Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
Research suggests that vigorous exercise as a young adult can lower the risk of developing epilepsy later in life. Men with high cardiovascular fitness were 36% and 79% less likely to develop epilepsy than those with medium and low fitness levels, respectively.
A new study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that women who land stiffly or in a 'knock-kneed' position are at higher risk of ACL injuries. The researchers used motion analysis software to monitor landing strategies of 82 physically active men and women, revealing a significant gender disparity in ACL tear rates.
A study of 2,656 Finnish men found that regular physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are key factors in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. Men with low cardiorespiratory fitness who engaged in regular physical activity had a significantly lower risk of SCD compared to those with high CRF and LTPA.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that listening to favorite music improves endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), leading to increased exercise capacity. The combination of music and exercise training resulted in the most significant improvement in endothelial function.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal found that consuming twice the recommended daily allowance of protein helps prevent muscle loss and promotes fat loss. Tripling protein had no additional benefits.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that a structured exercise and lifestyle program can improve fitness, body composition, and heart function in patients with kidney disease. The program was safe for patients with multiple health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
A study by Boston University researchers found that vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of obesity among young African-American women. The study, which followed 20,259 women for 14 years, revealed that increasing levels of vigorous exercise resulted in a 23% lower incidence of obesity.
UK research found that half of all seven year olds are sedentary for six to seven hours a day, with only half reaching the recommended minimum of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Girls, children of Indian ethnic origin, and those in Northern Ireland were the least active.
Researchers found that moderately controversial articles received more comments than less or more controversial ones. Companies should avoid evoking high levels of controversy to generate buzz
New Northwestern University research shows that aerobic exercise during the day does not result in improved sleep that same night for people with existing sleep problems. Regular exercise is a healthier way to address underlying insomnia issues, as it can lead to better sleep quality and reduced fatigue over time.
Regular exercise regimen helps mitigate neurocognitive impairments in patients living with HIV, reducing risk factors like high blood pressure and lipids. Exercise also improves working memory and processing speed.
New UEA research reveals that moderate exercise may slow the progression of tendon disease by decreasing enzymes that degrade tendon tissue. The study showed a positive effect on tendons, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach to managing this debilitating condition.
A new study found that people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest at exercise facilities have a higher chance of survival than at other indoor locations. The study looked at 849 cases in Seattle and King County, Wash., and found that traditional exercise facilities had the highest survival rates.
A study found that nearly 59% of liver transplant patients experience metabolic syndrome, increasing heart disease and diabetes risks. Exercise intensity appears to be more important than duration in reducing metabolic syndrome complications.
A 12-week aerobic exercise program showed no significant reduction in hot flashes among postmenopausal women. However, white women and those with initial fitness levels improved with exercise. Exercise had small positive effects on sleep quality, insomnia, and depression.
A new skin-worn metabolite biosensor accurately measures lactate levels in sweat during exercise, offering promise for diverse sport and biomedical applications. Future research will correlate sweat lactate levels with fitness, performance, and blood lactate levels.
A new pocket-sized sensor can instantly measure acetone levels in exhaled breath to gauge fat burning progress. Developed for individualized dieting programs, the device is a practical alternative to standard methods, enabling users to monitor their own fat metabolism at home or outside.
Concussions can have serious long-term health effects; therefore, it's essential to recognize and manage these injuries accurately. The article provides a 6-point protocol to help people resume activity after a concussion, emphasizing complete rest and gradual progression.
A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that high doses of the antioxidant compound resveratrol, commonly found in red wine and supplements, can block cardiovascular benefits of exercise in older men. This counterintuitive result highlights the complex relationship between antioxidants and exercise.
A large-scale study found that exercising regularly can reduce stroke risk in adults by up to 20% compared to those who are inactive. The study suggests that moderate to vigorous intensity exercise can have a significant impact on reducing stroke risk, particularly among men.
A new study published in the journal Stroke found that regularly exercising to break a sweat lowers stroke risk. The study of over 27,000 participants showed that those who exercised four or more times a week had a 20% lower risk of stroke compared to those who were inactive.
