Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
University of Missouri dietitians recommend families maintain healthy diet and exercise habits during the holiday season. Choosing healthy options at the Thanksgiving table and finding ways to stay active can help prevent weight gain and promote overall well-being.
Concreteness training (CNT) significantly reduces depression and anxiety symptoms, shifting thinking style from abstract to specific. CNT outperforms relaxation training, with the habituated group experiencing more significant symptom reduction.
A national study found supervised exercise to be more effective than stenting or medication for improved walking ability in patients with peripheral artery disease. The CLEVER trial showed that supervised exercise improves treadmill walking performance and quality of life, while stents may have mixed benefits.
A six-month telephone-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program improved symptoms of chronic widespread pain, with significant benefits reported three months after treatment ended. Exercise also showed substantial improvements in self-rated global health.
A randomized controlled trial found that telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy and an exercise program were associated with short-term positive outcomes for patients with chronic widespread pain. The combined intervention showed improvements in physical component score and reduced passive coping strategies.
Fibromyalgia patients who exercised after a medication holiday showed decreased brain activity in areas responsible for pain control and cognitive performance. This decrease suggests the brain is working more efficiently, with less energy devoted to processing bothersome fibromyalgia perceptions.
Former football players experience cognitive difficulties and worse physical and mental health compared to non-athletes. Adopting healthy dietary habits and regular exercise can help mitigate these effects, according to a University of Missouri study.
A new study finds weak evidence supporting exercise referral schemes as a means of increasing physical activity and improving health outcomes in sedentary individuals. Despite the importance of physical activity, the study highlights the need for targeted and effective schemes to address the growing public health issue.
A Northwestern University study found that winter's shorter days and colder temperatures deter older Chicagoans with arthritis from engaging in daily physical activity. The lack of indoor recreational facilities for lower-income individuals exacerbates this issue, leading to serious health consequences.
Researchers discovered that brief periods of exercise in early life increased survival rates in mice with spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1), a devastating inherited disorder. Exercise reduced levels of capicua, a protein partner of ataxin1, which improved symptoms and extended lifespan.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that replacing short auto trips with bicycle trips can save an estimated $7 billion per year by reducing mortality and healthcare costs. Biking also improves local air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
A study using the rubber hand illusion found that people with schizophrenia have a weakened sense of body ownership. This suggests that movement therapy could be helpful for these individuals, particularly those who experience out-of-body experiences. The findings also support the idea that exercise may reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.
The HealtheSteps program is designed to provide tailored exercise prescriptions and support to residents of Huron County, where rates of cardiovascular disease are higher than average. By engaging with the local community through evidence-based research and community consultations, Dr. Robert Petrella and his team aim to reduce health ...
A large study found that exercise-related responses, such as oxygen desaturation and heart rate changes, are independent risk factors for severe altitude sickness. Taking acetazolamide can reduce some of these risks, particularly among young adults, women, and those with a history of migraine or previous high-altitude illnesses.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have calculated calorie costs of various physical activities performed by manual wheelchair users. The study found that individuals with disabilities can expend significant energy while engaging in household chores and sports like fencing.
Exercise and cancer research have received a significant boost with Dr. Kerry Courneya's Canada Research Chair (CRC) renewal. Several large-scale trials are currently underway, including the CARE trial for breast cancer patients and the CHALLENGE trial for colon cancer survivors.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that yoga and intensive stretching classes both showed significant improvements in back-related function and symptoms for adults with chronic low back pain. Both forms of exercise were effective in reducing pain medication use, with benefits lasting at least six months.
A study found yoga classes to be more effective in reducing symptoms and improving function for patients with chronic low back pain compared to a self-care book. Stretching exercises also showed moderate benefits in reducing back pain, suggesting that the mental component of yoga may not be the primary factor in its effectiveness.
A study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada found that cardiac rehab reduces mortality, especially in those with low fitness levels. Patients who take responsibility for their health and make small fitness improvements can live longer.
A study found that amino acid supplements can significantly reduce protein degradation in horse muscles after intense exercise. This could lead to an advantageous effect on muscle mass and improved training efficiency in sport horses.
