Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A pioneering educational programme aims to reduce the risk of falls in children by teaching safe and protective techniques, simulating falls in PE classes. The programme responds to WHO demands and has been shown effective in schools, with interest from universities worldwide.
Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that spending 20 minutes in an urban park can boost happiness and reduce mental fatigue. The study suggests that time spent in a park is more important than physical activity for emotional well-being.
Researchers propose incorporating short high-intensity incidental physical activity (HIIPA) into daily routines to improve health. HIIPA involves brief bursts of high-intensity exercise, such as walking uphill or carrying groceries, which can be done in just a few minutes a day and offer significant health benefits.
A new study found that high-intensity exercise performed in the evening does not negatively impact sleep quality, but may actually reduce feelings of hunger. The research suggests that afternoon and evening exercise may be more effective for weight loss due to increased power output.
A study from Harvard Medical School reveals that intense exercise, fasting, and hormones can activate the body's built-in protein disposal system, enhancing its ability to remove toxic, misfolded proteins. This mechanism is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels, allowing cells to adapt to changing conditions.
Research finds that combining morning exercise with frequent breaks from sitting throughout the day significantly reduces systolic blood pressure in older overweight men and women. Women experience an enhanced benefit from this combination, which may be attributed to hormonal changes after menopause.
A modified push-up exercise called 'push-up plus' strengthens the serratus anterior muscle, which connects the rib cage to the shoulder blade. This study found that different hand positions and orientations activated various muscle groups, making it an effective exercise for athletes and individuals with specific needs.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that exercising at 7 am or between 1 and 4 pm advances the body clock to an earlier time, while exercising between 7 and 10 pm delays it. This research has implications for counteracting jet lag and shift work.
A new study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that a low FODMAP diet reduces exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms and improves perceived ability to exercise. The research involved a group of healthy recreational exercisers who followed two eating plans with varying FODMAP content.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that the majority of triggers for atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat, are easily modifiable lifestyle choices. Nearly 74% of patients reported experiencing AF triggered by common factors such as alcohol, caffeine, exercise, and lack of sleep.
New research from the European Society of Cardiology shows that physiological health, as measured by exercise stress testing performance, is a better predictor of survival than chronological age. This finding suggests that individuals who are physically fit may live longer than those who are not.
A pooled analysis of 41 studies found that interval training reduced overall weight and percentage body fat, with a 28.5% greater reduction in weight compared to continuous moderate intensity exercise.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better brain function in older men. The research team discovered that higher fitness levels were linked to improved cognitive skills, including executive function and focus.
Recreational cyclists experience reduced exercise efficiency and skeletal muscle oxygenation at high cadences, unlike elite professionals who can sustain high intensities. The study found forces exerted on the pedals decrease at higher cadences, and cycling efficiency decreases.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that exercise causes dramatic changes to fat, releasing factors into the bloodstream that improve glucose tolerance. The study identified transforming growth factor beta 2 as an adipokine released from fat that has positive effects on health.
Researchers found that playing Pokémon GO increased step counts among middle-aged and elderly adults, suggesting a positive impact on physical activity. The study's findings could inform urban planners and game designers to encourage more people to engage in regular exercise.
A recent study from Oregon State University suggests that mindfulness practices can reduce exhaustion in entrepreneurs by compensating for sleep deprivation. The research found that even short periods of mindfulness exercise, such as 10 minutes a day, can have the same benefits as an extra 44 minutes of sleep per night.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adolescent athletes who underwent a supervised aerobic exercise regimen recovered more quickly from concussions. The research, which is the first randomized clinical trial of its kind, suggests that prescribed, progressive sub-symptom threshold exercise can be an effective treatment w...
Researchers found that CEOs who release more negative news before their executive stock option grant date see significant gains. The study suggests that CEOs underpaid compared to peers and with discretion are more likely to manipulate the system. To guard against further gaming, additional regulation and governance are recommended.
A new study by NYU College of Dentistry suggests that self-care techniques, such as jaw exercises and warm compresses, should be the first line of treatment for muscle-related temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The study found that patients with TMD reported significant improvement in their pain from these non-medication treatments.
