Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A study by Kent State researchers found that using smartphones for texting, talking, or listening to music during exercise can negatively impact physical performance. Conversely, exercising with a phone without using it for communication or entertainment increased treadmill speed, heart rate, and enjoyment.
A recent review of combined diet and exercise training trials found that the effects differ across studies, suggesting more research is needed to determine their benefits for older people. Exercise training and diet supplementation have been shown to be effective in preventing muscle loss, but little is known about their combined effects.
A University of Alberta study found that prenatal exercise lowers the risk of Caesarean sections and larger-than-average babies. Women who exercised had a 31% lower risk of giving birth to an oversized baby without increasing the risk of smaller or earlier births.
A study by Dr Mark Moss and colleagues found that age has the biggest influence on motivators and barriers to exercise among older people. The researchers suggest that new health messages should tailor their information to account for differences between 'young' and 'older' older adults.
A new study published in Diabetes Care found that calorie restriction and exercise both improve insulin sensitivity, with combining the two approaches resulting in greater reductions. This suggests that both diet and exercise play important roles in managing Type 2 diabetes risk.
A UTMB study found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy, lack of exercise, and smoking are strongly associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. Moderate exercise during pregnancy can lower this risk, even after adjusting for other factors.
A three-year study will enroll 2,000 adults aged 65+ who've had a fall-related fracture to assess the effectiveness of an exercise program integrating strength training, balance exercises, and walking with coaching. The study aims to reduce the risk of falls and fractures among seniors by addressing barriers to exercise
Research led by Kansas State University's Brad Behnke suggests that moderate exercise can enhance tumor oxygenation, potentially improving the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to increase oxygen delivery to tumors, making them more susceptible to radiation therapy.
Researchers have discovered that green tea extract and exercise can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice, potentially reversing its effects. The study found that mice with Alzheimer's symptoms exhibited improved cognitive function and retention after receiving the compound EGCG and exercising.
A new study found that adding two minutes of walking each hour can help offset the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. The research suggests that even light activities like casual walking or gardening can provide significant health benefits and potentially increase life expectancy.
After 10 years of experience with LVRS, the results demonstrate durable benefits in improving airflow, exercise capacity, and dyspnea. Functional improvements are stable for five years, making Surgical LVRS the gold standard for treating advanced emphysema.
A Cancer Research UK study found that only a third of bowel cancer patients received physical activity advice, despite evidence showing its link to better survival rates. Most patients who received advice were more likely to be physically active than those who didn't.
Researchers found a positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness and white matter structural integrity in the brains of older adults. Exercise, particularly walking, was identified as a potentially effective strategy for delaying cognitive decline and improving quality of life.
Women with breast cancer who follow a physical exercise program during chemotherapy experience less fatigue, nausea, and pain. The study found that both moderate and low-intensity exercise programs significantly reduced the need for dose adjustments in chemotherapy treatment.
A new study from Korea reveals that 80% of COPD patients have vitamin D deficiency, compared to 40-60% in the general population. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to decreased exercise capacity and airflow limitations.
A new grant-funded project aims to create effective exercise programs for people with dysferlinopathies, or dysferlin-linked muscular dystrophies. The researchers will investigate the impact of mechanical loading on muscle damage and inflammation in dysferlin-deficient mice.
Self-affirmations help level the playing field, reducing power differences in high-stakes situations. Writing down a self-affirmation can be more effective than just thinking it, boosting confidence and performance.
Studies published in Journal of Cancer Survivorship found that walking three hours a week can improve hormone functioning and vitality in prostate cancer survivors. Regular physical activity also reduces symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer survivors, improving quality of life.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher found that housework improves physical and emotional well-being in older adults with chronic illnesses. The study, which analyzed data from 337 participants aged 65-94, revealed that maintaining a clean home has a positive impact on mental health, contrary to expectations.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new automated treadmill that uses sonar to change speeds automatically, mimicking the experience of running outdoors. The device provides an accurate measure of aerobic capacity and has been shown to improve VO2 max scores by 4-7% compared to standard treadmills.
A study by Saint Louis University researchers found that salt pill consumption neither improved nor worsened performance in endurance athletes. High-dose sodium supplementation did not impact thermoregulation or related measures such as sweat rate, perceived exertion, and cardiovascular drift.
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology shows that exercise, regardless of frequency or intensity, benefits obese and overweight adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Both aerobic and resistance training-based exercise regimens reduce liver fat and visceral fat. The improvement was independent of weight loss.
A study by UNSW medical researchers found that maternal exercise during pregnancy reduced offspring's body weight, insulin and blood glucose levels in male rats. Female offspring showed only modest improvements, highlighting the sex-specific effects of maternal exercise on metabolism.
A new study found that exercising with one partner can encourage the other to become more physically active. When a wife improved her exercise routine, her husband was 70% more likely to meet recommended fitness levels at follow-up visits.
A new University of Montana study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that eating fast food after a workout can provide the same potential for muscle glycogen recovery as traditional sports supplements. The study, led by Brent Ruby, analyzed muscle biopsies and blood samples from male...
A large Australian study of 204,542 people found that vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of early death by 9 to 13 per cent compared to moderate activity. The benefits apply to both men and women of all ages and are independent of total time spent being active.
Physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms, increase exercise tolerance, and improve quality of life in lung cancer patients. Additionally, increased physical activity may also benefit lung cancer survivors by improving exercise capacity and symptom burden.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that fewer than half of US physicians received formal training on exercise, with many medical schools not offering any courses on the subject. This lack of education could leave doctors unprepared to assist patients who benefit from regular physical activity.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that phone counseling can significantly boost recovery and reduce pain in patients after spinal surgery. The intervention involved short series of phone conversations with trained counselors, leading to higher physical therapy attendance rates and improved functional outcomes.
A new University of Copenhagen study found that exercise reduces premature mortality risk more than air pollution, even in polluted urban areas. The research suggests exercising in green spaces with low air pollution is still beneficial.
Researchers found that most people with HIV exercise at home, but not intensely enough. The study suggests designing a flexible plan to maximize health benefits of exercising.
A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who exercise more have better erectile and sexual function, regardless of race. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with improved scores for sexual function, including the ability to have erections and orgasms.
Researchers have found that people with cystic fibrosis have limited ability to uptake and use oxygen in their muscles, leading to exercise intolerance. The study uses Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in patients with CF, providing a non-invasive method for measuring muscle function.
A two-year clinical trial found that neither vitamin D supplementation nor exercise training reduced overall fall rates among older women in Finland. However, the study discovered a significant decrease in injurious falls among exercisers, regardless of vitamin D status. Vitamin D also improved bone density and increased muscle strength.
Researchers found that exercise significantly improved blood vessel formation around tumors, leading to better oxygenation and reduced tumor growth. Exercise also enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs, shrinking tumors more effectively than sedentary animals.
Research shows exercise slows tumor growth and improves blood vessel perfusion, leading to reduced hypoxia and better response to chemotherapy. Exercise combined with chemotherapy results in slower tumor growth compared to sedentary mice or those treated with the drug alone.
A study published in Patient Education and Counseling journal found that the title and font of participant information sheets can significantly influence pregnant women's perceptions of written information. Pregnant women perceived a program as less complex and easier to understand when presented with an easy-to-read font, while traine...
Research shows that muscle metabolites released during exercise activate neural pathways in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, leading to excessive feelings of fatigue. The study suggests that peripheral tissues like muscles contribute to fatigue, providing new insights into the disease's mechanisms and potential treatment targets.
Critically ill patients who undergo early exercise experience marked improvements in lung, limb, and respiratory muscle function. Researchers have identified specific mechanisms by which exercise turns off pathways involved in muscle wasting.
New research suggests that counseling couples about physical activity can improve the health of both spouses. When a wife meets recommended exercise levels, her husband is 70% more likely to meet those levels at subsequent visits.
Research finds that excess sitting is associated with coronary artery calcification, an early indicator of heart problems. Reducing sedentary time by just one hour per day could have a significant positive impact on future cardiovascular health.