Research suggests exercise can stimulate the expression of two proteins thought to play a role in blood vessel health, reducing the risk of preeclampsia. Higher levels of VEGF and heat shock proteins were found in rats that exercised before and during pregnancy.
A study from Northwestern University found that lower-income urban dads are involved in their children's health and encourage exercise and healthy eating, but also face challenges in handling emergency medical care. Fathers reported modeling behavior for their kids, such as exercising and playing, to promote healthy habits.
A study found that an exercise program improved balance and reduced fear of falling in people with Parkinson's disease who had a history of falls. The research team tracked significant improvements in physical recreational activity, supporting the effectiveness of physiotherapy and exercise in managing Parkinson's disease.
A randomized controlled study of 91 migraine patients found that exercise was as effective as topiramate in preventing migraines. The study revealed no difference in prevention effectiveness between the three treatments: exercise, relaxation exercises, and topiramate.
A systematic review published in The Cochrane Library found that regular exercise can improve physical fitness, walking capacity, and heart rate among people with CKD. Exercise programs can also increase muscular strength, reduce blood pressure, and enhance overall quality of life.
Research shows playing street football two to three times a week can halve the risk of early death in homeless men. The study found improvements in aerobic fitness, cholesterol, body fat, and blood pressure.
Key findings highlight the need for health policy and systems research to improve access and coverage of existing interventions. Epidemiological research is also essential to address knowledge gaps in childhood pneumonia.
Researchers found that exercise improves arthritis symptoms in obese mice without causing weight loss. Modest improvements could have a major impact on people affected by osteoarthritis. The study's findings contradict the long-held notion that excess weight is the primary cause of the condition.
A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers found that electoral vulnerability and Twitter use are unrelated, with age and party leadership encouragement being key factors. The majority of Congress members use Twitter, but many delegate their accounts to staff, who post links to speeches and interviews.
Researchers have found that a heart drug called levosimendan can improve the mechanical efficiency of the diaphragm, suggesting a new therapeutic approach to treat respiratory muscle weakness. The study showed that levosimendan prevents muscle fatigue in respiratory muscles and improves contraction force.
The US Department of Defense has awarded the University of South Florida $1.59 million to conduct two major studies on preventing low back injury and improving prosthetics for wounded warriors. The studies will test high-intensity exercise training programs and prosthetic foot technologies in military populations.
Researchers found that cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly improved patients' risk profiles after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke. Patients showed improvements in cholesterol levels, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
A University of Illinois study found that smaller largemouth bass recover from exertion faster than larger fish. The researchers simulated angling situations and measured the physiological responses of small and large fish.
A study by UNH exercise scientists confirms the Talk Test's effectiveness in gauging exercise intensity, but reveals it relates best to lactate threshold and not ventilatory threshold. The test involves rating comfort while speaking during exercise.
Researchers found aerobic exercise can preserve cognitive abilities and slow dementia progression. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, suggests exercise should not be overlooked as a therapy against dementia.
A recent study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that exercise plays a crucial role in recovery from peripheral arterial disease after treatment. Interventions such as angioplasty and stenting can also help restore blood flow, improving walking ability and overall quality of life.
McMaster researchers discovered that mice without essential exercise genes have impaired muscle function and lower mitochondrial levels. The study highlights the importance of AMPK enzyme in exercise regulation and its potential implications for individuals with mobility issues or obesity.
According to a survey by Loyola University Health System researchers, nearly half of recreational runners drink too much fluid during races, with 36.5% following a preset schedule and 8.9% drinking as much as possible. The main cause of low sodium in runners is drinking too much water or sports drinks.
Research led by McMaster University found that exercise triggers mesenchymal stem cells to become bone instead of fat, leading to improved blood production and overall health. This finding suggests a new potential for exercise as a non-medicinal treatment for blood-related disorders.
A new study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that higher volume of resistance training combined with aerobic exercise did not yield additional benefits for patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. However, the combination of RT and AT resulted in substantial physical fitness benefits and reductions...
