effectively motivating children to exercise.
A study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that individuals with eating disorders use exercise as a coping mechanism for depressive mood and negative thoughts. Exercise can temporarily improve their mood, but this effect is short-lived, leading to a vicious cycle of increased exercise.
Regular aerobic exercise training improves brain glucose metabolism and higher-order thinking abilities, including executive function. The study suggests that exercise can potentially enhance brain and cognitive functions that are sensitive to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that physical activity was a protective factor against diet lapses in a real-world environment study. Exercise reduced the risk of overeating by more than half when participants engaged in 60 minutes of physical activity, compared to those who didn't exercise.
Shift workers are at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, heart disease and type 2 diabetes due to disrupted circadian rhythms. Employers and workers can take steps to mitigate these risks, including establishing consistent sleep schedules, controlling light exposure and promoting healthy nutrition and exercise.
A new study found that listening to high-tempo music while exercising increases physical fitness benefits and reduces perceived exertion, especially during endurance activities like walking. The researchers hope their findings can help people improve and increase exercise habits.
A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that a program combining horseback riding and cognitive training improved motor skills, behavior, and academic performance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The program showed promise for improving the lives of young people with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
A new study found that low-intensity exercise activates brain networks involved in cognitive control and attention processing, while high-intensity exercise primarily affects emotion processing. The results suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A new study found that a single bout of intense cardiovascular exercise can improve video game performance. The research, led by Dr. Marc Roig, challenged the idea that video gaming and physical activity are antagonistic activities. Exercise was shown to benefit players regardless of their fitness level or emotional response.
A new study found that highly active adults engage in a greater variety of physical activities, with walking being the most common type of exercise. The research suggests that mixing up your workouts can be beneficial for meeting exercise guidelines.
A new study led by Anglia Ruskin University found exercise addiction is nearly four times more common amongst people with an eating disorder. The research highlights the importance of monitoring exercise levels in individuals with eating disorders, as excessive exercise can lead to serious medical conditions.
A NIU psychology professor is studying the links between exercise and brain health in prairie voles. The researcher hopes to find how exercise can promote brain health and resilience to social stress that results in anxiety, depression and cardiovascular disease.
The American Osteopathic Association's comprehensive whole-person health poll found that 71% of Americans have good or excellent health and wellness. However, socioeconomic disparities emerged, with lower-income individuals facing greater challenges in accessing healthcare. The poll also highlighted concerns about mental health, financ...
Researchers partner with energy companies to test whether mindfulness exercises can improve safety and reduce burnout among offshore workers. The study aims to develop an easy-to-implement safety program with a broad impact on the industry.
Researchers found that Sestrin, a naturally occurring protein, can improve endurance and respiration in flies and mice. It may also help prevent muscle atrophy, potentially leading to new treatments for aging-related muscle wasting.
A pilot study from the University of Central Florida found that judo lessons increased moderate to vigorous physical activity among children with autism, reducing sedentary time. Participants also showed improved social interaction skills and comfort with physical contact.
A new study found that cardiorespiratory exercise is associated with increased gray matter volume and decelerated cognitive decline. Regular exercise of moderate intensity, such as walking or biking, may contribute to improved brain health.
Despite a slight increase in physical activity among Russian men and women, the country's working population remains under European health standards. Most people engage in exercise or sports for less than 30 minutes, three times a week, with financial constraints and laziness being major barriers. The study also found that city dweller...
A new study challenges conventional wisdom on obesity, suggesting that eating too much, not exercising too little, may be the primary factor in weight gain. Researchers found that Amazonian children with physically active lifestyles and chronic immune system challenges spent similar numbers of calories as sedentary children in the US, ...
Researchers have developed a self-healing sweat sensor that can withstand vigorous exercise and quickly repair itself if damaged. The device, in the form of a headband, accurately tracks electrolyte concentrations in sweat, providing valuable insights into a person's health.
A new national study found that walking and cycling to work were associated with a significant reduction in heart attacks. For women who walked to work, there was an associated 1.7% reduction in heart attacks the following year, while men who cycled to work experienced the same decrease.
Researchers found that a weekly multi-modal regime combining physical and cognitive exercises significantly improved motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's patients. The study suggests tailored exercise programs could improve quality of life for those affected by the disease.
Good aerobic fitness is not linked to lower risk of insulin resistance in obese children. Instead, more physical activity and less sedentary time were associated with reduced insulin resistance regardless of body fat percentage. The study suggests that more physical activity plays a key role in preventing type 2 diabetes in childhood.
Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University compared two popular HIIT protocols, finding that 60-second intervals with 60-second rest periods improved aerobic capacity and body composition. In contrast, 30-second intervals with 120 seconds of rest had no significant impact on fitness parameters.
A review of 11 studies on yoga and brain health found that regular practice can increase the volume of the hippocampus, a region involved in memory processing, and enhance brain regions related to emotional regulation. Yoga also tends to improve prefrontal cortex function, which is essential for decision-making and multitasking.
A recent study published in Cephalalgia highlights an overlooked relationship between migraine and exercise. Anxiety sensitivity is found to be associated with physical activity avoidance in women with probable migraine, particularly with vigorous intensity.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center used fMRI to categorize Gulf War illness patients into two distinct groups based on brain activity changes after exercise. The study suggests that different brain regions are associated with two subtypes of GWI, leading to potential new diagnosis and treatment strategies.
A new study found that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have lower physical work capacity due to a functional iron deficiency, which impairs energy production. The research suggests focusing on improving iron availability through diet may be more effective than exercise in addressing the condition.
A new study published in BJU International found that short-term exercise can reduce the adverse effects of hormone therapy on cardiovascular fitness and fatigue. Patients who underwent supervised aerobic and resistance training experienced improved cardiopulmonary fitness, reduced fatigue, and enhanced quality of life.
Daily physical activity improved key measures of cardiovascular health, such as good cholesterol levels and aerobic fitness, in overweight children. Gradual reductions in body fat, like that experienced by exercise participants, is more beneficial than focusing on weight loss.
A study of 4,714 adult women found that those with good exercise capacity were at lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other causes. Women with poor exercise capacity had nearly four times higher annual rates of death from these causes compared to those with good exercise capacity.
Daily exercise at moderate intensity may improve appetite and blood glucose regulation by increasing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. Moderate-intensity physical activity for just 30 minutes a day, such as brisk walking or gardening, could lower the risk of diabetes in men.
A recent study found that resistance exercise, alone or combined with aerobic exercise, effectively reduces weight loss-induced decreases in hip bone density. The study suggests that incorporating resistance exercise into weight loss regimens can help protect against bone loss in older adults with obesity.
Researchers found that a decrease in CPC counts during an exercise test can predict high risk of heart attack or death over the next three years. Monitoring CPC response to exercise provides more information than nuclear imaging for cardiac ischemia, reducing radiation exposure.
Researchers discovered that exercise increases brain oxygenation by packing more oxygen into the bloodstream, contradicting the long-held assumption that blood is always completely saturated with oxygen. This breakthrough sheds new light on the dynamic relationship between respiration and cerebral oxygenation.
Researchers found that epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, play a key role in determining an individual's innate drive to exercise. The study revealed that mice with disrupted DNA methylation in hypothalamic neurons exhibited decreased voluntary physical exercise behavior.
Ice baths are ineffective for long-term adaptation to training, decreasing protein generation in muscles. Researchers suggest alternative strategies for athletes seeking muscle repair or growth.
Research found that individuals with long-term muscle inactivity lose more explosive strength than maximum strength. Rehabilitation programs should focus on building explosive strength to help prevent joint injuries and balance issues.
Research suggests that aerobic exercise and a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet, can improve cognitive functioning in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Combining exercise with the DASH diet showed promise in improving thinking, memory, and decision-making abilities.
A virtual reality clinic created by researchers at North Carolina State University makes it easier for stroke survivors to attend physical and occupational therapy sessions. The system, called VERGE, encourages participants to work on therapy exercises with loved ones remotely, leading to increased attendance and engagement.
A new study found that light-to-moderate exercise improves blood vessel density and muscle function in patients with sickle cell disease. After an 8-week regimen, participants showed significant improvements in their physical abilities and quality of life.
Researchers propose a novel framework to analyze thousands of complete data sequences from stress echocardiography, revealing early signs of cardiovascular disease. The method uses Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) to project heterogeneous data into a low-dimensional space, distinguishing between healthy and pathological responses.
Exercise referral schemes have been shown to improve physical activity levels among individuals with long-term conditions. However, the analysis of data from 23,731 participants found that while significant improvements were observed in most measures, they did not reach clinical thresholds for meaningful impact.
A large clinical trial found that an oral drug improved exercise capacity in adolescent patients with severe single-ventricle heart defects. The treatment showed benefits in oxygen consumption and circulatory function, which may translate to better long-term outcomes for these patients.