Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that Jymmin increases pain threshold by up to 50% and reduces anxiety in chronic pain patients. The combination of physical exertion and music triggers endorphin release, making users more tolerant to pain.
Higher levels of lifestyle physical activity are associated with increased gray matter volume in the brain of older adults. The study found a significant correlation between daily activities such as household chores, walking dogs, and gardening and improved cognitive function.
A new study by Brigham Young University finds that running under stress protects the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Exercise strengthens synapses, maintaining long-term potentiation levels, which are essential for optimal memory formation and recall.
Researchers analyzed data from over 30 years of cardiopulmonary exercise testing and found that peak systolic blood pressure increases with age until 60, after which it plateaus. The study suggests lowering the threshold for exercise hypertension to identify younger adults at risk.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University propose exercise as a potential solution to address substance abuse in adolescents. Assisted exercise may specifically benefit teens with dopamine deficits, common in substance use disorder patients.
A recent study led by York University researchers found that individuals with severe obesity who are fit have a similar health profile to those who weigh significantly less. Regular exercise can lead to dramatic improvements in health for those with severe obesity, even if they don't lose weight.
A recent study found that yoga exercise decreases pro-inflammatory adipokines and increases an anti-inflammatory adipokine in adults with metabolic syndrome. This suggests that regular exercise, such as yoga, can help manage aspects of the condition by reducing chronic inflammation.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that exercise training enhances fat metabolism and strengthens the anti-inflammatory properties of the immune system. Daily doses of kynurenic acid activated cell receptor GPR35, converting white fat to energy-burning brown fat.
A study by Jessica Ridgway found that viewing oneself as a 3-D avatar can lead to negative psychological consequences, including decreased mood and body satisfaction. Self-discrepancy theory explains why this is the case.
A University of Connecticut study tracked 130 couples over six months and found that when one member commits to losing weight, the chances are good the other partner will lose some weight too. The researchers discovered a significant weight loss ripple effect where couples' weights were interlinked.
Exercising regularly before surgery for lung cancer halves the complication rate afterwards, with a 48% reduction in postoperative complications. Exercise also reduces the length of hospital stay by almost three days, according to a pooled analysis of 13 clinical trials involving 806 participants.
A study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that balance and eye movement exercises can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their balance and reduce fatigue. The exercise program showed significant improvements in balance, fatigue, and dizziness scores compared to a control group.
Listening to motivational music during sports activities and exercise increases risk-taking behavior without improving overall performance. Self-selected music has a stronger effect on self-esteem among participants who are already performing well.
A review of 18 studies found that group walking improves physical activity and quality of life. Walking in groups also boosts life satisfaction and social connectedness, helping individuals meet the World Health Organisation's recommended 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity per week.
A meta-analysis found that aerobic exercise delays and improves Alzheimer's symptoms, with a three times greater improvement compared to combined exercise. The study confirms the American Geriatrics Society's recommendations for exercise duration and frequency.
A trial by The BMJ found that simple breathing training with a physiotherapist before surgery halves the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications. The researchers suggest this service could be considered for all patients awaiting upper abdominal surgery.
The Office of Dietary Supplements at NIH has released two new resources to help people understand the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements promoted for fitness and weight loss. The fact sheets cover over 20 ingredients found in these products, including antioxidants, creatine, and protein.
Researchers found that cognitive training improved neural activity in older adults, making their brains more energy-efficient. The study suggests that this non-pharmacological intervention could help counteract age-related cognitive decline and enhance brain health.
A USC study suggests that regular exercise can lower breast cancer survivors' risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer recurrence. Exercise helps reduce inflammation, improves heart health, and increases good cholesterol levels.
A new study found that taking a specially prepared blend of minerals and nutrients can significantly improve women's running performance. Women who took the supplement saw their 3-mile run times drop from 26.5 to 25.6 minutes, with improvements also seen in stationary bike distance covered and steps taken.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that cycling does not negatively impact men's sexual and urinary health. Contrary to previous studies, recreational and intense cycling were shown to have no detrimental effects on erectile function or prostate health.
