Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that physical exercise stimulates cell proliferation in intervertebral discs, suggesting a potential preventive effect against back pain and disc degeneration. The research team plans to investigate further with this animal model.
Researchers found that increasing incidental physical activity, such as fidgeting at desks or taking short walks, can significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness. The study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, highlights the importance of moderate physical activity throughout the day for overall health and wellness.
A UK study found that 6.5 hours of additional dietary advice sessions lead to improved blood sugar control in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. In contrast, exercise did not provide additional benefits when combined with diet intervention, except for those with high HbA1c levels.
Brain cancer patients who exercise regularly live significantly longer than sedentary patients, with a median survival of 21.84 months compared to 13.03 months. The study provides evidence that exercise interventions may impact progression and survival beyond symptom relief.
Researchers found that exercise training significantly improved physical function scores and social function scores in patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The study also showed that the exercise program restored upright blood circulation, improved kidney function, and dramatically improved quality of life fo...
A new study found that older adults who engage in regular moderate to intense exercise are 40% less likely to develop small brain lesions, also known as 'silent strokes'. This reduces the risk of falls, memory problems, dementia, and stroke. Exercise does not appear to have a similar benefit for those with limited access to healthcare.
A new study by Teresa Pinto and colleagues reveals that teens with Type 2 diabetes exhibit early signs of diastolic dysfunction, a condition where the heart struggles to fill with blood between beats. The study found that these impaired hearts show reduced cardiac output during exercise, which may be reversible with physical activity.
A new study by Indiana University finds significant differences in physical fitness levels between patients at safety net community health centers and members of a medically affiliated fitness center. The research highlights the importance of access to exercise opportunities for vulnerable populations, particularly those without health...
Researchers found that hip strengthening exercises reduced patellofemoral pain in female runners and improved their gaits. The study involved four runners who performed single-leg squats and resistance band exercises, which were then repeated for six weeks.
A new study by the American Sociological Association finds that racial-ethnic differences in exercise type do not narrow with increasing education, but rather expand. More educated blacks and Mexican Americans are less likely to participate in 'high-status' sports like golf or tennis.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that low-carb diets with higher fat content do not pose immediate risks to vascular health. Obese individuals who followed a low-carb diet showed no adverse changes in key measures of arterial health.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that shorter warm-ups can result in less muscle fatigue and improved peak power output. The study suggested that sprint athletes may benefit from adopting a shorter and less strenuous warm-up for better performance.
The study, which compared two types of physical therapy, found that patients who received at-home strength and balance training made significant improvements in walking speed and mobility, with results lasting up to one year. The findings suggest that conventional wisdom about recovery being limited to six months may be incorrect.
A new study found that exercise improves mood and reduces cigarette cravings in women smokers, but the effects are short-lived lasting several hours to days. Researchers plan to conduct larger trials to determine how frequently exercise must be done to sustain its anti-craving benefits.
Researchers from Michigan State University analyzed the Kohler effect in health video games and found that working out with a virtual partner improves task persistence and reduces social anxiety. The study suggests that incorporating design features based on the Kohler effect could motivate vigorous exercise.
Researchers found that COPD patients who participated in a self-confidence-building program increased their light physical activity immediately after training, with average gains of 20 minutes per day. However, these improvements were short-lived and did not persist beyond the end of the program.
A new study found COPD patients exercising at 60-70% of their maximum during Wii Fit workouts, comparable to low-intensity calisthenics. The lower extremity exercises approximated 70-80% of the pair's maximum, while upper extremity exercises were around 50-60%.
Scientists have discovered that high levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are associated with better long-term recovery after a stroke. The study found that patients who exercised more actively, with physiotherapy and physical exercise, demonstrated better recovery after a stroke.
The six-minute walking distance test (6MWD) is an effective tool for understanding disease severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A three-year global study found that baseline 6MWD was predictive of hospital admission and had a steady rate of decline in patients with severe disease.
Studies found that psychological issues contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms severity, while low-intensity exercise decreases colon polyps risk, particularly among overweight individuals. Mindfulness meditation also improves IBS symptoms and reduces pain.
