Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a way to strengthen legs through daily etiquette, known as Rei-ho, which emphasizes slow and controlled movements. The study found that those who practiced Rei-ho for five minutes daily increased their knee extension strength by an average of 25.9%, compared to only 2.5% in the control group.
A clinical trial found that pork-based meals supported better recovery, mood and anabolic status in military cadets compared to plant-based meals. Cadets who consumed lean pork-based meals showed reduced muscle soreness and inflammation, while improving testosterone levels.
A study by São Paulo State University found a direct association between adults' levels of physical activity and their children's sedentary behavior. Children of inactive parents tend to be more sedentary, but when mothers and fathers maintain an active routine, their children usually follow suit.
A customizable SMS system produced significant 12-month walking increases for aging Latino/a adults, similar to the human advisors group. The study supports mobile health platforms as a viable option for expanding program choices for broader segments of the population.
Researchers at Duke University developed a wireless patch that non-invasively measures skin and tissue stiffness, providing real-time feedback for medical applications like wound healing and chronic conditions. The technology also has potential for athletic performance optimization and rehabilitation.
A new study from La Trobe University found that knee crepitus, a common symptom of grinding or clicking sounds in the knee joint, does not predict joint damage over time. In fact, those with knee crepitus showed more severe symptoms early on but did not experience worsening pain and function in the long term.
A new study found that over 34% of children don't engage in outdoor play on school days, while one in five don't at weekends. This lack of outdoor play is linked to various health issues, including obesity, anxiety, and depression. The research highlights the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces for children to play outside.
A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Hepatology shows that healthy eating and increased physical activity significantly lower the risk of liver-related death, even among heavy and binge drinkers. The research analyzed data from over 60,000 US adults and found that adherence to high levels of physical activity and/or diet q...
A new study of young adults found that better sleep quality is strongly linked to improved mental wellbeing, with fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity also showing benefits. The study suggests that boosting fruit and vegetable intake may help mitigate the effects of poor sleep on wellbeing.
A cross-sectional study found that greater lean mass and fitness are associated with fewer anxiety and depression symptoms in preadolescent children. Higher visceral adipose tissue, on the other hand, is linked to increased symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
A Mediterranean-style diet, along with reduced caloric intake and moderate physical activity, has been shown to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 31%. The study found that participants in the intervention group lost an average of 3.3 kilograms and reduced their waist circumference by 3.6 centimeters.
The Journal of Applied Sports Sciences has transitioned to the ARPHA platform, enhancing accessibility and visibility of research in sports sciences. The journal operates under a Diamond Open Access model, allowing for free access to all research outputs without article processing charges.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that NFL players who play wide receiver or tight end are at a higher risk of suffering an injury to their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The study examined 520 tears over a ten-year period and found that contact injuries and non-contact mechanisms, such as landing from a jum...
Research shows that cardiovascular health scores among older adults with high blood pressure, stroke, or heart failure decreased significantly. The study analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, finding that physical activity and blood pressure scores were low for those with cardiovascular disease.
A McMaster study found that older adults who participated in a community-based exercise program were able to maintain their function, lessen expected age-related fitness changes, and in some cases reverse them. The program's combination of social support and evidence-based physical activity promoted long-term health benefits.
A new study suggests that regular exercise can influence epigenetic aging and potentially reverse it, offering a promising way to extend healthspan. Physical fitness is closely associated with slower epigenetic aging, and sedentary behavior may have detrimental effects on the body's internal aging process.
The University of Birmingham is rolling out the REACT programme, a group-based exercise programme proven to support people with mobility limitations, to regions around England. The three-year programme aims to improve and maintain physical function and reduce health care costs in older adults.
A new study from UNCG researchers suggests giving children just nine minutes of high-intensity interval exercise can improve their academic performance. The study found that when the same 25 students engaged in this type of exercise, they scored significantly higher on a standardized test measuring verbal comprehension compared to when...
Research by sports scientists reveals that high-performance athletes face unique mental health challenges despite the well-established benefits of physical activity for depression prevention and treatment. The study highlights specific pressures faced by elite athletes, including performance nerves, injury concerns, and identity crises.