A new app developed by researchers at University of Utah Health aims to motivate type 2 diabetes patients to increase physical activity. The interactive simulation tool helps patients understand the impact of exercise on blood sugar levels, leading to increased motivation and plans for more exercise.
A new study found that middle-aged adults who participated in two years of regular aerobic exercise training can significantly improve their heart health and reduce the risk of heart failure. The study showed that exercising four to five times a week is effective in reversing decades of sedentary lifestyle on the heart.
A new study found that exercising four to five times a week can improve maximum oxygen intake during exercise by 18% and elasticity of the left ventricular muscle of the heart by over 25%. The research suggests that beginning exercise in late middle age can help reverse damage to sedentary hearts.
Researchers found that astronauts' core body temperature increases gradually over 2.5 months, eventually reaching 38°C (100.4°F), impairing physical and cognitive performance. In space, sweat evaporation is slower than on Earth, leading to overheating during exercise.
A 30-minute sauna bath lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure and increases carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, indicating improved vascular compliance. This study builds on previous findings linking regular sauna bathing to reduced risk of coronary diseases, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center suggests that weak deep core muscles increase the risk of low back pain in runners. By analyzing muscle movements and pressure on joints, researchers found that planks and stabilizing exercises are essential for preventing back pain.
Facial exercises improved middle-aged women's facial appearance by increasing muscle volume and reducing visible signs of aging. After 20 weeks, participants showed a significant decrease in age appearance, with average skin firmness and fuller upper and lower cheeks.
A new guideline from Mayo Clinic suggests that exercise can help people with mild cognitive impairment, which is an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia. Twice-weekly workouts of 30 minutes or less may slow down the progression of symptoms.
Researchers found that exercise increases DJ-1 protective gene expression, preventing abnormal protein accumulation in the brain. This may help slow Parkinson's disease progression.
A 10-minute burst of exercise can measurably boost brain power, improving focus and problem-solving skills. Research found that exercising for a short duration primes the brain's problem-solving areas, leading to faster reaction times and improved cognitive performance.
New research reveals exercise during nicotine exposure decreases withdrawal symptoms by activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This protective effect may aid smoking cessation by reducing withdrawal severity and promoting recovery.
A study conducted by primary school pupils found that exercising at their own pace significantly improves a child's mood, attention, and memory. The research used over 11,000 schoolchildren across the UK, who completed various physical activities before answering tests on concentration and happiness.
A randomized clinical trial found that high-intensity exercise three times a week slows worsening of Parkinson's symptoms, while moderate intensity workouts have no effect. The study suggests that high-intensity exercise may be an effective treatment for delaying disease progression.
A new study by Drexel University shows that while coloring can reduce stress, it is not as potent as involving an art therapist. Art therapists report significant benefits from open studio sessions, including empowerment, creativity, and improved mood.
A study by the University of Southampton found that breathing exercises can significantly improve the quality of life for people with asthma. The interventions, which included DVD and face-to-face physiotherapy, reduced asthma attacks and lower NHS healthcare costs.
A strong relationship was discovered between self-efficacy and exercise among women veterans with fibromyalgia, revealing positive effects on exercise adoption and maintenance. The study highlights the importance of tailored exercise programs to individual needs, aiming to improve overall quality of life and functioning.
A new phase 2 trial found that high-intensity exercise three times a week for six months is safe and decreases worsening of motor symptoms in early-stage Parkinson's disease patients. The study compared high-intensity exercise to moderate intensity and found significant benefits for the high-intensity group.
A new phase 2 trial found that high-intensity exercise can safely reduce worsening of motor symptoms in early-stage Parkinson's disease. Participants who exercised three times a week showed minimal decline in symptoms, while those who didn't exercise experienced significant worseness.
Deep-diving narwhals experience unusually low heart rates while escaping human disturbances, potentially harming oxygenation and brain function. The study's findings raise concerns about the effects of ocean noise and increased human activity on these Arctic whales.
