Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A study using stem cell therapy to treat refractory angina (RA) demonstrated promising results, including improved exercise time, reduced angina, and lower mortality rates. The treatment showed potential for difficult-to-treat RA patient population, offering a new approach for patients with limited treatment options.
Researchers found that increasing blood flow to the legs through revascularization procedures halted scarring progression and allowed patients to walk longer. However, neither exercise nor revascularization reversed scarring in muscles already damaged by PAD.
Researchers found that yoga and aquatic exercise significantly improved symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including reduced fatigue, depression, and paresthesia. The study, involving 54 women with MS, showed a significant reduction in moderate to severe depression in those who exercised three times a week.
New research suggests that heat-based exercise is a more efficient means of improving altitude tolerance than normobaric altitude training. Heat-based training reduced physical strain and improved time-trial performance in cyclists, with similar effects on blood cells as low-oxygen training.
A research-based fitness program called Children and Teachers (CATs) on the Move, developed by Betsy Hoza, is having a positive impact on preschoolers. The program uses developmentally appropriate games to promote physical activity and improve executive functioning, motor, and communication skills.
A large-scale study found that children who exercised within seven days of a head injury had nearly half the rate of persistent post-concussive symptoms a month later. Researchers suggest this may shift concussion management guidelines towards more active physical rehabilitation recommendations.
Researchers at McMaster University found that a single minute of very intense exercise produces health benefits similar to longer endurance training. Brief bursts of intense exercise are remarkably effective in boosting cardiorespiratory fitness and insulin sensitivity.
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that women are significantly less likely to stick to cardiac rehabilitation programs than men. Despite women-specific clinical practice guideline recommendations, women face unique barriers, including lack of access and tailored advice.
A large analysis found that older adults who met strength-training guidelines had significantly lower mortality rates, even when controlling for demographic variables and health behaviors. The study suggests that strength training is beneficial beyond improving muscle strength and physical function.
Researchers found that marathon runners had higher stiffness indices than sedentary individuals, indicating improved bone quality. The study suggests that endurance running training can modify the mechanical properties of bones, potentially preventing age-related decline in bone mineral density.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that heavy media multitaskers benefited from a short meditation exercise in which they sat quietly counting their breaths. Heavy media multitaskers scored worse on attention tests, but improved significantly after the exercise.
Researchers discovered that high doses of antihistamines can blunt nearly 27% of the gene response after vigorous exercise, which could have implications for athletes and exercisers. The study identified 795 genes affected by histamine receptors, highlighting their role in post-exercise recovery.
A randomized controlled trial enrolls 350 firefighters from Tampa Bay's three largest fire departments to assess the effectiveness of a worksite exercise regimen. The study aims to reduce low back injury and disability, improving health and preparedness for firefighters.
Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation enhances efficiency of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with stable COPD, improving measures of shortness of breath and exercise tolerance. Patients experience significant relief from breathing difficulties during exercising, allowing for more effective pulmonary rehabilitation.
Researchers found that physical exercise significantly improves cognitive performance in individuals with schizophrenia, particularly in areas such as memory, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills. The study suggests that early intervention and combined cognitive training with aerobic exercise may lead to long-lasting impr...
A critical review of literature suggests that just half the recommended exercise level can lead to marked health benefits. Experts challenge current guidelines to update recommendations and highlight the importance of individualized prescriptions considering unique characteristics and needs.
A high-quality protein diet, including lean beef, can improve balance, lower-body strength and walking speed in obese older adults with limited ability to exercise. This study supports the benefits of protein-enhanced meals for fostering improvements in physical function during periods of weight loss.
Research discovered that individuals with coronary artery disease exhibit higher baseline troponin levels independently of stress or chest pain, indicating repeated ischemic events. Mental stress tests revealed a significant increase in troponin levels, even after the event, suggesting psychological triggers play a role
An ongoing clinical trial found that older overweight and obese adults with Type 2 diabetes can improve glucose control, body composition, and physical function through healthier diets and regular exercise. The study's results suggest that lifestyle changes may be a viable treatment option for this age group.
A study found that people living in activity-friendly neighborhoods take up to 90 minutes more exercise per week. The research team mapped neighborhood features and physical activity was measured using accelerometers.
