Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, light jogging is associated with lower mortality rates. Jogging frequencies between 1-2.4 hours per week showed significant lower mortality rates compared to sedentary non-joggers.
Researchers are developing a stress-eating smartphone app called RELAX, which will track daily activities, eating patterns, and stress levels. The app aims to provide coaching for dietary choices and guided stress-reduction exercises to help users better understand their emotional eating habits.
A unique research project is using Manchester United's Academy players to investigate the effects of exercise on young hearts. The study aims to identify healthy limits and benefits of exercise for elite athletes, normal children, and those with congenital heart defects.
A small group of COPD patients who drank beetroot juice before exercise were able to extend their exercise time and had reduced blood pressures compared to those who received a placebo. The study found beneficial effects of dietary nitrite supplementation on exercise performance and blood pressure in patients with COPD.
Research suggests that aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week may be unrealistic for some adults, particularly older individuals. Increasing daily physical activity by even small amounts can lead to significant health benefits, as shown in studies of moderate to vigorous exercise.
A new study of 52 young women found that regular exercise increases oxygen availability in the brain and enhances cognitive performance. The results suggest that physical activity may improve brain functioning even in young adulthood, benefiting both blood supply and cognitive function.
A systematic review found that prolonged sitting is independently associated with negative health outcomes and mortality, especially among those who exercise little. Tips from the author include taking regular breaks to stand or move around, setting achievable goals for reducing sedentary time.
A new study found that bottlenose dolphins and Weddell seals experience cardiac arrhythmias during the deepest dives, with over 70% of deep dives affected. The conflicting signals to the heart from exercise-induced tachycardia and dive-induced bradycardia put the heart in an unsteady state.
A new study found that reducing fear avoidance beliefs is crucial for improving symptoms and reducing disability in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The analysis of PACE trial data revealed that graded exercise therapy (GET) was more effective than cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in reducing fear avoidance beliefs.
A new study found that consuming just one cup of blueberries per day can significantly lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1 hypertension. The findings suggest that blueberries may mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects of menopause, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A self-directed walking programme in older people did not reduce incidence of falls, despite increasing mobility levels. Physical activity levels also rose, suggesting that exercise may be useful for overall health, particularly in those under 75.
A Michigan State University study found that exercising regularly during pregnancy can reduce a child's chances of developing high blood pressure later in life. The research suggests that physical activity during critical developmental periods may have a direct impact on the baby's cardiovascular health.
A study published in Neurology found that exercise programs can reduce falls and improve mobility in people with Parkinson's disease, particularly those with less severe symptoms. Participants who exercised showed a 70% reduction in falls and better overall mood and quality of life compared to those who did not participate.
Researchers found a significant link between daily physical activity and vascular health. Inactivity for just five days can decrease the function of inner blood vessel linings, causing vascular dysfunction with prolonged effects.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that weight training can help reduce age-related abdominal fat in healthy men. Combining weight training with aerobic activity led to the most optimal results, while aerobic exercise alone was associated with less weight gain compared to weight training.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that regular and irregular physical activity was associated with improved cardiometabolic health, including lower blood pressure and fasting glucose levels. The study examined data from over 622,000 adult members and suggested that exercise can play a key role in moderating blood sugar and blood pressure.
According to new research, people with high fitness levels are less likely to develop hypertension. The study found that those who reached 12 METs or more during the stress test had a 20 percent lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those reaching less than six METs.
A hospital-based exercise program improves quality of life for adults with arthritis by reducing pain, stiffness, and fatigue. The study found that participants experienced a significant reduction in muscle/joint pain and improved balance after completing the program.
A new study found that Montmorency tart cherry juice helped cyclists recover from intense exercise by maintaining muscle function and reducing inflammatory responses. The study showed a 4% reduction in oxygen consumption at 24 hours compared to the placebo group, indicating improved exercise efficiency.
Yoga has been shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors, reducing body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The practice also provides stress-reducing benefits comparable to aerobic exercise.
