Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
Older adults who engage in at least 25 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise daily require fewer prescriptions and experience lower rates of emergency hospital admissions. This study highlights the importance of exercise programs for maintaining physical function and preventing chronic diseases.
Researchers at Yale Cancer Center presented findings from the 50th Annual Meeting of ASCO, highlighting the effectiveness of nivolumab and ipilimumab in treating advanced melanoma. Additionally, studies showed that lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and regular exercise can decrease biomarkers related to breast cancer recurrence ...
A Michigan State University study found that women with a strong 'I can' mentality during pregnancy and postpartum periods retained less weight and performed more physical activities. The research team measured physical activity levels, barriers to exercise, and the ability to overcome them in 56 women.
A study by the University of Strathclyde found that parents are the main decision-makers in how children travel to and from school. The research suggests that measures to increase walking to school should target parents of younger children as well as older kids.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study methamphetamine users and non-users. Methamphetamine users displayed reduced sensitivity to risk in one brain region and increased sensitivity in another. These findings suggest circuit-level abnormalities contribute to impaired decision-making.
A new study found that a home-based walking program significantly improved walking ability in patients with clogged leg arteries, even 12 months after the program started. The program reduced symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and increased walking distance.
A holistic exercise program combining cognitive activities with physical movements has been shown to improve the quality of life for dementia patients. Participants demonstrated enhanced memory recall and experienced pain relief, while care-givers also benefited from the program.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that healthy-weight children who exercise have better body-fat distribution compared to those who don't. The study also showed that even healthy-weight children who don't exercise tend to gain excess weight and store fat in their abdomens.
A new study found that an internet-mediated exercise program supported by online resources improved health-related quality of life and daily step count in COPD patients. The pedometer-based walking program led to a significant improvement in symptoms and impacts, with participants taking 779 more steps per day at 4 months.
Researchers found that mindfulness training can help Marines recover from stressful combat situations by reducing heart and breathing rates. The study suggests that incorporating meditative practices into pre-deployment training might be a way to reduce stress-related health conditions in the US military.
Two studies indicate that more intense exercise does not always mean better for heart health. Overdosing on high-intensity exercise may actually increase the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke in those with existing heart disease. Moderate exercise at moderate intensity is key to maximizing cardiovascular benefits.
A study from Boston University School of Medicine found that a free fitness center-based exercise referral program was not well utilized among low-income, multi-ethnic women with chronic disease risk factors. Despite providing access and support, fewer than half of the women activated their memberships or achieved consistent attendance...
A new study reveals that athletes who have a lifelong history of endurance events may experience abnormal heart rhythms due to molecular changes in their heart's pacemaker. Elderly athletes are more likely to need artificial pacemakers fitted compared to normal adults.
Researchers at Université Laval have discovered a natural molecule called protectin DX (PDX) that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels in obese diabetic rats. PDX triggers the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in muscle cells, similar to exercise, but its efficacy may be comparable to certain diabetes drugs.
A study of healthy senior men found that intense endurance exercise confers cardiac benefits regardless of age. The research, published by the European Society of Cardiology, indicates that 40 is not too old to start endurance training and that the heart remains amenable to modification through exercise even at this age. This finding s...
Research found that brief, intense exercise 'snacking' before meals improved blood sugar control more effectively than one 30-minute session of moderate exercise. The study showed a 12% reduction in mean post-meal blood glucose concentration with exercise snacking compared to traditional continuous exercise.
A new study suggests that gardening can provide similar health benefits for younger adults as it does for older adults. Researchers found that gardening tasks were classified as moderate- to high-intensity physical activities, with digging being the most intense task.
Research published in Neural Regeneration Research found that tactile sense and two-point discrimination peak in the evening compared to morning and noon. The study suggests a natural circadian rhythm influences sensory perception.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that a soy-dairy protein blend prolongs amino acid delivery to muscles for an hour longer than whey alone. The blend also sustained a greater positive net amino acid balance, suggesting less muscle protein breakdown.
A Michigan State University researcher found that software-generated partners can be effective motivators during exercise, outperforming 'no buddy' conditions. The study, published in the Games for Health Journal, suggests potential applications for fitness game developers and may improve exercise outcomes.
A 28-year study found that strenuous midlife occupational physical activity increases risk of mobility limitation in old age, while leisure-time physical activity decreases risk. Long-term consequences differ between heavy manual work and exercise.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that massage therapy improves systemic circulation and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise. The study also showed that massage has benefits for people regardless of their level of physical activity, improving vascular function in healthy sedentary adults.
A study found that active rats showed higher levels of brain development than lazy rats, suggesting a link between genetic predisposition for exercise motivation and mental maturation. The research suggests that exercising at a young age could help develop neural pathways for motivation.
A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials found that whey protein can lead to a decrease in body weight by 4.2 kg and body fat by 3.74 kg, while increasing lean body mass by 2.24 kg. Whey protein's unique combination of branched-chain amino acids may be responsible for these benefits.
Research suggests that irrational health beliefs are associated with lower adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients with more irrational health beliefs completed a lower percentage of sessions than those with fewer such beliefs. Providing evidence-based medical information may help enhance adherence to the program.
A systematic review found that iron supplementation boosts maximal capacity and exercise efficiency in women, even at submaximal exertion. Women who received iron had lower heart rates and higher efficiencies, especially those with initial iron deficiencies.
Aerobic exercise has been found to increase hippocampal volume and improve verbal memory capacity in older women with mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that regular aerobic exercise can help slow the advance of dementia.
Children who engage in 'green exercise' while cycling experience lower post-activity blood pressure compared to those without visual stimulus. The study suggests that nature scenes promote positive health effects, potentially encouraging public health practitioners to prescribe outdoor exercise.
The Too Fit to Fracture Initiative presented exercise recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis and spine fractures. The panel recommends a multicomponent exercise program with resistance and balance training, and daily balance training and endurance training are recommended for all individuals with osteoporosis.
A new study published in The Lancet found that expensive, intense physiotherapy sessions do not provide additional benefits over a single session of education and advice with phone follow-up. The study supports previous claims that longer physiotherapy programmes offer minimal added benefit for acute whiplash-associated disorders.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve immune function and reduce inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease. Six months of regular walking was shown to decrease immune cell activation and markers of systemic inflammation.
A study of 45 recreational male runners found that marathon training reduced bad cholesterol by 5%, triglycerides by 15% and improved heart health markers, including a 4% increase in peak oxygen consumption. The training program led to significant changes in key cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found significant differences between men and women in heart rate responses to exercise. A new formula takes these nuances into account, providing a more accurate estimate of peak heart rate. The updated formula helps optimize workouts and improve test results for both men and women.
Researchers found Gulf War veterans with impaired mitochondrial function had significantly delayed phosphocreatine recovery after exercise, a robust marker of mitochondrial dysfunction. Impaired mitochondrial function accounts for Gulf War illness symptoms like fatigue, cognitive challenges, muscle problems, and exercise intolerance.
Researchers found that recalling positive exercise memories significantly increased subsequent exercise intentions and behaviors in college students. Those who recalled negative memories also exercised more than control groups, although less than those who recalled positives.
A new study by Thomas W. Buford et al. examines the ACE I/D gene and its impact on older adults' response to exercise. The researchers found that genetic variations can influence exercise-induced changes in physical function among mobility-limited seniors.
Researchers investigated whether the order of cardio- and resistance training affects biological adaptations. Despite differences in recovery time, long-term adaptations were similar between groups. The amount and frequency of training may play a key role in fitness outcomes.
A study of two surgical procedures for pelvic organ prolapse found that they were similarly effective in treating the condition, with success rates of 59.2% and 60.5% after two years. The exercise program did not offer additional benefits to participants.
Researchers found that moderate exercise can stimulate stem cell regeneration in mice, but losing the antioxidant protein Nrf2 hinders muscle recovery. Sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss, occurs naturally and is linked to reduced antioxidant production.
