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Video games may help combat depression in older adults

Researchers found that exergames significantly improved mood and mental health-related quality of life in older adults with subsyndromal depression. The study suggests encouraging results from using video games to improve symptoms, with over one-third of participants experiencing a 50-percent or greater reduction of depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateFeb 25, 2010

University of Oklahoma study reveals 'red hot' results

A new weight-loss supplement, tri-pepper blend, has been shown to burn as many calories as a 20-minute walk. The University of Oklahoma study found statistically significant results, validating product weight-loss claims through measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateFeb 2, 2010

What you eat after exercise matters

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that the type of food eaten after exercise can significantly impact metabolic health. Eating low-carbohydrate meals after exercise enhanced insulin sensitivity more than eating balanced or low-calorie meals. The study suggests that people can still reap important health benef...

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJan 28, 2010

Physical activity associated with healthier aging

Physical activity has been associated with a reduced risk of age-related conditions such as arthritis, falls, and fractures, as well as improvements in cognitive function and bone density. Four new studies published in Archives of Internal Medicine have moved the scientific enterprise further along the path toward understanding the ful...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 25, 2010

UB specialized exercise regimen shown to relieve prolonged concussion symptoms

Researchers at University at Buffalo show that a controlled individualized exercise training program can relieve nearly all post-concussion syndrome (PCS) symptoms. The study found that participants who exercised regularly at levels below symptom onset experienced significant improvement, with athletes recovering faster than non-athletes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine·DateJan 19, 2010

Sweating out the cravings

A recent study shows that supervised exercise combined with nicotine replacement therapy can help women quit smoking and reduce weight gain. However, long-term relapse rates remain a challenge, highlighting the need for cost-effective maintenance programs to prevent smoking relapse.

Raising kids may lower blood pressure

A Brigham Young University study found that parenthood is associated with lower blood pressure, especially among women. The research suggests that social factors, such as deriving meaning and purpose from life's stress, may also protect physical health.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 14, 2010

Program may prevent knee injuries in young female soccer players

A soccer-specific exercise program reduced the risk of knee injuries among young female players by 77%, according to a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine. The program, which included strengthening exercises and awareness training for coaches and parents, also resulted in less severe injuries when they did occur.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2010

Setting the record straight on weight loss

A recent study by Research Australia suggests that relying solely on fat oxidation for weight loss is ineffective. The research found that mice genetically altered to burn fats in preference to carbohydrates still converted unburned carbohydrates into stored fat, ultimately leading to the same weight and body composition as normal mice.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 6, 2010

New research identifies modifiable risk factors for heart disease

Emerging research reveals that post-menopausal women experience adverse changes in lipid profiles around the time of their final menstrual period, independent of age. Conversely, quitting smoking before or after a heart attack significantly improves long-term survival rates, with reductions comparable to those from lifestyle changes an...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2009

Fit teenage boys are smarter

Research by University of Southern California scientists found a positive association between adolescent fitness and adult cognitive performance. Fit teenage boys scored higher on intelligence tests, logical performance, and mechanical skills, while muscle strength did not have a similar impact.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2009

Physical therapists reduce disability and improve function in single-level microdiskectomy patients

A study published in Physical Therapy found that a progressive physical therapist-guided exercise and education program significantly improved physical function in patients after back surgery. The 12-week program reduced disability and improved walking performance, suggesting greater effectiveness than usual physical therapy.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateNov 24, 2009

Exercise is good medicine for lymphoma patients

A three-year study by University of Alberta researchers found that aerobic exercise training significantly improved physical functioning and overall quality of life in patients with lymphoma. The study showed a 46.4% complete response rate in the exercise group, compared to 30.8% in the usual care group.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalClinical Oncology·DateOct 27, 2009

Fitness levels decline with age, especially after 45

The study found that cardiorespiratory fitness declines more rapidly after age 45, with men experiencing a greater decline than women. Maintaining a healthy BMI, being physically active, and not smoking are associated with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness throughout adult life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 26, 2009

Women's soccer -- get fit while having fun

A two-year study of 100 untrained adult women reveals that playing soccer improves maximal oxygen uptake, muscle mass, and physical performance compared to running. The study also shows that soccer's fixed time and place make it easier for women to stick to their training than running.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 2, 2009