Researchers found that walking about 100 steps per minute constitutes moderate intensity and vigorous walking begins at about 130 steps per minute. A simple guideline provides walkers with a concrete way to track their activity level without relying on exercise devices or complicated calculations.
Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center found exercise reduces visceral fat more significantly than medication per pound of body weight lost. Exercise can melt visceral fat, lowering risk of heart disease and diabetes.
A recent study found that participants who decided on a post-exercise snack before exercising were more likely to choose a healthier option. The researchers suggest that making the decision early can help individuals resist temptation and make better food choices. The study's findings support the idea that planning ahead can lead to he...
A study found that aerobic exercise improved executive function and increased brain thickness in participants between 20-67 years old. Regular exercise was shown to slow or prevent age-related decline in thinking skills, with significant benefits observed at both young and older ages.
A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that middle-aged athletes who engaged in high-volume exercise (at least 5-6 hours per week) did not have an increased risk of heart disease or mortality. The researchers also found that women were excluded from the study due to lower mortality rates compared to men.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that exercising regularly is linked to better eating habits, with participants more likely to choose foods like lean meats and fruits and vegetables after exercise.
A new study found that aerobic exercise training increases executive function and cortical thickness in the brain of young adults, suggesting that exercise can prevent or slow age-related cognitive decline. The flexibility of the exercise protocol made it more attractive to the general population.
A study examining barriers to exercise among dialysis patients reveals that fatigue and weakness are major obstacles. Patients would like to improve their energy, strength, and quality of life through exercise, with most preferring aerobic and resistance training at home.
A recent study found that team video gaming increased effectiveness of newly-formed teams by 20% after just 45 minutes. Researchers played Rock Band or Halo 4 with coworkers, who saw a significant increase in actual performance on subsequent tasks.
A six-week high-intensity resistance training program improved insulin sensitivity by 16% and increased muscle size and strength in overweight men. The study suggests that short sessions of exercise to exhaustion are equally effective as longer sessions, making it a time-efficient way to improve health outcomes.
A new study found that physically active men with a high waist-stature ratio are more likely to develop heart disorders than those with lower ratios. The researchers suggest that the waist-stature ratio is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than body mass index.
A recent study from Arizona State University uses breath and hair analysis to understand metabolism and calories burned during exercise. The results show that people burn fat in the morning and switch to burning carbohydrates during moderate exercise, regardless of their diet.
A study from the University of Virginia Health System found that pre-injury exercise can substantially preserve both muscle and nerve. The research used a 'reporter gene' to measure oxidative stress on muscle and nerves after blood flow restoration, revealing clearer protection through exercise.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that brief happiness exercises can significantly increase in-the-moment happiness for adults recovering from substance use disorders. The study suggests these exercises may be promising tools for bolstering happiness during treatment and supporting long-term recovery.
A study found that automated text messaging systems can improve clinical outcomes after total knee or hip replacement surgery, including faster recovery times and higher patient satisfaction. The system sent personalized messages to patients, increasing their adherence to home exercises and reducing opioid use.
A recent study published in Neurology found that older adults who engage in regular physical activity may maintain better thinking and memory skills despite having brain lesions or biomarkers linked to dementia. The study, conducted by Rush University Medical Center, compared cognition test results and activity data for 454 older adult...
Patients with type 2 diabetes should be prescribed physical activity to control blood sugar and improve heart health. Exercise programs are a cost-effective treatment and should be reimbursed. Long-term adherence can be improved by setting early achievable goals and adapting exercise plans to patients' preferences.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that individuals with higher fitness levels have a lower risk of heart attacks and angina pectoris over nine years. Even among seemingly healthy individuals, those with optimal fitness have only half as high a risk as those with poor fitness.
Low-income students outperformed their high-income peers when given exercises to regulate negative emotions before biology tests. Emotion-regulation exercises improved exam performance and increased passing rates among low-income students.
A novel valuation method reveals that stock options granted to women and senior managers are worth more because they hold onto them longer. Options with less frequent vesting dates also cost companies significantly more.