Researchers found that female mice exercising during pregnancy had offspring more physically active as adults, suggesting movement influences fetal brain development and lifelong activity. The study supports an environmental role in fetal development and may offer a strategy to counter physical inactivity and obesity.
Whole body electrical stimulation has emerged as a popular fitness trend, but several cases of muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis have been reported. Doctors argue that the technology needs to be regulated due to limited scientific evidence on its safety and effectiveness.
A study found high-intensity 'sprint' training causes muscle tissue stress, weakened antioxidant defenses, and reduced mitochondrial function in untrained individuals.
A study published in Neurology found that older adults who engaged in moderate to intense exercise showed less decline in thinking skills than those who were sedentary. The difference was equivalent to 10 years of aging.
The study analyzed cycad species in The Red List, verifying 303 accepted taxa and finding no canonical description of conservation metrics. The research revealed varying threat categories among genera and geographic regions.
A new study found that adding stress management to cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly reduces cardiac events and improves recovery rates for heart patients. After a median follow-up of over three years, researchers found that patients who underwent cardiac rehab plus stress management achieved greater benefits than rehab alone.
Researchers found that a poor diet and lack of exercise accelerate cellular senescence and age-related conditions in mice. Exercise was shown to prevent premature senescent cell accumulation and protect against unhealthy diet-induced damage.
A study by Mitesh Patel found that combining individual and team incentives led to a significant increase in physical activity. Participants who received rewards for both individual and team performance averaged more steps per day than those with individual-only rewards.
A new study at Southern Methodist University found that leading standardized equations for walking energy expenditure are inaccurate and biased. A new method, developed by SMU scientists, is four times more accurate for adults and kids combined, and two to three times more accurate for adults only.
A how-to guide provides easy-to-use exercise prescriptions for specific chronic diseases, including knee osteoarthritis and COPD. The guide lists exercises by disease type, materials needed, benefits, and contraindications.
A recent study by University of Kent researchers refutes the use of traditional pain measurement methods in exercise experiments. They found that people who are ready to engage in greater amounts of pain perform better in exercise activities. The researchers suggest measuring EIP tolerance as a more accurate predictor of performance.
A randomized controlled trial found that practicing tai chi significantly reduced the risk of injury-causing falls in older adults compared to leg strengthening exercises. After six months and a year of training, participants who practiced tai chi were 50% less likely to experience an injury-causing fall.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that larger pitches and more players per team increase physical and physiological demands on young footballers. The research suggests adapting competition models to match the physiological development of participants, particularly for the U12 age group.
A new strategic research centre will aid health professionals design bespoke physical activity and exercise plans for young people with cystic fibrosis. The centre aims to develop guidelines and recommendations for tailored activity and exercise regimes, addressing the current lack of definitive guidelines.
Long-term exercise has been shown to improve muscle resistance and aerobic performance in mice with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Swimming and running both had beneficial effects on motor neurons affected by the disease, suggesting specific types of exercise may limit neurodegeneration.
Research suggests that long-term high-intensity exercise may lead to permanent structural changes in the heart, increasing the risk of arrhythmias. A review by sports cardiologist André La Gerche argues that large prospective studies are needed to fully understand the effects of intense exercise on heart health.
Research from the University of Kent shows that parental pressure is a key factor in young male athletes' positive attitudes towards doping. The study found that perfectionism and pressure from coaches were less influential on doping attitudes compared to parental influence.
A new Penn study links moving more with decreased mortality, finding even small amounts of physical activity can have a significant impact. Adding just 10 minutes of light activity per day can reduce the risk of mortality, according to the research published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
A virtual reality system, ICSPACE, is being developed to support physical rehabilitation and athletic performance. The system uses stereoscopic glasses and infrared cameras to track users' movements, providing personalized feedback and coaching.
A new study aims to strengthen female recruits with strength training to prevent overuse injuries and retain them as military integration nears. The trial will recruit 150 women runners for nine months, monitoring injuries via bi-weekly emails.
Researchers discovered that mice exercising on a running wheel had slower cancer growth due to increased immune cell mobilization. The adrenaline rush triggered by exercise stimulated natural killer cells to attack tumors.
