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To bolster a new year's resolution, ask, don't tell

A recent study spanning 40 years examined the 'question-behavior effect,' finding that asking people about performing a certain behavior influences whether they do it in the future. The effect has been shown to last more than six months after questioning, making questioning a simple yet effective technique to influence human behavior.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateDec 28, 2015

Exercise eases hot flushes during menopause

A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that regular exercise can significantly reduce the physiological severity of hot flushes experienced by post-menopausal women. By improving blood flow and reducing sweating, exercise minimizes the physical discomfort associated with hot flushes.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateDec 17, 2015

Physical activity may leave the brain more open to change

Researchers found that physical activity enhances neuroplasticity in the visual cortex of adult humans, paving the way for non-invasive therapeutic strategies. The study suggests exercise plays a crucial role in brain health and recovery, particularly for individuals with conditions like amblyopia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 7, 2015

Can physical exercise enhance long-term memory?

A new study published in Brain Plasticity reports that running mice developed twice the normal number of new neurons and showed improved ability to distinguish between similar objects. This improvement in pattern separation is crucial for everyday memory tasks like remembering chess piece shapes or patterns on a board.

SourceIOS Press·JournalBrain Plasticity·DateNov 25, 2015

Heart disease patients who sit a lot have worse health even if they exercise

Patients with coronary artery disease spend an average of eight hours each day sitting despite exercising, according to research published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention. Women tend to be less sedentary than men, but both have poorer health outcomes when sitting for long periods.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation·DateNov 25, 2015

People with MS may be more physically fit than tests indicate, study finds

A study by University of Illinois researchers found participants with MS had significantly higher peak aerobic capacity and muscle strength when using computerized dynamometers and recumbent steppers. This challenges conventional methods that may underestimate participants' capabilities, highlighting the need for more effective exercis...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Neurologic Physical Therapy·DateOct 29, 2015

Long-term aerobic exercise prevents age-related brain changes

A study found that long-term aerobic exercise can prevent structural deterioration associated with old age in mice, improving blood-brain barrier function and reducing inflammation. Exercise was particularly beneficial for animals lacking the Apoe gene, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 29, 2015

Exercise could give margin of safety to women who want to delay preventive mastectomy

Regular physical activity can help women at high risk of breast cancer delay drastic measures by reducing estrogen-sensitive breast tissue. Women who engage in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise per day for five days a week may experience a 10% drop in estrogen-sensitive breast tissue over 100 minutes of exercise.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateOct 29, 2015

Study: Low-weight, high-repetition exercise increases bone density up to 8 percent in adults

A new study finds that low-weight, high-repetition resistance training increases bone mineral density in adults, with significant gains observed in osteopenic and postmenopausal individuals. The exercise regimen is a feasible option for older and inactive adults, and may help prevent hip fractures.

SourcePortavoce Public Relations·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateOct 26, 2015

Can exercise be replaced with a pill?

Several laboratories are developing exercise pills targeting skeletal muscle performance, aiming to improve strength and energy use. However, the benefits of exercise extend beyond muscular improvements, and it's unrealistic to expect pills to fully substitute physical exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateOct 2, 2015

Swap the couch for a walk to avoid an early death

A University of Sydney study found that swapping one hour of sitting with physical activity decreases the chance of an early death by 12 to 14 per cent. Replacing one hour of sitting with standing is linked to a five per cent reduction in risk of premature death.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateSep 30, 2015

Mice exposed to environmental chemicals may show decreased physical activity in offspring

A University of Missouri study found that female mice exposed to endocrine disruptors like BPA and EE showed decreased physical activity in their daughters, which can predispose them to obesity and other metabolic disorders. The chemicals can affect metabolism, energy expenditure, and voluntary exercise patterns.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease·DateSep 21, 2015

Exercise reduces suicide attempts by 23 percent among bullied teens

A new study finds that regular exercise significantly reduces both suicidal thoughts and attempts among students who are bullied. Being physically active four or more days per week resulted in a 23 percent reduction in suicidal ideation and attempts in bullied students. Exercise is also associated with significant reductions in sadness.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 2015