A four-year study found that exercise can be as effective as a second antidepressant medication for half of depressed patients, with moderate exercise more effective for women with a family history of mental illness. The type and intensity of exercise needed depend on patient characteristics, such as gender.
Researchers found that telephone counseling supporting exercise significantly increased patient adherence to an exercise program. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that patients who received maintenance counseling exercises for at least 32 minutes more per week than those in the control group o...
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a link between inactivity and increased risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. In a study, participants who reduced their physical activity by half experienced doubled spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.
A new study from the University of Alberta found that combining metformin with exercise does not provide additional benefits for glucose control. In fact, it may trigger a counter-regulatory response in the body, leading to increased glucagon levels and reduced glucose control after exercise.
Researchers investigated the muscle-building effect of protein beverages on athletes. Consuming high-quality protein drinks immediately after exercise increased muscle protein synthesis by 33% compared to periodic smaller doses. The essential amino acid leucine plays a crucial role in stimulating muscle growth during recovery.
A study by McMaster University found that milk is more effective than water or sports drinks in rehydrating children after exercise. Milk provides high-quality protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and electrolytes, helping the body retain fluid better and supporting muscle development.
The Standard Unified Modeling, Mapping and Integration Toolkit (SUMMIT) enables emergency responders to view and modify accurate models of building damage and other disaster effects in real-time. This enhances the cycle of activities that emergency response teams undertake, improving preparedness and response effectiveness.
A new study explores how cognitive strategies and abilities increase 'situation-specific self-confidence,' a quality that enhances exercise adherence. Participants who improved their executive function skills, such as multitasking and goal-setting, were more likely to stick with an exercise program.
A Taiwanese study found that exercising for 15 minutes a day can reduce mortality risk and extend life expectancy. The study involved over 416,000 participants and showed a significant benefit of moderate exercise even at low volumes.
A study published in The Lancet found that just 15 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of death by 14% and increase life expectancy by 3 years. This benefit applies to all age groups and both sexes, with a significant reduction in mortality rates from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
A Northwestern University study reveals that people with arthritis are not engaging in physical activity critical to their health. The research found that more than half of women and 40 percent of men with arthritis were inactive.
A Baylor University study found that NO2 Platinum, a muscle-strengthening supplement, has no significant impact on blood flow. The researchers saw a slight increase in blood flow after exercise but attributed it to resistance exercise rather than the supplement.
A new study suggests that moderate exercise can prevent age-related memory loss after a bacterial infection. Researchers found that older rats who ran on an exercise wheel showed improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation in the hippocampus compared to non-exercising rats.
A small amount of exercise has been shown to prevent exaggerated inflammation in the brain and long-lasting memory impairments following a bacterial infection. This study suggests that voluntary exercise can confer robust benefits for those who exercised, especially for older adults at risk of memory loss.
Researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that negative physiological changes associated with type 2 diabetes occur in people who transition from high activity levels to inactivity. Adding regular movement to daily routines can help prevent chronic diseases and weight gain, even if it doesn't lead to visible changes.
A recent review article highlights the positive effects of exercise on brain health and cognition, with aerobic exercise improving cognitive abilities in children and elderly adults. Strength training also shows promise, particularly for executive functions and memory.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity exhibited reduced anxiety reactivity when engaging in high levels of physical activity. Regular exercise was shown to be an effective alternative or complementary strategy to traditional treatments for depression and anxiety problems.
Regular exercise increases sensitivity to leptin, a hormone that inhibits food intake. Exercise also reveals additional mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of physical activity on managing body weight, including altered gut hormone release and increased responsiveness to CCK, a hormone that limits meal size.
A new study reveals that several unhealthy lifestyle factors, including weight problems, physical inactivity, and hard drug use, are associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunctions in both men and women. The study found that up to 91% of women and 78% of men without a partner-related sex life had unhealthy lifestyles.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that most bariatric surgery patients can perform large amounts of exercise and improve their physical fitness levels. The study participants who exercised for at least five days a week lost an average of 10 pounds and increased their daily step count significantly.