A University of Missouri study found that men who engaged in high-impact activities during adolescence and young adulthood had greater bone mineral density than those who didn't. This association was observed across all ages, suggesting that it's never too late to start a bone-strengthening exercise program.
A daily dose of beetroot juice significantly improved exercise endurance by 24% after one week, while also reducing resting systolic blood pressure by 5-10mmHg. The study found that the juice's inorganic nitrate content has beneficial effects on vascular health and oxygen metabolism.
A study found a direct correlation between poor fitness and reduced brain volume decades later, indicating accelerated brain aging. Participants with higher blood pressure and heart rate responses during exercise were more likely to have smaller brain volumes.
A combination of mental and physical training reduced depressive symptoms in students with major depressive disorder. The study found that individuals experienced fewer negative thoughts and improved focus after just eight weeks of MAP training. This innovative approach offers a low-cost solution for depression treatment.
Adult brain neurogenesis is increased by sustained aerobic exercise, particularly in genetically predisposed rats, indicating a potential improvement in learning abilities. The study suggests that aerobic exercise, but not high-intensity interval training or resistance training, enhances hippocampal neurogenesis.
Exercise scientists at BYU found that the immune system's T-cells infiltrate damaged muscle fibers, facilitating accelerated repair and reduced muscle soreness after repeated exercise bouts. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about inflammation and its role in exercise-induced muscle damage.
A study published in The BMJ found that moderate exercise programs can help prevent life-changing falls in older men. The research, which involved 1,635 participants aged 70-89, showed a notable gender difference, with male participants experiencing a 38% reduced rate of serious fall injuries.
Researchers at Colorado State University are developing a multiplayer game to plan for disease outbreaks. The game uses powerful software to predict and analyze the severity of an outbreak, providing real-time visualizations such as heat maps of potential danger zones.
A study of nearly 70,000 patients found that those with higher aerobic fitness before a heart attack are more likely to survive their first heart attack. Fitness levels were associated with improved short-term survival rates after the event.
A community lifestyle intervention program reduced cardiovascular disease risk in diabetes patients by 9.6%, fasting glucose by 9%, body mass index by 3.7% and systolic blood pressure by 5.7%. Participants experienced significant reductions after completing 16 two-hour classes on healthy living basics.
New research reveals that exercise alone is insufficient for weight loss due to the human body's adaptive response. A study published in Current Biology found that daily energy expenditure increases with moderate physical activity but plateaus at higher levels.
Researchers found that high-protein diets combined with intense exercise can lead to significant muscle gain while losing body fat. The study involved 40 young men who followed a low-calorie diet with varying levels of protein, resulting in impressive muscle gains and weight loss.
Young baleen whale calves have significantly lower myoglobin levels than adults, but these levels increase as they mature. Exercise has been shown to influence the rate of myoglobin accumulation in young baleen whales, potentially explaining their high activity levels during early development.
Regular functional exercise improves balance and reduces dependence in people with dementia, a progressive illness leading to gradual reduction in cognitive and physical function. The study found that high-intensity exercise programs can lead to an improved quality of life for individuals suffering from dementia.
Ongoing aerobic exercise has been shown to enhance factors that potentially have a protective effect on the brain, counteracting brain shrinkage and improving connections in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Aerobic exercise can also help manage symptoms such as rigid muscles, slowed movement, and impaired posture and balance.
The study emphasizes that even moderate amounts of physical activity can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease mortality risk. The council found no upper limit to exercise-induced health benefits, suggesting all levels of moderate and vigorous intensity exercise result in reduced mortality compared to physical inactivity.
A study suggests that reducing perception of effort during exercise with caffeine can help people stick to their fitness plans. Researchers found that the majority of people give up on exercising within six months due to lack of motivation and physical exertion, which is a natural response to conserve energy. The use of psychoactive dr...
A review of medical literature suggests that exercise alone or in combination with education may reduce the risk of low back pain. Moderate-quality evidence supports exercise combined with education as a preventive measure, reducing the risk of an episode of low back pain and sick leave.
A study of popular commercial exercise DVDs found that they often feature unrealistic body images and demotivating language, which can lead to reduced motivation and increased risk of psychological harm. The researchers recommend consumers be aware of these potential pitfalls when selecting exercise videos.