Researchers at CWRU developed a 24-week home-based exercise program using customized pamphlets to help people with MS stay physically active. The program showed promise in improving physical function and reducing symptom severity, particularly for women with relapsing-remitting MS.
Scientists have developed a new light-based tool to monitor and improve swimming technique and aid in muscle recovery. The technology uses near-infrared spectroscopy to measure muscle oxygenation underwater, providing valuable feedback for swimmers and helping track rehabilitation progress.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology reveals that elite Kenyan runners maintain stable cerebral oxygenation during maximum physical effort, contributing to their success in long-distance races. This stable oxygenation is linked to early lifestyle factors such as prenatal exposure to high altitudes and regular c...
A new study reveals that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with lower predicted peak oxygen uptake, a measure of aerobic physical fitness, in patients. Sleep apnea severity alone explained 16.1 percent of this variability, indicating a strong independent relationship between the two.
Researchers found that exercise after bariatric surgery improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in patients who participate in an exercise program. Cardiovascular fitness also improves, providing additional health benefits beyond weight loss.
A new study reveals that exercise following gastric bypass surgery provides additional benefits for obese patients, including improved insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular fitness. This clinical trial supports the inclusion of an exercise program after bariatric surgery to enhance overall health outcomes.
Research by University of Kent's Professor Samuele Marcora found that athletes performing better when exposed to subliminal visual cues, such as action-related words and happy faces. This study confirms the perception of effort can be altered during exercise, leading to improved endurance capacity.
People with moderate to severe sleep apnea have a reduced aerobic fitness, even compared to those of similar body mass indices. The study found that sleep apnea patients had a lower peak oxygen uptake during aerobic activity than controls.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are exploring ways to create more human-like interactions between humans and robots. Julienne Greer, a theatre arts lecturer, is using her expertise in performance technique method acting to inform the design of robots like Pepper, which can understand and respond to human emotions.
A new review finds that genetic variation may prevent some individuals with type 2 diabetes from benefiting from supervised exercise regimens. The study suggests that targeted interventions and treatments could help those who do not respond to exercise, offering a potential new approach for managing the condition.
A new study shows that senior citizens who run regularly can walk as efficiently as 20-year-olds, while those who only walk expend more energy. The research suggests that running helps slow down the aging process and improves independence.
A 12-week exercise program improved physical function and quality of life for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, decreasing their pain. The study suggests that incorporating exercise into kidney disease care can significantly improve patients' lives.
A new study published in Brain: A Journal of Neurology found that a medium amount of physical activity can lower the risk of Parkinson's disease. Participants who spent more than six hours per week on household and commuting activities had a 43% lower risk of developing the disease.
A small study found that home exercise can significantly reduce feelings of hopelessness in patients with coronary heart disease. Patients who walked or biked at home for at least three days a week experienced a 12% reduction in state hopelessness scores, even when considering other factors such as depression.
Exercise training slows kidney function decline and improves cardio-respiratory fitness in patients with progressive stages 3–4 CKD. A personalized, low-intensity home exercise program also improves physical performance in dialysis patients.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine are evaluating the advantages of physical exercise, cognitive exercise, or a combination of both on the aging brain. The five-year project aims to enhance cognitive abilities in older adults with mild memory loss and may lead to a delay in dementia onset.
A new study reveals a dietary supplement, KoACT, outperforms calcium and vitamin D in preventing bone loss. Women in early menopause experience rapid bone loss, making this finding crucial for their health.
Scientists at TSRI found that brief workouts can reduce the risk of relapse in rats withdrawing from methamphetamine. Exercise affected a brain region previously unassociated with meth withdrawal, suggesting new avenues for therapy.
A new study published in the journal AGE found that both high-intensity aerobic and strength-training programs, as well as gross motor activities, can improve executive functions in older adults. The study suggests that physical activity is a key factor in maintaining cognitive health across age groups.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that dietary flavanols can improve cognitive function and reverse age-related memory decline in healthy adults. The study showed noticeable improvements in the function of a specific brain region and significant performance on a memory test.
