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Key to better health care may be a walk in the park

Investing in public parks and recreational services can lead to increased physical activity, better health outcomes, and a less strained healthcare system. The research suggests that the quality of these services has a direct impact on resident fitness levels and overall well-being.

CeBIT 2011: Electronic fitness trainer

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS develop an electronic fitness trainer that collects data on user movements and breathing, providing personalized feedback and advice. The system aims to motivate users towards regular exercise and improve physical well-being, particularly for older adults.

Moderate aerobic exercise in older adults shown to improve memory

A new study led by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that one year of moderate physical exercise can increase the size of the brain's hippocampus in older adults. The increased hippocampal size is associated with improved spatial memory function. The researchers also discovered a correlation between increased hippoca...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2011

Internet-based rehab is a viable treatment option following knee surgery

A new study published in JBJS shows that internet-based postoperative rehabilitation (telerehabilitation) is a viable treatment option for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Telerehabilitation allows patients to receive rehab services from the comfort of their own homes, achieving outcomes comparable to traditional rehab.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 19, 2011

How exercise grows a healthy heart

A new study in mice suggests that exercise turns on a genetic program that leads the heart to grow as heart muscle cells divide. Researchers identified a key transcription factor involved in this process, which may have clinical implications for those with heart failure or other conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 23, 2010

The couch potato effect

A new study reveals that a key muscle protein is necessary for exercise but not normal muscle development. PGC-1-deficient mice exhibit mitochondrial problems but remain insulin-sensitive and do not develop diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 30, 2010

Clinical science: Special reports I

Researchers identified irregular heartbeat in pacemaker recipients as a potential stroke risk factor. Meanwhile, disparities in cardiovascular care persist despite healthcare reform, with African-Americans and those with lower socioeconomic status receiving fewer invasive procedures. Stress tests using exercise electrocardiography and ...

Regular exercise reduces large number of health risks including dementia and some cancers

Research review finds that regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing around two dozen health conditions, including some cancers and dementia. Healthy adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, with strength-training sessions and balance exercises also recommended.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateNov 15, 2010

APHA 2010: College days -- more sedentary days

College students experience a gradual decrease in moderate and vigorous physical activity as they progress through their studies, resulting in increased body mass index and weight. The transition period can lead to weight gain, emphasizing the importance of colleges providing programs and choices to support healthy lifestyle changes.

Plantar fasciitis? Stretching seems to do the trick

A new study reveals that manual plantar fasciitis stretching exercises outperform shockwave therapy in treating acute plantar fasciitis pain. Patients who performed stretching exercises reported higher patient satisfaction and superior results compared to those who received repetitive low-energy radial shock-wave therapy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateNov 4, 2010

Narcotics and diagnostics overused in treatment of chronic neck pain

A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that narcotics and diagnostic tests are overused in treating chronic neck pain, with only 53% of subjects prescribed therapeutic exercise. The researchers suggest that evidence supports the effectiveness of rehabilitation conditioning and acupuncture as treatments for chronic neck pain.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 27, 2010

Heat acclimation benefits athletic performance

Researchers found that heat acclimation provided significant benefits for athletes competing in cool weather, including improved aerobic performance. The study's findings suggest that heat acclimation could be a practical and effective approach to improve athletic performance in cooler conditions.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateOct 25, 2010

Positive social traits trump bad health habits

A new study by Margie E. Lachman and Stefan Agrigoroaei found that specific psychological, social, and physical protective factors can delay declines in health by up to a decade. Positive traits such as control beliefs, social support, and physical exercise are associated with better health in later life.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2010

Struggling for breath

Researchers found that patients with pectus excavatum have reduced chest wall motion near the deformity and compensate by using abdominal muscles to draw in more air. The study suggests these patients may experience shortness of breath and easy fatigability due to the dysfunctional upper chest wall motion.

Men perspire, women glow

New research published in Experimental Physiology found that men are more effective sweaters during exercise than women. Women need to get hotter before they start sweating, while men can sweat more efficiently with regular physical training.

SourceWiley·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateOct 7, 2010

Is your job making you fat?

A study from the Université de Montréal found that office workers have become less active over the last three decades, contributing to the rise in obesity. The researchers suggest integrating sport, work, and transportation to combat inactivity and promote exercise.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 5, 2010

Inner voice plays role in self-control

A study by researchers at the University of Toronto Scarborough found that using an inner voice helps individuals exercise self-control and resist impulsive decisions. The team conducted tests where participants were unable to verbalize messages to themselves, leading to increased impulsivity.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalActa Psychologica·DateSep 21, 2010

Aerobic exercise relieves insomnia

Regular aerobic exercise improves sleep quality, reduces depressive symptoms and increases vitality in middle-aged and older adults with insomnia. The study found that exercise elevates participants' self-reported sleep quality, dropping their scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index by an average of 4.8 points.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSleep Medicine·DateSep 15, 2010

A proven tool for losing weight: Reading food labels

Reading food labels can improve weight loss chances for middle-aged Americans, with women and overweight/obese individuals seeing better success rates. The analysis also highlights the value of standardized nutrition facts on packaged foods and calls for posting nutritional information in restaurants and vending machines.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateSep 14, 2010

Reading food labels, combined with exercise, can lead to weight loss

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs suggests that observing food labels and exercising regularly can lead to significant weight loss. The research found that women between the ages of 37-50 are more likely to read food labels, which increases their chances of losing weight.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateSep 8, 2010