Aging endothelium displays reduced vasomotor functions and angiogenic capabilities due to increased oxidative stress. Lifestyle factors like exercise and omega-3 intake influence Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs), which support endothelial health and function.
A 12-week exercise intervention reduced visceral abdominal fat in obese adults, but tocilizumab treatment abolished this effect and increased cholesterol levels. Exercise promotes better health and reduces the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases by reducing abdominal fat mass.
A study found that exercise improved executive function, a person's ability to regulate behavior and achieve goals, while having no impact on memory. After six months of aerobic exercise, participants showed significant improvements in thinking skills compared to those who did not exercise.
A new study found that dancing alone was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of developing activities of daily living (ADL) disability in older Japanese women. Dancing requires various elements such as balance, strength, and cognitive ability, which may contribute to its superior benefits in maintaining ADL capacity.
A meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials found that mind-body exercises enhance cognitive flexibility, working memory, and verbal fluency in older adults. The study suggests that these exercises can improve learning and overall mental health, offering a promising approach to supporting cognitive function as we age.
A study of 39,742 people found that exercise was just as effective as most blood pressure lowering drugs in reducing systolic blood pressure, especially for those with high blood pressure. Combining endurance and dynamic resistance training also showed promising results.
Researchers found that boys with better motor skills had higher cognitive scores over a two-year follow-up period. In contrast, aerobic fitness was not associated with cognitive function in either boys or girls.
A Northwestern University study found that exercise improves women's mood and body satisfaction, but instructor comments play a crucial role. Women who received health-focused comments reported increased positive emotions and self-satisfaction, whereas those with appearance-focused comments felt ashamed and disgusted. The study highlig...
Researchers discover that exercise-induced hormone irisin activates cells responsible for bone remodeling in mice. The study reveals irisin's impact on sclerostin, a major cellular regulator of bone structure, and holds promise for future osteoporosis treatments.
Researchers from ETH Zurich found that moderate exercise in the evening has a positive effect on deep sleep phases, with participants spending 21.2% of their sleeping time in deep sleep after evening exercise, compared to 19.9% without exercise.
A first-of-its-kind study reveals high-intensity interval exercise can upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in obese populations, potentially preventing cognitive dysfunction. The study also found that this type of exercise may be more effective than continuous moderate-intensity exercise.
A new study by University of Houston professor Clayton Neighbors examines the unexpected link between physical activity and drinking among college students, finding that exercising more is associated with higher drinking rates. The research aims to identify the underlying psychological factors driving this association.
Women who underwent supervised exercise during adjuvant breast cancer treatment experienced better cardiovascular function than those who didn't. The study found that exercise improved VO2 max and reduced decline in cardiovascular strength, particularly in patients receiving chemotherapy.
A study of 12,615 participants found that good exercise performance was associated with lower risks of cardiovascular death, cancer death, and other causes of death. The findings suggest the importance of fitness for longevity.
A systematic review of literature found that cardiac rehabilitation attendance is associated with improved sexual function and sexual frequency in patients with cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the effectiveness of sexual counseling interventions to improve sexual health outcomes.
A study published in Clinical Endocrinology found that DHEA therapy increased bone mineral density in older women, particularly in the lumbar spine, total hip, and trochanter. However, the increases were not as large as seen with other treatments like bisphosphonates.
A single workout can activate neurons influencing metabolism for up to two days, according to a mouse study from UT Southwestern Medical Center. The finding provides an avenue to explore potential treatments to improve glucose metabolism in diabetes patients.
A comprehensive study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that older adults prefer exercising outdoors, especially walking, and engaging with others. The study also identified characteristics such as memory loss and low education level that increase the likelihood of dropout from a training program.
Researchers found that curcumin treatment improved muscle function and exercise capacity in mice with heart failure and healthy controls. Curcumin also increased Nrf2 activation and antioxidant enzyme levels, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy to improve quality of life for people with heart failure.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that greater cardiorespiratory fitness was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks. The researchers discovered that even small increases in fitness could have a significant impact on health.