Ilina Krishen developed a screening tool to detect early lung damage in smokers, while her sister Medha created another for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in student athletes. Both tools use electronic stethoscopes to analyze frequency peaks of breath and heart sounds.
Research suggests that physical exercise preserves beta cell function, reducing complications and improving blood sugar control. However, large-scale trials are necessary to confirm the benefits of exercise in slowing the onset of type 1 diabetes in children and adults.
Research found that physical exercise improves brain perfusion and visual memory in younger adults, but this effect decreases with age. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to examine the brains of 40 healthy volunteers aged 60-77, with half receiving treadmill exercise for 3 months.
A recent study by McMaster University found that only 40% of Canadians engage in exercise as a coping mechanism for stress. Younger, single, more educated, and active adults are more likely to use exercise to relieve stress.
Research findings suggest that aerobic activity improves the health-related quality of life and reduces depressive symptoms among hemodialysis patients. The study also found that dialysis facilities can promote physical activity levels by offering exercise programs, potentially improving patient outcomes.
A new study found that a short bout of resistance exercise, such as lifting weights for 20 minutes, can improve episodic memory by 10% in healthy young adults. The researchers tested participants before and after the exercise, using a series of photos to assess their memory recall.
A new NYU study suggests that focusing attention on a specific target during exercise can reduce perceived distance and increase walking speed. Participants who focused their attention on a finish line walked 23% faster and reported less physical exertion than those who looked around their surroundings.
A nine-month study found that children who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity after school showed substantial improvements in attention, distraction avoidance, and cognitive flexibility. Brain imaging revealed widespread changes in brain function related to attention allocation and processing speed.
Researchers developed a portable device to measure eccentric hamstring strength, finding that higher levels of strength can dramatically reduce hamstring injury risk. The study's results could have significant implications for football codes, with potential benefits for players and teams.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that coaching patients with COPD to manage stress and practice relaxation can improve their physical symptoms, quality of life, and reduce depression and anxiety.
Researchers from University of Eastern Finland propose a new method for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness by scaling maximal oxygen uptake and maximal workload by lean mass. This approach can avoid confounding effects of body adiposity, leading to more accurate assessments of an individual's functional capacity.
A recent Oregon survey found that the 'Brain Breaks' DVD increases physical activity and improves educational performance among elementary school students. The program, developed by Oregon State University, offers short breaks of physical activity to improve children's mental awareness and educational success.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that people drink more alcohol on days when they exercise, particularly Thursdays to Sundays. The study used smartphone technology to record daily physical activity and alcohol use, and found uniform results across age groups.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses control theory to analyze heart rate data from athletes and found that a healthy heart must maintain certain patterns of variability during exercise to keep the body in balance. This variability is essential for maintaining homeostasis and preventing fati...
A new research study published in JAMA Pediatrics analyzed the effects of different exercise programs on obese youths. The study found that combining aerobic exercise with resistance training resulted in significant weight loss and reduced body fat compared to other exercise programs or diet-only control groups.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that combining exercise with chemotherapy shrunk tumors more than chemotherapy alone in a mouse model of melanoma. Exercise increased blood flow to the tumor, bringing more of the drug into the bloodstream, and may help reduce side effects.
Regular physical activity and avoiding sedentary lifestyle crucial for brain health in older age. Older adults who engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise tend to have less white-matter lesions, a key indicator of cognitive decline.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends Kegel exercises, bladder training, and weight loss as effective nonsurgical treatment options for women with urinary incontinence. Generic statins are also shown to improve adherence to medication and clinical outcomes compared to brand-name drugs. Chiropractic care coupled with exerc...
The American College of Physicians recommends Kegel exercises, bladder training, and weight loss as effective treatments for stress and urgency urinary incontinence. Non-surgical treatment options are recommended over medication to minimize side effects and costs.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that smartphone applications like 'Lose It' enhance dietary self-monitoring, leading to improved consistency and reduced missed entries. However, they did not significantly impact diet quality.