A new study found that self-reported physical activity is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events in individuals recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Higher levels of physical activity were linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and death, even after adjusting for other risk fac...
Researchers found that users who continued to use the app were more active than before, with average increases in brisk and non-brisk walking over time. After 30 months, users still used the app were doing more physical activity than beforehand.
A new study from University of California San Diego found that frequent standing breaks can lower diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Women who increased daily sit-to-stand movements saw measurable improvements in blood pressure, with an average decrease of 2.24 mmHg within three months.
The University of Bath conducted the largest growth and maturation study in world football, evaluating over 1,000 academy players in Scotland. The study found a strong bias toward early-developing players, raising questions about current selection and development practices.
A landmark study found that adopting five healthy lifestyle habits—healthy weight, no smoking, regular physical activity, high-quality diet, and moderate alcohol intake—can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by up to 86% in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Women who followed all these habits had no cardiovascular events ov...
A study found that users who exchanged daily walking steps for digital train tickets increased their walking by an average of 626.2 steps/day. Those using shopping coupon incentives walked 715.2 steps/day more on average than non-users. The results suggest effective promotion of active travel through well-designed mHealth apps.
A novel analysis confirms the benefits of regular walking at a faster pace in improving health, particularly for low-income and Black populations. The study found that fast walking as little as 15 minutes a day was associated with a nearly 20% reduction in total mortality.
Pooled data analysis shows exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly improves AF symptom severity, frequency, and length, while reducing risk of recurrence. It also enhances exercise capacity and mental health without adverse effects.
The US POINTER trial found that a structured lifestyle intervention of regular exercise, adherence to the MIND diet and social engagement had greater benefits on global cognition compared to an unstructured intervention. The study showed significant cognitive benefit after two years in older adults at elevated risk of Alzheimer disease.
A single bout of exercise increases myokine levels, reducing cancer growth by 20-30%. Regular exercise helps reduce inflammation and improve body composition, leading to a lower risk of recurrence and mortality.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that walking 7000 steps a day offers similar health benefits as walking 10,000 steps. The research analyzed data from 57 studies and found significant improvements in eight major health outcomes, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depressive symptoms.
This study found that moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity declined from early adulthood to midlife, with notable demographic differences. Black women experienced the lowest physical activity across adulthood and highest risk of low physical activity post-CVD.
A study documents elite-level strength training during active breast cancer treatment, showing rare retention of squat strength despite chemotherapy. LaShae Rolle, a competitive powerlifter and breast cancer survivor, completed the first-of-its-kind study, demonstrating the feasibility of high-intensity training when carefully managed.
A prospective cohort study found that weekend warriors and regular activity patterns reduced risks for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among adults with diabetes, demonstrating the importance of any physical activity. The study also compared GLP-1RAs and DPP4is in dementia risk among older adults with diabetes and found no clear...
A new study published in PNAS suggests that diet rather than idleness is the primary driver of obesity worldwide. The research analyzed data from over 4,200 adults across 34 populations and found a correlation between higher caloric intake and increased body fat percentage.
A new study by Texas A&M University is tracking the health effects of living in an agrihood community, where residents have access to a working farm and green spaces. The study aims to measure changes in physical activity, nutrition, and social connectedness among participants.
Increasing regular walking pace by 14 steps per minute in older adults led to clinically significant improvements in aerobic capacity and walking endurance. This study highlights the importance of activity intensity on functional capacity in prefrail and frail older adults.
Studies compare three helmet materials (ABS, fiberglass, and aluminum alloys) for reducing traumatic brain injury risk in elite athletes. ABS is sufficient for training and recreational sports, while fiberglass or aluminum alloys are recommended for elite athletes due to their unique benefits.
The article provides practical strategies for managing symptoms in patients receiving GLP-1 RAs, focusing on diet and physical activity interventions to support muscle and nutrient preservation. Lifestyle factors remain crucial in GLP-1 RA treatment for effective weight management.
A new Ontario study reveals socioeconomic disparities in concussion-related emergency department visits among children and youth. The study found that children from higher socioeconomic status groups had significantly more concussions requiring ED visits compared to those from lower socioeconomic status groups.