A Johns Hopkins study found that healthy people carrying a genetic mutation for arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) are at higher risk of developing symptoms if they participate in endurance sports and frequent exercise. Reducing exercise can lower this risk.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that moderate-intensity exercise three times a week during pregnancy halves the risk of having a high birth weight newborn, and reduces the need for a caesarean delivery. The intervention group showed a 58% decrease in macrosomia and a 34% decrease in caesarean deliveries.
A study reveals that the acetylcholine-activated inward-rectifying potassium current (IKACh) plays a critical role in regulating cardiac pacemaker activity and heart rate. The research found that mice lacking IKACh displayed a moderate increase in resting heart rate and delayed recovery after stress or exercise.
Regular exercise reduces brain's stress response and anxiety by strengthening mechanisms that prevent excited neurons from firing. The study finds that physical activity enhances local inhibitory mechanisms in the ventral hippocampus, leading to a boost of activity in inhibitory neurons.
Research found epigenetic changes in fat cells after exercise, influencing genes linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of how physical activity affects disease risk.
Research finds that voluntary wheel running reduces pro-inflammatory gene expression in the colon, while forced treadmill running increases it. Forced exercise also disrupts the gut's microbial environment.
A home-based walking exercise program improved walking performance and physical activity in patients with PAD. The study found significant improvements in 6-minute walk distance, maximal treadmill walking time, and pain-free walking time.
A study found that exercise-induced improvements in glycemic control are dependent on pre-training blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetes status. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improved body weight, body fat, fasting plasma glucose, and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test results.
A new study published in Radiology found that moderate-intensity exercise significantly decreases fat volume in the abdomen, liver, and around the heart in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that exercise can reduce cardiovascular risk by targeting specific fat deposits.
Researchers found that taking calcium before exercise results in less of a decrease in blood calcium levels and slightly lower parathyroid hormone levels compared to taking it after exercising. This could help maintain stable blood levels during exercise and potentially mitigate bone loss.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that individuals' beliefs about the primary cause of obesity predict their actual body mass index (BMI) and eating habits. The researchers discovered that those who attribute obesity to a lack of exercise tend to eat more, whereas those who link it to diet consume less.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered two forms of Gulf War illness based on brain region atrophy and compensatory brain use. The study found that pain levels increased in one group with loss of brain matter in adjacent regions, while another group showed substantial increases in heart rate and brain stem atrophy.
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction affects 10% of the population, causing symptoms like cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Vitamin C has been shown to halve the FEV1 decline caused by exercise in three randomized trials, indicating a potential benefit against this condition.
A study presented at EULAR 2013 found that a progressive muscle strengthening programme using a Swiss ball significantly improves functional capacity, muscle strength, and mobility in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The programme also showed no harmful effects on disease activity, leading to improved treatment satisfaction.
Researchers found that short post-meal walks were as effective at reducing blood sugar over 24 hours as a 45-minute sustained walk. The most effective time for walking was after the evening meal, which helped curb high blood sugar levels that often last into the night and early morning.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that cross-country skiers who completed more races and had faster finishing times were at a higher risk of developing arrhythmia. The risk was 30% higher for those completing five or more races, with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and bradyarrhythmia.
Researchers found that telephone-based counseling combined with physician advice increased physical activity among breast cancer survivors by 30 minutes per week. The study also showed significant improvements in patients' motivational readiness and overall well-being.
Scientists at Kessler Foundation received grants to investigate emotional processing deficits in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the effects of aerobic exercise on memory impairments. The studies aim to develop innovative rehabilitation interventions using objective data from brain imaging.
A 20-minute yoga session significantly improved participants' speed and accuracy on tests of working memory and inhibitory control. After yoga practice, the participants showed more improvement in their reaction times and accuracy on cognitive tasks compared to moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise.
Researchers at Indiana University found that a simple pedometer program increased physical activity and decreased sitting time among participants. The study showed significant improvements in weight loss and overall health.
A recent study found that just three short high-intensity sessions per week can significantly improve the fitness of inactive men. VO2max increased by 10% in one group and 13% in another after a 10-week training session.
A new study found that social influences, including spouse and coworker encouragement, employer support, and community bike-friendliness, significantly impact active commuting. However, factors like age, BMI, and lack of on-street bike lanes also negatively influence active commuting.
A recent study found that practicing meditation and stretching can help relieve PTSD symptoms in nurses by regulating stress hormone levels. Cortisol levels responded favorably to mind-body exercises, decreasing PTSD symptoms by 41% in those who participated.
A team of MSU researchers aims to boost astronaut motivation to exercise during long-duration space missions. They will test software featuring computer-generated workout partners to improve adherence and overall health outcomes.
A new study suggests that physical activity levels can predict hospitalizations in COPD patients. The study found that those who were able to walk less than 350 meters during the six-minute walk distance and had lower vector magnitude unit scores were significantly more likely to be hospitalized. These findings underscore the importanc...
A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics suggests that high-intensity exergaming can improve vascular health and reduce energy expenditure in children. High-intensity gaming sessions elicited an equivalent energy expenditure to moderate-intensity exercise, while low-intensity games had no impact on vascular function.
A University of Missouri study found that simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, impairs the positive effects of exercise on fitness levels in obese adults. The study measured cardiorespiratory fitness and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content in participants taking statins while exercising.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that women aged 70-80 who participated in cardio or weight training classes incurred fewer healthcare resources compared to those in balance and toning classes. This cost-effective approach may help improve cognitive health and reduce healthcare costs for seniors.
Randomized trials show exercise reduces depressive symptoms in MDD patients, whether used alone or combined with medication and/or psychotherapy. Exercise intensity and duration are recommended to be 50-85% of maximum heart rate for aerobic exercises and 80% 1-repetition maximum for resistance training.
A new study by Columbia University found that teenage girls who engage in regular physical activity are at a lower risk of being involved in violence-related behaviors. The study analyzed data from 1,312 students and found that exercise was associated with decreased odds of being in a gang, carrying a weapon, or participating in fights.
A new stress test protocol investigating reduced perfusion imaging in low-risk patients undergoing SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging has been found to be diagnostically safe. The study predicted that using exercise ECG stress testing alone would have no adverse effects on prognosis at five years.
A large randomised controlled trial found that exercise had no effect on reducing depression among frail elderly care home residents. Despite being well-received by residents and staff, the intervention failed to improve mental health or quality of life.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center shows that regular exercise does not worsen the pain associated with fibromyalgia and may even improve symptoms. The study found that participants who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 12 weeks showed greater improvements in clinical symptoms.
The American Thoracic Society has released new official guidelines for the diagnosis and management of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), a common condition affecting subjects with and without asthma. The guidelines provide practical guidance for clinicians, including treatment recommendations and preventive measures.
A recent mouse study published at the International Liver Congress 2013 suggests that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing liver cancer. The study found that mice fed a high-fat diet and subjected to regular exercise had a 71% lower incidence of tumours larger than 10mm compared to sedentary mice.
A CU-Boulder study found that rats forced to exercise by mechanized wheels showed reduced anxiety levels compared to sedentary rats. Humans who feel forced to exercise may also benefit from the mental health benefits of physical activity.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that focusing on changing both diet and exercise simultaneously gives a bigger boost than tackling them sequentially. Participants who started with both diet and exercise habits at the same time were more likely to meet national guidelines for exercise and nutrition.
The study found that delivering physical activity and dietary interventions simultaneously may result in the most positive sustained outcomes across two important health behaviors. Participants who received simultaneous advice successfully increased both their dietary and physical activity levels to national recommendations by 12 months.
Physiology's enduring relevancy is highlighted through Dr. Joyner's research on complex bodily functions like blood pressure and blood flow during exercise. The redundancy in human systems complicates genetic explanations for diseases, leading to a comeback of multi-directional thinking in physiology