A new study suggests that exercise training can reduce the risk of premature death in elderly individuals. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that high-intensity training and moderate intensity training both showed promising results in improving fitness levels and reducing mortality rates.
A recent study by Margaret C. Campbell and Caleb Warren found that consumers tend to believe they will succeed in achieving their goals, giving more weight to positive behaviors. This 'progress bias' can lead people to think skipping dessert is a huge accomplishment, while overlooking setbacks, such as weight regain after exercise.
Research found that individuals with lower fitness levels had smaller brain tissue volumes and poorer cognitive function later in life. Regular physical exercise may help slow down brain aging by reducing blood pressure fluctuations and vascular damage.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that children being physically active with friends may accomplish more than hearing encouragement from family members. Friends getting involved significantly lowers perceived barriers to physical activity.
A new formula, the FIT Treadmill Score, estimates one's 10-year risk of dying by analyzing treadmill exercise performance. Fitness level, peak heart rate, and metabolic equivalents are key indicators of death risk.
A study found that taking a pre-exercise supplement of omega-3 PCSO-524, derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, has significant positive effects on post-exercise muscle damage. The subjects experienced less muscle soreness, pain, strength loss, fatigue, and inflammatory proteins in their bloodstreams.
A new injection approach shows promise as a potential weight-loss therapy by making muscles less energy efficient and increasing calorie burning. This could help people overcome their body's natural resistance to weight loss, especially for those with limited mobility.
Postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis saw improved patellar cartilage quality through high-impact jumping exercises. High-impact loading also enhanced physical function, including knee extensors strength and cardiorespiratory fitness.
A study found that older adults with physical limitations who engage in low-intensity activities for a short duration can lower their risk of heart attack and coronary death. Participants who spent more time being sedentary had higher predicted risks, highlighting the importance of regular intervals of movement.
Research suggests that exercising after a meal can lower blood sugar and fat levels, providing more benefits than exercising before dinner. The study found that resistance exercise performed after dinner had the most powerful effect on reducing glucose and fat levels.
Researcher Lora Cavuoto's study found that people who achieve weight loss or wellness success are more likely to influence their friends, while charismatic but unsuccessful individuals have a lower impact. This approach is taking precedence in new diet and exercise programs.
Research suggests that motorized cycling can prime the brain for relearning everyday tasks and improve motor function in stroke patients. In a small study, 17 stroke survivors showed a 34% improvement in motor skills after exercising on a motorized stationary bike compared to voluntary cycling or no aerobic exercise training.
Researchers found no significant differences in Achilles tendon thickness changes between running grades, indicating no increased risk of injury when transitioning to downhill running. Gradual adaptation is key to minimizing risks.
A new study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education found that using an exercise ball during labor with an epidural can significantly reduce the need for C-sections and shorten labor time. Women who used the peanut-shaped ball were half as likely to undergo a cesarean surgery and delivered babies faster than those without.
A new study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that university students who focused on the benefits of abstaining from alcohol reduced their overall drinking levels. Participants who imagined strategies for non-drinking also reported fewer binge drinking episodes and more favorable perceptions of non-drinkers.
A leading group of obesity experts argues that obesity is a chronic disease with biological causes that cannot be cured by diet and exercise. Many people with obesity struggle to lose weight and regain it, as their bodies have adapted to conserve energy during times of food scarcity.
A study by Oregon State University found that treadmill desks increase physical activity but do not lead to significant weight loss or changes in Body Mass Index after 12 weeks. The employees only used the treadmills about half the time they were asked to, averaging one session and 45 minutes a day on the machines.
A primary care-based program has been shown to increase physical activity in overweight, middle-aged women, with improvements of up to 90 minutes per week compared to self-guided groups. The interventionist-led group also maintained higher levels of activity over time.
Researchers found that women's respiratory muscles consume a greater amount of oxygen during exercise compared to men. This means women use more energy when breathing, potentially impacting leg blood flow and skeletal muscle fatigue.