Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
Researchers found that a personalized physical exercise and Mediterranean-style diet plan improved vascular structure and function in volunteers with pre-clinical cardiovascular disease risk factors. Average VO2 max increased by 3.2 mL/min/kg, while body weight decreased significantly.
The NCR network tested its disease surveillance system, ESSENCE, in a simulated bioterrorist attack to identify areas for improvement and enhancement. The exercise showcased the system's effectiveness in providing early warning alerts to public health officials.
A new study found that exercise can delay the development of Alzheimer's-like brain changes in mice by decreasing beta-amyloid levels. Exercise was shown to improve learning and memory in mice with AD-like pathology, suggesting a potential mechanism for reducing cognitive decline.
Researchers found that many runners dilute their sodium levels during long races due to excessive water intake. The study recommends individualized fluid-replacement consumption for all competing athletes to prevent hyponatremia, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Older adults with mild hypertension did not experience significant reductions in blood pressure through exercise alone, according to a new study. However, those who lost fat and gained muscle showed more substantial benefits.
Researchers found that adolescents averaging five minutes of vigorous physical activity per day were leaner and fitter than their peers. This suggests that general exercise recommendations for adolescents should encourage vigorous physical activity to help them maintain a healthy weight.
A randomized controlled trial found that exercise and stress management training lower average depression scores and reduce distress in patients with stable heart disease. These interventions also improve certain cardiovascular risk markers, suggesting potential benefits for patients with ischemic heart disease.
A randomized trial found that exercise and stress management training improved physiological markers of cardiovascular health, including blood flow to the heart and vascular endothelial function. These non-pharmaceutical approaches also showed promise in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving baroreflex sensitivity.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends a multi-faceted approach to treating obesity, including lifestyle changes, weight-loss drugs, and bariatric surgery. ACP identifies six valid weight-loss drugs, but emphasizes the need for frank discussions about potential side effects and lack of long-term efficacy data.
Black South African children show lower physical activity levels and calcium intakes compared to white children, yet have higher bone mass at hip. This paradox suggests that osteoporosis development may start in childhood, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Research found that moderate aerobic exercise significantly improves cardiovascular and autonomic profiles in HIV+ subjects, compared to those without HIV. The study suggests that exercise may be a cost-effective supplemental therapy for HIV patients.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that regular aerobic exercise can help protect muscles in the elderly from damage caused by exertion. After 10 weeks of galloping on a treadmill, retired racehorses showed fewer signs of muscle damage, even after maximum capacity workouts.
Mice raised in an enriched environment with running wheels and toys showed reduced beta-amyloid deposits and increased enzyme activity. They also exhibited improved genes involved in learning, memory, brain cell survival, and blood vessel growth.
A recent study found that pregnant women who engaged in regular exercise had improved mental health and reduced symptoms of depression. The research suggests that moderate exercise, such as 30 minutes a day, can help counteract the negative effects of pregnancy on physical and mental well-being.
A Mayo Clinic study found that intermediate-risk patients with unstable angina who underwent exercise treadmill testing could be safely discharged from the emergency room without significant events. In contrast, those not eligible for testing were more likely to receive costly stress imaging and hospital admission.
A 12-week Tai Chi exercise program showed high completion rates and health benefits among 27 Chinese women with cardiovascular risk factors. The program's success was attributed to cultural relevance, accessibility, and the Yang Style of Tai Chi.
A University of Central Florida study compared two weight-loss and exercise programs, one conducted at a center and the other at home. The results showed that women who followed the home-based program lost an average of 23 pounds and experienced significant improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
A new study suggests that cardiac rehabilitation programs lasting at least six months can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health. The research found that patients who participated in extended programs experienced greater benefits than those in shorter programs, with peak effects occurring at 38 weeks.
A new study found that green tea extract (GTE) supplementation improves swimming endurance by 8-24% over 10 weeks, with benefits attributed to increased fat oxidation and lower respiratory quotients. The study also suggests that long-term GTE consumption may be beneficial for improving exercise performance and overall health.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that exercising moderately intense aerobics for 30-35 minutes per day reduced depressive symptoms by an average of 47% after 12 weeks. The study included 80 adults with mild to moderate depression and showed similar results to antidepressant medications.