A Texas A&M University study challenges the common perception of LDL cholesterol as 'bad' cholesterol. Research suggests that a certain amount of LDL is necessary for muscle growth and serves as a warning sign for potential health problems. The study's findings may have implications for conditions like sarcopenia, which affects million...
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified the role of nitric oxide in protecting the heart from injury. Exercise boosts levels of an enzyme that produces nitric oxide, which is stored in the bloodstream and heart as nitrite and nitrosothiols.
A recent study by nurse researchers found that 29% of overweight and obese individuals reported exercising for six months, while 39% regularly exercised. The study suggests that just because someone is overweight does not mean they are not exercising or considering it.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that structured exercise training, including aerobic and resistance exercises, significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Longer weekly exercise duration is also linked to greater HbA1c decreases.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that simple exercise can improve lung function and overall fitness in children with cystic fibrosis. Patients who increased their exercise capacity by 10 or more walking intervals showed significant improvements in lung function scores.
Patients with chronic heart failure who practiced tai chi had improved quality of life and increased exercise self-efficacy compared to those in an education group. The study also found no significant differences in physical fitness between the two groups.
A study found that tai chi significantly improved mood and exercise self-efficacy in chronic heart failure patients without affecting physical differences. Researchers suggest tai chi as a safe alternative to conventional exercise training for improving daily life.
A randomized trial found that overweight postmenopausal women who combined a low-fat, low-calorie diet with regular aerobic exercise shed nearly 11 percent of their starting weight. This study suggests that combining diet and exercise is more effective for weight loss than either method alone.
Researchers found that stable patients who start an exercise program one week after a heart attack experience better heart performance than those who wait. The study suggests that at least six months of exercise is the most beneficial, and early referral to rehabilitation can lead to improved outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Maryland found that low-intensity exercise, such as walking on a treadmill for 50 minutes three times a week, can improve mobility and delay disability in Parkinson's patients. The study also showed benefits from stretching and resistance exercises.
A randomized trial comparing three types of exercise training found that low-intensity treadmill exercise resulted in the most consistent improvements in gait and mobility for people with Parkinson's disease. Stretching and resistance exercises also showed some benefits.
A study found that exercising during pregnancy can help infants develop healthier hearts, with improved cardiovascular function maintained even after birth. The research suggests that interventions should focus on pregnant women to promote better health outcomes for children.
Research found that frequent shopping among the elderly increases survival rates, with daily shoppers 27% less likely to die compared to those who shopped less frequently. The study suggests that shopping may improve health by ensuring a good supply of food and promoting social connections.
Research shows that brief, high-intensity exercise is more beneficial than traditional endurance training for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young people. The study found significant improvements in CVD risk factors after only 15% of the total exercise time.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a specific type of blood pressure medication that minimizes the effect of decreased blood flow and oxygen levels in muscles during exercise. This finding has implications for people with high blood pressure who may stop exercising due to fear of heart attack or stroke.
A study by NIH-funded researchers has found that boosting adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus improves pattern recognition abilities, similar to those seen in younger brains. However, combining this with exercise was necessary for antidepressant-like effects to emerge.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that combining diet and exercise improves physical performance by 21% in obese seniors, compared to 12% with weight loss alone and 15% with exercise alone. This combination also leads to significant improvements in strength, balance, and quality of life.
A study from Michigan State University suggests that lack of motivation and equipment are the primary barriers to physical activity among adolescent boys. An after-school exercise program may help overcome this decrease in exercise, according to researcher Lorraine Robbins.
A University of Georgia study found a supervised, low-to-moderate intensity weight-lifting exercise program to be safe and beneficial for pregnant women. The research showed that participants increased their strength without experiencing musculoskeletal injuries or significant changes in blood pressure.
A study by Stanford psychologists found that a 60-minute social-belonging exercise significantly improved the GPAs of black freshmen, reducing the minority achievement gap by 52 percent. The exercise helped students internalize that adjustments are tough for everyone and increased feelings of belonging, happiness, and health.
Researchers found that asking participants to predict their future behavior breaks their habits, but this only works for behaviors with strong personal goals. For behaviors without personal norms, predicting the past behavior reinforces existing habits.
Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less fit than their peers, with aerobic fitness levels 25% lower and muscle function 10% lower. The study suggests that active living can help reduce the risk of future health problems in IBD patients.
A WHOI-led research team found that beaked whales respond to naval sonar exercises by ceasing foraging and making slow ascents to the surface. The study suggests that whales may require lower exposure thresholds than current regulations, but appropriate monitoring can reduce the risk of stranding.
A study found that people who are dissatisfied with their appearance spend more time looking at ideal body images when the editorial content is about body improvement, compared to general interest articles. People satisfied with their bodies don't feel the need to avoid or seek inspiration from these images.
Recent studies published in Cell Transplantation suggest a link between exercise, brain cell regrowth, and improved mental health. Exercise has been shown to promote neurogenesis, which may help counteract stress-related disorders and improve mood and cognition.
A Vanderbilt study found that exercise significantly reduced cannabis cravings and use in heavy users. Participants who engaged in 10-30 minute treadmill sessions for two weeks saw a 50% decrease in cravings and average daily use dropped from 5.9 joints to 2.8 joints.
Researchers found significant improvements in exercise performance during treatment with sildenafil compared to placebo, improving ventilatory efficiency and moderate exercise ability. The study suggests an overall improvement in physiology associated with single-ventricle heart disease.
Physiologist E. Paul Zehr uses Batman as a framework to discuss exercise and physical training, illustrating how the body responds to physical discipline. His approach connects science to popular culture, helping students understand physiology better.
A study found that adding family-assisted exercise therapy to routine physical therapy after stroke significantly improved motor function, balance, distance walked, and daily living activities. Family members also experienced reduced stress and increased empowerment.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that kidney transplant recipients who engage in little physical activity face increased risks of dying prematurely. The research suggests that patients need to exercise to fend off an early death and maintain heart health, which is crucial for these indi...
Researchers identified a genetic switch, estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR gamma), that converts fast twitch fibers into slow twitch fibers with increased blood supply. This discovery offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating critical limb ischemia and other cardiovascular diseases.
A new trial confirms that CBT and GET are safe and moderately effective outpatient treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, improving symptoms more than adaptive pacing therapy or specialist medical care alone. Serious adverse reactions were rare across all treatment groups.
Researchers from six UK universities are studying how daily radiation exposure damages graphite blocks in nuclear power reactors. The study aims to help nuclear utility companies plan for the future and improve manufacturing processes.
Lifestyle changes such as exercise and spending time in nature can be as effective as medication to treat depression and anxiety. Therapeutic lifestyle changes also promote cognitive function, overall well-being, and social skills, while reducing stress and promoting joy.
A new University of Missouri study found that behavior-changing strategies like self-monitoring and goal-setting significantly increased physical activity levels among healthy adults. The research suggests focusing on practical strategies rather than trying to change attitudes or beliefs about exercise.
A study by Dr. Harri Hemila and Professor Jaakko Kaprio found that vitamin E supplementation had varying effects on pneumonia risk depending on smoking habits and exercise levels. Among nonsmokers who exercised regularly, vitamin E decreased pneumonia risk by 69%. However, in smokers and non-exercisers, it increased risk by 79%.
A small study found that portable pedal exercise machines can significantly reduce sedentary time in the workplace among employees. Participants used the devices for an average of 23 minutes per day, burning up to 500 calories and covering distances of over 13 miles.
The Locomotor Experience Applied Post-stroke (LEAPS) trial found that 52% of participants experienced improved functional walking ability one year post-stroke, regardless of the type of exercise program they received. Early locomotor training and home-based programs targeting strength and balance achieved similar results.
The UCLA Neurology program played a key role in assessing stroke rehabilitation, finding that patients who received physical therapy at home improved their walking ability comparable to those treated in a clinic. Early locomotor training did not seem to matter, with all groups showing similar gains in walking speed and mobility.
Exercise has a positive impact on cognition and academic performance in overweight children. Intelligence scores increased by an average of 3.8 points in those exercising 40 minutes per day after school for three months. The study also found improved executive function and math skills, with no improvements in reading skills.