Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A new study finds that patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who undergo moderate-intensity exercise training experience a small but statistically significant increase in peak VO2 max. This improvement is associated with reduced mortality risk and improved self-reported physical functioning.
Researchers found whole-body vibration (WBV) to be as effective as regular exercise in improving bone formation and insulin sensitivity in obese mice. WBV was shown to mimic the metabolic effects of exercise, with benefits seen in both genetically normal and obese mice.
A Mayo Clinic study found that high-intensity aerobic exercise can reverse cellular aspects of aging, improving lean body mass and insulin sensitivity. The study also showed that high-intensity interval training enhanced muscle protein content, causing muscle enlargement and improving energetic functions.
A study found that women with breast cancer who engaged in regular exercise were 40% less likely to have a cardiovascular event and 60% less likely to die from coronary heart disease. Exercise may help mitigate the increased cardiovascular risk faced by cancer patients, reducing the risk of heart disease and its associated complications.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that playing Pokémon Go can increase daily steps by nearly 2,000 steps per day. Participants who were overweight or obese benefited most from the game, walking approximately 3,000 additional steps each day.
A large population study found that people who experience weight discrimination are less likely to be physically active. This is due to feelings of self-consciousness and negative stereotypes, leading to a lack of confidence to exercise in public.
A study found that exercise, particularly high-intensity interval training, increases mitochondrial capacity and improves insulin sensitivity in both young and older adults. This suggests that exercise may help stave off old age by rejuvenating key organelles responsible for energy production and muscle growth.
A systematic review of 37 randomized controlled trials found that exercise had a positive impact on muscle mass and function in healthy older adults, while dietary supplementation showed less consistent benefits. The combined effect of exercise and nutrition intervention varied depending on the individual's baseline health status.
Researchers at Tufts University found that exercise-induced irisin increases bone formation and thickness in mice, mimicking the effects of exercise on the skeletal system. The study suggests a potential new mechanism for regulating bone metabolism.
A meta-analysis of 113 randomized clinical trials found that exercise, psychological interventions, and their combination were effective in reducing cancer fatigue. Pharmaceutical interventions did not show the same magnitude of improvement.
Researchers found that exercise preserves the number and diameter of blood vessels, which allows for better blood flow rerouting after a stroke. This results in less brain damage and improved recovery outcomes.
A recent study by the University of Leicester found that a widely used exercise test for aortic stenosis has a 60% accuracy rate, leading to thousands of unnecessary open heart operations. The test recommends valve replacement therapy for those who become breathless during the test, but actual symptoms may not develop within a year.
A study published in Experimental Physiology found that body size, not sex, determines how people lose heat during exercise in warm conditions. The research involved 36 men and 24 women who underwent light and moderate exercise trials at controlled temperatures.
Patients with repetitive rehabilitative exercises can contribute to scientific projects while performing engaging physical exercises using low-cost haptic devices. The study increases commitment and effectiveness of the exercises through natural user interfaces.
Researchers found that structured physical activity training can improve cognitive deficits in stroke survivors, regardless of rehabilitation program length. Combining aerobic and strength training programs yields the largest cognitive gains, with benefits observed even in patients with chronic stroke.
Researchers discovered that hawkmoths harness the pentose phosphate pathway to create antioxidants, reducing muscle damage from high-intensity flight. This metabolic strategy allows them to process sugary diets without succumbing to oxidative stress.
A repurposed drug has been shown to prevent progression into diabetes in 80% of overweight patients with prediabetes, reversing the condition altogether in 60%. The study found that adding daily self-administered injections of liraglutide to diet and exercise significantly improved weight loss outcomes compared to placebo.
A new study published in Circulation shows that supervised exercise training can improve the pumping function of a damaged heart and reduce hospitalization rates. Patients who performed 3,000 steps in 30 minutes at moderate intensity experienced significant benefits, including decreased strain on the heart and improved oxygen uptake.