A new study examines the optimal amount and intensity of physical activity for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Higher sub-maximal exercise capacity is associated with greater quality of life, while high-intensity exercise improves maximal exercise capacity.
Two studies in mice and human subjects reveal exercise can alter gut microbiota, promoting healthy intestinal cells and reducing inflammation. Exercise-induced changes persisted even after returning to a sedentary lifestyle, with lean participants showing more significant improvements.
Researchers found that mindfulness training and therapy can mitigate the decline in cognitive abilities and impulse control associated with prison time. The study revealed that inmates who participated in CBT and mindfulness exercises showed significant improvements in emotion recognition and impulse control compared to those in a cont...
A five-week exercise program based on Zumba Fitness improved the quality of life of inactive university workers, especially their emotional well-being. The benefits persisted for up to two months after the program ended.
A new study suggests that combining Virtual Reality and treadmill exercise therapy can dramatically lower the incidence of falling among Parkinson's patients. The therapy promotes beneficial brain plasticity, even in patients with neurodegenerative disease, and enhances motor control and cognitive performance.
Researchers found that six weeks of intense exercise improved high-interference memory, a type of memory that allows us to distinguish between similar objects. Participants who experienced greater fitness gains also showed increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting the growth and function of brain cells.
Research found that male triathletes are more likely to develop myocardial fibrosis, a scarring of the heart, due to excessive exercise. The study also showed that female triathletes were less prone to the condition.
A study found that first-grade students showed improvements in speed and balance over a decade, while endurance performance remained stable. In contrast, boys' endurance decreased compared to girls of the same age.
Researchers at Kent State University will investigate the use of probiotics during exercise in a hot environment. The study aims to understand how probiotic supplementation affects physical performance, psychological status, and cognitive function under heat stress.
A new Northwestern Medicine clinical trial found that stem cell therapy did not improve walking ability in people with peripheral artery disease, despite exercise showing significant improvements. The study led by Dr. Mary McDermott demonstrated that regular exercise can increase six-minute walking distance in patients with PAD.
A new Australian-led study found that aerobic exercise increases the size of the left region of the hippocampus, a critical area for memory and other brain functions. The study showed significant benefits of exercise on brain health, with implications for preventing age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, with study participants showing a 73% lower risk compared to less active individuals. Exercise has been found to impact eye pressure, a major risk factor for the disease, although more research is needed to confirm the exact relationship.
A study at Georgetown University Medical Center reveals distinct molecular signatures in two brain disorders, CFS and GWI, with implications for diagnosis and treatment. The research found changes in miRNA levels after exercise, differing from other conditions like depression and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that endurance training can help alleviate muscle inflammation by targeting specific immune cells and promoting muscle repair. The research found that exercise alters microRNAs that downregulate immune processes and increase mitochondrial content, ultimately reducing muscle damage and inflamma...
Researchers found that supervised exercise accelerated ulcer healing time by 22 weeks compared to compression therapy alone. The study suggests benefits for patients with venous leg ulcers, including cost savings.
A new study suggests that including exercise in treatment plans for depression may improve patient outcomes. Over 80% of patients surveyed believed exercise helped alleviate their mood and anxiety.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have found that a drug called NMN can reverse many of the negative metabolic consequences of maternal obesity in offspring. The study suggests that this could be a potential new approach to preventing childhood obesity.
A new study published during Falls Prevention Month found that exercise alone or in combination with assessments and interventions is the most effective strategy for preventing injurious falls among older people. Exercise can decrease the risk of injurious falls by up to 38% in people over age 65.
The study found that exercise time improved by 28.4 seconds in PCI-treated patients, but not significantly in sham-PCI treated patients. SCAI questions the reliability of the findings due to the small number of patients and subjective endpoint used.
Regular exercise can reduce fatigue and pain, and improve cardiovascular health and quality of life in women with advanced breast cancer. The study found that women who exercised had a 12.3% increase in VO2max compared to the control group, indicating improved oxygen transportation and heart function.