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Teaching preschool caregivers healthy behaviors may promote healthier habits in high-risk groups

A study in a multi-ethnic community found that teaching young adults healthy behaviors and showing them ultrasound images of plaque in their arteries improved their cardiovascular health. The FAMILIA Project showed significant benefits for caregivers who strictly adhered to simple education plans, reducing risk factors for heart disease.

Loosen up!

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that exercise can reduce artery stiffness associated with heart failure. Regardless of intensity level or duration, any type of physical activity was beneficial for heart health compared to no exercise at all.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateOct 22, 2019

Icaros: Flight simulator home trainer

Researchers at the German Sport University explored the effects of full-body exergaming in VR on cardiovascular system and strength endurance. Results showed that VR-based training had little to no cardiovascular benefit but created incentives for increased physical activity, motivating users to take up exercise.

SourceGerman Sport University·JournalJMIR Serious Games·DateOct 7, 2019

Football scores a health hat-trick for 55- to 70-year-old women with prediabetes

A new study from the University of Southern Denmark shows that football is a surprisingly efficient type of physical training for female prediabetes patients, resulting in broad-spectrum improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal fitness. The exercise intensity and effects were similar in women and men, with impressi...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 19, 2019

The mind-muscle connection: For aesthetes, not athletes?

Focusing on movement during weightlifting may improve performance by reducing mechanical inefficiency and increasing automatic control processes. This contradicts the traditional mind-muscle connection theory, which suggests focusing on individual muscles enhances activation and development.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·DateAug 9, 2019

Study finds changes in mindset key to helping college students exercise more

Researchers surveyed 135 college students and found that viewing exercise as a stress outlet can significantly increase their willingness to exercise. The most important factor in sustaining this habit was behavioral confidence, including visualization of future performance and external sources of encouragement.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateAug 8, 2019

Taking to the treadmill can ease period pain

A new study published in Contemporary Clinical Trials found that treadmill exercise reduced period pain by 6% after four weeks and 22% after seven months. Women who participated in the supervised aerobic training regime also reported improved quality of life and daily functioning, but not increased sleep quality.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·DateJul 3, 2019

Heart risk raised by sitting in front of the TV, not by sitting at work, finds study

A recent study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that watching TV for long periods increases cardiovascular disease risk. In contrast, working hours have little effect on the risk. The study also suggests exercising regularly can offset this increased risk and mitigate its effects.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 26, 2019