A new study shows that exercise improves three measures of heart protection in postmenopausal women, including better blood clotting profiles and reduced blood clot activation. Regular physical activity may help prevent the formation of blood clots, leading to a lower risk of heart attacks.
A new study found that rats bred for low aerobic exercise capacity had more cardiovascular disease risk factors than those bred for high exercise capacity. The researchers discovered a close association between low aerobic capacity and metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, insulin-resistance, and abdominal fat.
A study found that acute and long-term vitamin C supplementation had no effect on exercise capacity, contradicting earlier theories that it might reduce oxidative stress. Physiologists at the University of Colorado tested young and older adults before exhaustive exercise, but results showed no improvement in aerobic abilities.
The study found substantial improvements in exercise groups, including a 16% increase in aerobic fitness and a 17% increase in strength fitness. In contrast, the control group showed less improvement, indicating that exercise is an effective treatment for metabolic syndrome in older adults.
A new study found that combining plant sterols with exercise can significantly improve cholesterol levels in previously sedentary adults. The combination therapy favourably altered lipid profiles by decreasing total cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A unique study examines how African-American consumers use shopping to express their political beliefs in a time when traditional forms of participation are decreasing. The research highlights the importance of considering consumer politics in understanding social and political relations.
A recent study at McMaster University reveals that fitness experts can significantly increase self-confidence in beginner exercisers. By setting and achieving specific goals, individuals experience increased motivation and confidence in their abilities.
A low-density helium/oxygen mixture significantly reduces airflow limitations and lung dynamic hyperinflation in COPD patients, allowing for a substantial increase in exercise endurance time. The study found that the duration of exercise doubled from 4.2 minutes to 9 minutes for patients breathing heliox compared to regular air.
A study found that the renin-angiotensin system may be associated with physical function in older adults, and that ACE gene variants can affect exercise response. Additionally, researchers discovered a potential link between this system and cognitive impairment, suggesting new avenues for intervention.
A school-based intervention increased vigorous physical activities and decreased sedentary behaviors among African-American children, particularly girls. The study found a significant increase in high-intensity physical activities and a decrease in sedentary behaviors after the eight-week PE program.
Researchers found that exercise increases VEGF production, which leads to an increase in capillaries within specific muscle fiber types. This change ultimately results in an anaerobic to aerobic shift in the affected muscle fibers.
A study of 9,611 older adults found that regular physical activity in middle age significantly reduced the risk of early death. Even light activities like walking or gardening provided a protective effect.
A team-centered program called ATHENA was effective in reducing disordered eating behaviors among female high school athletes. The program, which focused on promoting healthy nutrition and exercise training, showed positive changes in athletes' dietary habits and reduced use of diet pills and other unhealthy substances.
A study of 806 women with early stage breast cancer found that regular physical activity significantly reduced the risk of weight gain and improved breast cancer prognosis. Physical activity was assessed during an in-person interview as part of the Health, Eating, Activity and Lifestyle (HEAL) study.
Regular exercise improves physical and psychological well-being among people with spinal cord injuries, as well as older adults and nursing home residents. Exercise also promotes stability and ease of movement for lower-limb amputees, while correcting visual impairments can improve rehabilitation effectiveness.
A 12-week physical activity program will be implemented and evaluated in 16 worksites across the US and Canada to assess its effectiveness on promoting physical activity among employees. The study aims to determine the effects of a multilevel intervention aimed at personal goal-setting and ecologically based organizational action.
A study in rats found that exercising limbs can protect brain cells from degeneration caused by Parkinson's disease. Exercise was shown to increase the production of key proteins that promote neuronal survival, such as glial cell line-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF), which may help offset cell vulnerability to oxidative stress.
University of Illinois researchers found a correlation between academic achievement and fitness scores among school-aged children. Fit children showed improved cognitive function, including better attention and working memory, compared to their sedentary counterparts.
A study led by Rutgers University College of Nursing faculty member explores a new method to treat urinary incontinence in prostate cancer surgery patients. The research uses biofeedback training to help men develop the skills needed to control their bladder using their pelvic floor muscles.