Researchers explore the biological mechanisms of myopenia in RA, finding it affects individuals of all ages, with notable muscle mass loss without concurrent fat loss. The review highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of myopenia in RA, emphasizing the importance of early detection and tailored management strategies.
Research from the University of Sydney reveals that children aged 10-16 years sweat at the same rate as adults in extreme heat, contradicting previous advice on dehydration and hyperthermia risk. The study's findings emphasize the importance of proper hydration for children during physical activity.
Higher anticholinergic exposure accelerates decline in gait speed and grip strength in older adults, affecting healthy aging. The study suggests minimizing anticholinergic medications is crucial for maintaining physical function.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh shows exercise improves cancer outcomes and enhances response to immunotherapy in mice by reshaping the gut microbiome. The research found that a specific compound called formate, produced by gut bacteria in exercised mice, was associated with better outcomes in patients with melanoma.
A new study from UCL found correlations between exercise type and personality traits, including extroverts' preference for high-intensity exercise and those with neuroticism trait enjoying short bursts of activity. The research suggests that understanding individual personality can help tailor physical activity recommendations to suppo...
A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that physical performance is associated with better cognition in people with relapsing-remitting MS. The study measured cognitive function, disability, and physical activity using various tests, revealing a significant link between these factors.
New research identifies 'general motor skills' as crucial for world-class performance across various athletic disciplines. World-class experts show fewer inefficiencies in elastic tissue motions compared to regional-level and novice competitors.
Researchers found that waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios are strong predictors of physical performance in older adults. Individuals with higher abdominal fat tend to have poorer physical function, which can impair independence as people age.
A new study has mapped how different parts of the body communicate during stress, potentially paving the way for earlier illness diagnosis. The unique method of monitoring body signals, called 'transfer entropy,' shows complex networks of maps that reveal which body parts act as information hubs under different stress conditions.
Researchers discovered that people with certain personality traits may benefit from specific workouts, with those high in neuroticism showing a strong reduction in stress after exercise. The study highlights the importance of finding enjoyable physical activities to improve commitment and engagement.
Regular leisure-time physical activity correlates with better mental health outcomes, but the impact depends on the environment and circumstances surrounding the activity. Context matters as much as intensity or amount of physical activity, influencing mental health differently.
Researchers found that hyperactivation of the PARP1 protein after exhaustive training is associated with decreased performance, fatigue, and behavioral symptoms of overtraining. A study published in Molecular Metabolism suggests that excessive protein expression may be the cause of the syndrome.
Research finds that mild physical activity affects brainstem dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons, leading to improved executive function. Blink frequency increases in individuals showing cognitive benefits from exercise.
A new study found that runners who focus on a single point ahead of them, such as the finish line, can increase their effort and performance. This mental strategy, known as attentional narrowing, was associated with faster running times and higher heart rates.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that structured exercise programs improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in children. The study, involving 38,000 young people across 375 clinical trials, suggests benefits can emerge quickly, even for short periods of time.
A new survey conducted by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that only 1% of men are concerned about bone density, with cancer and heart disease being top concerns. Men can build back bone density through exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes, and early intervention can prevent deadly fractures.
A Mount Sinai study found a post-pandemic increase in head and shoulder injuries among female and male youth hockey players, with higher rates of hospitalizations and fractures. The research highlights the importance of safer equipment standards, injury prevention strategies, and education to protect young athletes.
Two systematic reviews found that feeling part of a community, owning a dog, and having safe green spaces are crucial factors influencing physical activity. Wealthier communities with better neighborhood quality have older adults who stay more active, regardless of access to parks or facilities nearby.
A new study found that weighted vests and resistance training did not prevent bone loss in older adults undergoing intentional weight loss. The researchers call for alternative strategies to protect skeletal health in aging populations with obesity.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed an algorithm that enables smartwatches to more accurately monitor the calories burned by people with obesity during various physical activities. The technology bridges a critical gap in fitness technology, allowing for more accurate tracking and tailored interventions.
A meta-analysis of over 10,000 patients found that knee braces, hydrotherapy, and exercise are the most effective non-drug therapies for reducing pain and improving mobility in knee osteoarthritis. These treatments offer a safer alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks.