Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
Recent studies from the University of Eastern Finland suggest that an active lifestyle, good physical fitness and moderate screen time are crucial for brain development in adolescence. Better physical fitness was associated with increased excitability and stronger inhibition of the motor cortex, while passive screen time weakened corti...
A new study finds that an AI-powered lifestyle intervention is noninferior to human coaching in achieving a composite outcome in adults with prediabetes and overweight or obesity. The AI-led Diabetes Prevention Program was noninferior to the human-led program in terms of weight reduction, physical activity, and HbA1c levels.
A study found that longer accumulations of steps in one go have a greater health benefit than short bouts spread out across the day. Walking continuously for 10-15 minutes per day was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.
A prospective cohort study found that individuals who accumulate their daily steps in longer bouts have a lower risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease. In sedentary participants, the association between longer stepping bouts and lower risk was more pronounced.
Research on 1,000 older Japanese adults found that declining hand function significantly increases the risk of requiring long-term care. Hand function below a certain threshold was associated with an increased risk, highlighting its importance for daily activities and overall health.
A new UTA study found that engaging in light activity, such as walking or doing chores, instead of sitting can lead to better feelings the next day. The research, published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise, suggests that even small changes to daily routine can have a positive impact on mood and energy.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth found that individuals' ability to stay active despite pain depends more on their pain resilience than on how much pain they feel. Boosting resilience could enhance both pain management and overall health.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that countries with higher human development indices and lower gender inequality have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness among young adults. Women's VO2peak was significantly higher in countries with high gender equality compared to those with low gender equality.
A recent study from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences uses wearable sensor technology and machine learning to estimate ground-reaction forces in runners. This data can provide insights into performance and injury, enabling the development of devices that deliver real-time feedback to users.
A new study found that fitness and calorie counting apps can lead to negative emotions such as shame, disappointment, and demotivation among users. The researchers called for a more holistic approach focusing on wellbeing rather than rigid calorie counting and exercise quantification.
Research from UC Riverside found that fit mice increased voluntary running activity when deprived of water. The study suggests that physical fitness may provide a physiological buffer against dehydration, which could be beneficial for humans in a warming world and individuals working in physically demanding outdoor occupations.
Researchers found that voluntary running exercise mitigates cafeteria diet-induced behavioral changes via hormonal and microbial pathways. The study revealed specific metabolites, such as anserine and indole-3-carboxylate, were decreased by the cafeteria diet but partially restored by exercise.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research highlights the impact of neighborhood environments on childhood type 2 diabetes risk. The research found associations between library presence, neighborhood walkability, and caregiver health, suggesting that social and environmental factors play a significant role in T2D development.
A large prospective study found that achieving at least 4000 steps per day on 1-2 days per week is associated with a significantly lower risk of death and lower risk of cardiovascular disease. This study suggests that frequency of meeting daily step thresholds is not critical, but rather the volume of steps taken.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that daily step counts of 4,000 or more are associated with a 26% lower mortality risk and 27% lower cardiovascular disease risk in older women. The study suggests that even sporadic high-intensity exercise can have significant health benefits.
A new study has identified a leptin-sensitive brain circuit in the lateral hypothalamus that helps animals overcome anxiety to perform essential behaviors such as eating, exploring, and limiting maladaptive hyperactivity. Boosting the activity of these neurons can restore adaptive choices even under conditions that cause anxiety.
A new study published in PNAS found that physical activity increases total daily energy expenditure without reducing it elsewhere. The research showed a clear link between being more active and spending less time sitting still.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that football practices can be up to 40% more physically demanding than games, with defensive backs running farther distances. The research used GPS technology to measure training loads and provide insights for coaches and trainers to design optimal practice schedules.
Researchers found that even extreme athletes cannot surpass an average metabolic ceiling of 2.5 times their basal metabolic rate in energy expenditure. The study tracked ultra-runners and cyclists, finding that while they can burn six to seven times their BMR during multi-day races, longer periods see a return to the predicted ceiling.
A periodized exercise program can improve physical function, reduce treatment-related fatigue, and enhance overall quality of life for cancer patients. Research shows that tailored exercise plans can also positively influence systemic inflammation, metabolism, and immune function, which could impact cancer progression and recurrence.
Regular aerobic exercise improves pain, function, gait performance, and quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Alternative forms of structured physical activity may still be beneficial when aerobic exercise is not possible.
Researchers found that a supplement containing high-molecular-weight hyaluronan preserves muscle mass and exercise capacity in aging mice. The study suggests that targeting the glycocalyx may be a viable therapeutic strategy to treat age-related physical dysfunction.
A study finds that women runners prioritize comfort, injury prevention, and performance when choosing running shoes, highlighting a need for sex- and gender-specific designs that accommodate female foot morphology across the lifespan. The researchers recommend moving beyond scaling down men's shoes to fit women's feet.
A new study shows that just 30 minutes of less sitting per day can improve the body's ability to utilize fats and carbohydrates for energy production. Participants who successfully reduced sedentary time showed improvements in metabolic flexibility and fat burning during light-intensity exercise.
A 4-week intervention study found that adhering to UK Physical Activity Guidelines improves cardiorespiratory fitness and increases muscle thickness and strength in older adults. This study demonstrates the potential of physical activity guidelines for improving health and functional well-being in older adults.
A new study published in PLOS One found that running with a stroller reduces vertical loading metrics by up to 17%, potentially decreasing injury risk. However, torsional loading metrics increased significantly, posing a potential trade-off.
The new centre supports multiple clinical trials in parallel, enabling comprehensive evaluations of organ health across physiological systems. It also provides hands-on training opportunities for healthcare professionals, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Research found that defense cells of trained older adults are more effective against inflammation and metabolically efficient. Regular exercise modulates inflammatory response over time, reducing markers of inflammation and increasing anti-inflammatory markers.
Paul Boutros, a pioneer in using AI and machine learning to analyze cancer data, is appointed as the new director of the National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center at Sanford Burnham Prebys. The cancer center will leverage computational tools to personalize therapies for cancer patients.
A systematic review found exercise snacking significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness in adults, with high compliance rates. However, its impact on muscular endurance and cardiometabolic factors was limited.
A new study by Edith Cowan University found that athletes experience atherogenic muscle inhibition after ACL reconstruction, impacting their return to sports. The research also identified changes in brain pathways within two weeks of surgery, which may contribute to the activation deficit issues.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that increases in mental health most strongly predict improvements in life satisfaction. The researchers used data from a weekly running event and found that even small improvements in mental health can lead to significant increases in life satisfaction.
Researchers exploring how exercise stress affects cellular adaptations and disease risk, focusing on mitochondrial energy sensing and AMPK activation. The study aims to determine if increasing mitoAMPK activity can mitigate diabetes in skeletal muscle.
Fitter individuals have lower resting heart rates and use fewer total heartbeats per day compared to sedentary people. Regular exercise can improve heart function and reduce long-term cardiovascular risk, according to new Australian research.
A new study found that mice who stopped exercising for four weeks and then retrained showed greater muscle mass gains compared to those who exercised continuously. The researchers discovered that the second bout of exercise activated genes involved in mitochondrial function, leading to increased muscle growth.
The Singapore government has launched a nationwide initiative to help seniors age well through dance, combining movement, rhythm, and storytelling. The program, co-developed by NUS Nursing and Lions Befrienders, benefits over 280 seniors with improved physical health, cognition, and emotional well-being.
A new study found that exercise-based rehabilitation programs can improve immune cell function in individuals with post-COVID syndrome. This leads to reduced inflammation and symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain. The research suggests that exercise may help restore a more normal, well-regulated immune system.
A new study found that pediatric athletes' cardiovascular systems adapt to increased fitness with abnormal changes, including increased cardiac mass, central blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and carotid intima-media thickness. These changes are not yet fully understood and may have long-term effects on cardiovascular health.
A new study from Tel Aviv University found that the percentage of fat in a child's liver is a critical factor in determining their overall health, rather than just their body weight. The researchers discovered that children with lower liver fat levels were less likely to develop metabolic illnesses, even if they were obese.
A study from Texas A&M University's School of Public Health reveals that regular physical activity can lower the risk of depression and sleep disorders in older smokers. Smokers aged 40-59 who meet physical activity guidelines were more likely to report moderate depressive symptoms, while those aged 60+ were more prone to sleep disorders.
A large-scale study of over 17,000 pupils and 2,300 teachers found dramatic differences in physical activity levels across England, with some schools achieving double or triple the levels of others. The research highlights growing evidence that children in deprived areas face bigger barriers to physical activity, even during school hours.
The NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador program brings mascot energy to encourage active, healthy kids. With the American Heart Association's guidance, the initiative aims to help kids achieve a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.
The latest Global Burden of Disease study reveals a significant increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden worldwide, with CVD causing one in three deaths globally. The report estimates that 79.6% of all CVD deaths are attributable to modifiable risk factors, which has increased globally by 97.4 million since 1990.
A new national study found nearly one in four older adults who started off in poor health and lower well-being can fully recover within three years. Strong psychological and emotional wellness, maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, and social engagement were key factors associated with recovery.
A study found that lactate IV infusion increases brain-rejuvenating hormone BDNF levels in the bloodstream, similar to those after high-intensity exercise. The hormone promotes nerve cell growth and survival. Researchers suggest moderate exercise may be necessary for optimal benefits.
A recent study found that cold temperatures combined with mental fatigue impair endurance exercise performance. Individuals experiencing increased subjective fatigue showed decreased performance. The Sympathetic Adrenal-Medullary system is involved in the increase of fatigue rather than the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis.
Research from the University of Copenhagen shows that exercising in nature improves mood, reduces stress levels, and boosts heart rate. Participants who exercised outdoors reported greater joy, satisfaction, and optimism than those who exercised in urban or indoor environments.
A study led by Syracuse University researchers found that simple resistance training can improve nerve function in older adults, potentially leading to greater independence and quality of life. The training reactivated fast neurons in the muscles, which deteriorate with age, allowing for faster muscle activation and improved strength.
A randomised trial found that regular exercise reduced inflammation and improved endothelial function, leading to lower risk of heart attack and strokes. Exercise maintained weight loss without GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide.
A large-scale U.S-based randomized trial shows that intensive lifestyle changes can significantly improve global cognition in older adults at high risk of cognitive decline. The intervention emphasized regular physical activity, healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement, leading to clinically meaningful improvements. T...
A new study found that high-quality animal protein foods have different effects on muscle-building responses to weight training. The research suggests that whole foods, such as lean pork burgers, may be better at stimulating post-workout protein synthesis than processed counterparts.
Home high-intensity aerobic training outperforms home balance training in improving ataxia symptoms, fatigue, and aerobic fitness among those with cerebellar ataxias. Regular training maintained benefits at 1 year.
Research from Edith Cowan University found that both resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) reduced breast cancer cell growth by 22-25%. Both types of exercise also increased lean muscle and decreased body fat after 12 weeks of training.
Children with variable levels of walking impairment experience significant physical activity, social engagement, and family life improvements. Parents also report increased confidence, self-belief, and reduced anxiety in their children.
A 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention did not improve hippocampal integrity or cognitive/mental health impairments, but reduced cannabis craving. Regular physical exercise may be a potential strategy for managing cannabis use disorder.
A new study by New York University researchers finds that as a run gets harder, athletes focus on the mechanics of finishing rather than broader motivational self-talk. Runners get to the finish line more so by using focused attentional tactics.
High consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that individuals who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had significantly higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation.
Children undergoing cancer treatment often lose skeletal muscle at a time when they should be rapidly gaining it, which can increase treatment complications and raise the risk of long-term health problems. Muscle loss makes children more vulnerable to heart and metabolic issues like high blood sugar and insulin resistance.
A new review emphasizes the importance of both physical activity and reduced sedentary time for optimal skeletal health. Emerging evidence reveals that prolonged sitting and inactivity can harm bone health, even among regular exercisers.
New research from Edith Cowan University found that increased muscle temperature enhances the speed and power of muscles, especially in explosive movements. The study showed a 3.5% improvement in performance for every 1°C increase in muscle temperature.