Physical activity is most important lifestyle change to reduce breast cancer recurrence risk, with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day recommended. Avoiding weight gain and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
Researchers found that a telephone-based weight loss program combined with a maintenance intervention slowed the rate of weight regain in obese outpatients. The study suggests that incorporating weight maintenance interventions into clinical programs could make them more effective over the long term.
A new study has found that walking can significantly improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients with advanced cancer. Researchers discovered that participants who walked for at least 30 minutes on alternate days reported improvements in their quality of life, including reduced weight and increased morale.
Research from QUT found that consuming carbohydrates during or immediately after intense exercise helps minimise exercise-induced immune disturbances and aids the body's recovery. The study suggests that stable blood sugar levels reduce the body's stress response, moderating undesirable mobilisation of immune cells.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that low-intensity exercise increases activation in the visual cortex, enhancing information representation and selectivity. This effect is linked to increased arousal, which may provide a competitive advantage.
Children who moved and used their bodies during instruction showed improved math scores, outperforming those who were sedentary. The study suggests individualized learning strategies are crucial for optimizing math performance in school-age children.
A study published by the American Geriatrics Society found that regular exercise can help prevent or delay disabilities that impact independent living. Researchers enrolled 1,635 adults aged 70-89 and compared two groups: one exercising regularly and the other receiving health workshops.
A McMaster University study reveals that short, intense stair climbing can significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease. The research also highlights interval training as a convenient way to incorporate exercise into daily life.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that employees who record over 10,900 steps per day are less likely to perpetuate abuse at home. The research suggests that sleep and exercise can be leveraged as intervention points to prevent harmful behavior.
Endurance training increases expression of genes repairing damaged DNA, potentially protecting the heart. Researchers hope this discovery leads to improved cardiovascular health and increased life expectancy.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that high levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are associated with lower arterial stiffness in 6-8-year-old children. Children who engage in at least 68 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per day have better arterial health.
Researchers followed adults in five countries and found no association between physical activity and weight gain. However, weight at the initial visit, age, and gender were significantly associated with weight change. The study provides new evidence that exercise is not a reliable method for controlling weight.
A new study at the University of Pennsylvania found that people who are more mindful are more likely to change their behavior in response to health messages. Mindful individuals react less negatively to health advice, leading to increased exercise motivation and healthier choices.
Researchers are exploring aerobic exercise as a potential treatment for mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) in wounded warriors. The study aims to improve soldiers' quality of life by assessing intensive cardiorespiratory exercise, which may help alleviate symptoms such as migraines and motor problems associated with mTBI.
Researchers found that myokines enhance human cognitive function, plan to use this feature to correct conditions such as autism and memory disorders without medication. They conducted comprehensive studies involving volunteers and animals, including mice, to investigate the production of myokines.
A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that sprint interval training is a powerful stimulus to elicit cellular remodelling in both men and women. The research, conducted at McMaster University, showed that changes in gene expression over a short time-scale are similar between the sexes.
A new study shows that specialized physical therapy exercises can improve the curve of the spine, muscle endurance and quality of life in teens with scoliosis. Researchers advocate for conservative management to be added to standard care.
A set of international guidelines helps individuals with type 1 diabetes exercise safely, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia and improving overall health. The guidelines provide recommendations for glucose targets, nutritional and insulin dose adjustments to prevent blood sugar fluctuations during exercise.
Researchers have found that heat-dissipating compression clothing offers no temperature-controlling benefits during exercise in physically active young people. However, for older individuals, the use of these garments can increase body temperature and cardiovascular stress. The study suggests that athletes should avoid using heat-dissi...
A new study suggests that yoga and aerobic exercise interventions did not significantly reduce objectively measured sleep disturbances among midlife women experiencing hot flashes. Despite the lack of improvement in sleep quality, women in the study still experienced disturbed sleep at night.
A new study from Iowa State University researchers found that individuals with a gym membership were more likely to meet muscle-strengthening guidelines and had better cardiovascular health outcomes. Gym members spent an average of nearly six hours per week on cardio workouts, compared to non-members.