A randomized controlled trial found that moderate-intensity supervised exercise reduces excessive gestational weight gain and the risk of associated illnesses such as hypertension and gestational diabetes. The benefits are greatest in women of normal weight, but even overweight or obese women can benefit from exercise.
James Watson suggests that type 2 diabetes is linked to a lack of biological oxidants, not an excess. Exercise promotes oxidation, which can help remedy this deficiency and benefit individuals with high blood sugar.
Regular exercise and surgical removal of belly fat can improve cognition in obese, diabetic mice by reducing inflammation in the brain's hippocampus. Obesity and diabetes increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
A new Northwestern University study finds that excessive sitting time is a major risk factor for disability in people over 60. Sedentary behavior is almost as strong a risk factor as lack of moderate exercise.
Regular walking can significantly reduce the risk of severe COPD attacks and hospitalization. Patients who maintain moderate exercise levels, such as walking at least 3-6 km per day, are less likely to experience severe symptoms.
A home-based exercise program improved functional mobility and balance in patients who completed standard rehabilitation after a hip fracture. The study suggests that such programs could be an effective way to continue exercising at home after traditional physical therapy.
A major pregnancy study has shown that providing healthy eating and exercise advice to overweight pregnant women can significantly reduce the number of babies born over 4kg. The LIMIT Study, which involved over 2200 women, found an 18% reduction in high birth weight babies.
Research finds that moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or tennis, significantly reduces women's stroke risk. Moderate exercise also helps offset the increased risk seen in postmenopausal women taking menopausal hormones, but not completely.
Researchers found that exercise improves cardiovascular health in mice by increasing the production of proteins in the mitochondria of their heart cells. This targeted approach may hold the key to understanding how physical activity helps strengthen the heart and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that exercise increases levels of specific proteins in the mitochondria of heart cells, triggering beneficial cardiovascular effects. This study provides new insights into how physical activity improves heart function and offers potential clues for developing new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that moderate aerobic exercise helps preserve retina structure and function after damage. Exercise was shown to have a direct effect on retinal health and vision, potentially leading to tailored exercise regimens or combination therapies for retinal degenerative diseases.
Researchers found that moderate aerobic exercise preserved photoreceptors and retinal cell function in mice with retinal degeneration. Exercise also increased levels of BDNF, a growth- and health-promoting protein.
A new study suggests that shivering and bouts of moderate exercise can convert energy-storing 'white fat' into energy-burning 'brown fat'. This process could protect against diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver. The conversion is triggered by the hormones irisin and FGF21, which are stimulated by cold exposure and muscle activity.
Research found that shivering releases irisin, a hormone that stimulates calorie-burning brown fat and improves metabolism. This mechanism is similar to exercise-stimulated secretion of irisin, suggesting potential benefits for treating or preventing obesity.
Researchers found smokers are less physically active, lack motivation, and more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Smokers also reported feeling tired and had poorer lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life.
A study by researchers in South Korea found that children engage in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities while gardening. The research informs the development of garden-based therapeutic interventions for youth and promotes healthy lifestyles.
Core stabilization exercises can improve postural stability and independent walking in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. Real-time video feedback significantly improves gait velocity and stride length, as well as TUG test performance.
Researchers found that plyometric exercises can improve explosive and aerobic performance in sportspeople without extensive rest periods. Young football players showed significant improvement after consecutive days of training sessions.
New research from Berkeley Lab and the National Runners' and Walkers' Health Study found that runners had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer mortality compared to walkers. Exceeding current exercise recommendations may provide greater protection, with runners experiencing a 40% reduction in risk per MET hour.
A new study found that children who were bullied during P.E. class exercise less a year later. Children who experienced teasing also reported a lower perceived health-related quality of life. Even healthy-weight kids who were bullied tended to exercise less often one year later.
A large study found that women who engaged in muscle-strengthening activities, such as weight training and yoga, had a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women who met current physical activity guidelines, including both muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercise, experienced the greatest benefit.