A study found that sedentary elderly women have shorter telomeres, indicating accelerated biological aging. Regular exercise can slow down this process.
Talking or texting on a cell phone while exercising can lower the intensity of a workout by 45% and affect balance. Listening to music on a cell phone has no notable impact on postural stability during exercise, according to a recent study.
A University of Stirling analysis found that doing fewer repetitions of high-intensity cycle sprints on a bike can lead to greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. The optimal number of repetitions appears to be just two, allowing for shorter workouts without compromising results.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that one session of moderate exercise can stimulate the immune system, producing an anti-inflammatory cellular response. This benefits individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and obesity.
People with early schizophrenia are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. The researchers found that patients showed higher levels of fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance compared to healthy controls.
A UBC study finds that one session of interval weight-training can improve blood vessel function and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes complications. The study demonstrates that simple leg exercises involving weights can be an effective tool to manage disease, especially for those with Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers discovered the TFEB gene plays a central role in regulating muscle metabolism and energy use during exercise. Overexpressing TFEB improved mitochondrial health and increased energy production in mice, suggesting potential new treatments for diseases like diabetes and obesity.
A recent study found that people who engage in physical activity on weekends have significantly lower all-cause mortality rates compared to those who are inactive. The research suggests that even short periods of moderate-intensity exercise can have health benefits, especially for individuals with busy weekday schedules. Experts recomm...
A new study published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism found that commercial weight loss programs including both diet and exercise resulted in greater improvements in metabolic syndrome. The research suggests that a synergistic approach to diet and exercise is essential for both weight loss and improved health outcomes.
A new study reveals that AMPK plays a key role in enhancing insulin's ability to stimulate glucose uptake in muscles after physical activity. This discovery may lead to the development of an 'exercise pill' for people with limited mobility or those who struggle with physical activity.
Researchers found pelvic floor muscle training significantly reduced prolapse symptoms in women with early signs of prolapse. The study recommended that women should be advised to undertake pelvic floor muscle training even before experiencing symptoms.
A new study found that consuming gelatin supplements combined with intense exercise can improve collagen synthesis and strengthen engineered lab-grown ligaments. The research suggests a potential role for gelatin and vitamin C in injury prevention and tissue repair.
A Joslin researcher will study how exercise affects the body at a molecular level to develop individually targeted exercise recommendations and help people with mobility issues. The project aims to provide valuable insights into harnessing these molecular changes to benefit patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Research reveals that endurance running alters brain structure and function in ways similar to complex tasks like playing a musical instrument. The study found greater functional connectivity in the brains of young adult cross country runners compared to sedentary individuals.
The NIH Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity in Humans Program aims to develop a comprehensive map of molecular changes triggered by physical activity. Researchers will collect samples from diverse populations and analyze them to identify targeted exercise recommendations for better health outcomes.
A national NIH initiative will use exercise to identify molecular changes that improve and preserve health in children. Researchers will analyze blood samples from over 360 children before, during, and after exercise.
The University of California, Davis, is part of a six-year, $170 million NIH project exploring the molecular changes caused by physical activity and their impact on health. Researchers will use rat models to study exercise physiology and analyze tissue samples from humans and animals.
Frailty is a common condition in older adults that affects physiological reserves and organ function. European experts recommend assessing frailty and tailoring cardiac rehabilitation programs to its severity, with the goal of reducing disability, improving quality of life, and mortality.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that physical exercise can help preserve adult visual plasticity in mice and restore it after a stroke. This suggests that exercise may be used as a preventive or therapeutic approach to aid recovery after a cortical stroke.
A study of over 16,000 patients found air pollution reduces pulmonary vascular function and increases risk of decompensated heart failure. Limiting physical activity in heavily polluted areas is recommended.
New research from Brigham Young University finds that running decreases pro-inflammatory molecules in the knee joint, reducing inflammation. The study suggests exercise can be a type of medicine for preventing osteoarthritis and delaying its onset.