A study found that antibiotics are ineffective in treating chronic prostate pain (CP/CPPS) but a-receptor blockers may provide relief for extended periods. Simple exercises improved dizziness in adults, while survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for breast cancer.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that sustained exercise can prevent cell death in the substantia nigra of adult mice treated with a toxin called MPTP, which mimics Parkinson's disease. Exercise increased production of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), protecting nerves against damage caused by free radicals.
A recent study published in Obesity Research found that portion control was the most effective behavior change for inducing significant weight loss among obese patients. According to lead researcher Everett E. Logue, Ph.D., portion control resulted in a 38% success rate, compared to 33% for those who did not practice portion control.
A study found that diet counseling was provided in less than 45% of visits and exercise counseling in under 30% with patients at risk of heart disease. The lack of counseling is attributed to physicians' perceived lack of training and tools, as well as reimbursement constraints.
A study of over 150,000 women found that folate intake was associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure. The most significant effects were seen in younger women, who had a 29% lower risk of developing hypertension when consuming high amounts of folate.
Researchers found that six days of moderate-intensity exercise improved insulin action in sedentary, overweight individuals by 40%, while traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors showed positive trends. In contrast, those who consumed sports drinks and additional food during exercise showed no significant changes or even negat...
Research reveals Interleukin-6 has various roles in metabolic gene activation, lipolysis, insulin resistance inhibition and TNF suppression. The cytokine's diverse effects make it a promising therapeutic target for treating obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Two studies found that isometric hand-grip (IHG) exercise significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in participants with hypertension. Additionally, IHG improved carotid artery distensibility, while having no effect on peripheral arteries. The researchers suggest that these improvements may be due to enhanced endothelial function.
A study found that mild exercise can protect against mortality due to influenza in mature mice, but had no effect on gross measures of sickness behavior. The researchers plan to conduct further studies to understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect.
Researchers used genetic tools to study the effects of exercise and diet on obesity and diabetes. The study found that aerobic training increased key metabolic enzymes in skeletal muscle, improving glucose metabolism and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
Running and jumping exercises are most effective for strengthening bones in children, as they stimulate new bone growth where it is needed. Unlike swimming or biking, these activities do not affect longitudinal growth, making them a recommended choice.
Research by Proctor-Leuenberger-Koch suggests that leg blood vessels constrict more in older men during exercise, indicating a compensatory mechanism for reduced cardiac output. This study aims to understand the impact of aging on blood flow to exercising muscle and target interventions to improve exercise tolerance in older adults.
Researchers will investigate the relationship between motor coordination, kinesiophobia, and recurrence of low back pain. The study aims to provide treatment guidelines based on individual motor coordination profiles and kinesiophobia scores.
The Stanford cooling tool uses a local subatmospheric pressure environment to cool the body from the inside out, reducing recovery time after anesthesia. By extending endurance in hot environments, the device has significant implications for athletes, military personnel, and factory workers.
A study by the University of Wales and the University of Exeter suggests that high levels of calcium intake combined with vigorous daily exercise are crucial for building and retaining bone mass in children. The researchers found that children should engage in at least 25-40 minutes of vigorous activity and consume at least 700-800 mil...
Recent APS exercise research highlights significant findings in various areas, including reduced flu mortality and improved cardiovascular function. Studies on protein expression and skeletal muscle regeneration have also shed light on the mechanisms behind these processes.
A study suggests exercise testing may benefit intermediate to high-risk asymptomatic men by identifying those with increased coronary risk, but also finds that greater exercise capacity predicts lower CHD risk. The results support using the Framingham Risk Score to inform exercise test ordering in these patients.
Research finds that higher levels of physical exercise, especially walking, are associated with improved cognitive function and reduced cognitive decline in older women. The study, involving 18,766 women aged 70-81, shows a 20% lower risk of cognitive impairment among those who engaged in moderate physical activity.
Researchers found that prolonged, sustained exercise preserves ventricular compliance and may reduce the incidence of diastolic heart failure in the elderly. Lifelong exercise training completely prevented stiffening of the heart muscle thought to be an inevitable consequence of aging.
A study led by Mayo Clinic cardiologist Veronique Roger found that cardiac rehabilitation can improve survival rates for heart attack patients by almost 50%. However, women and elderly patients were less likely to participate in exercise programs due to factors such as lack of transportation and support networks.
A new study found that eccentric muscle training, such as hiking downhill, improves glucose tolerance by 25.0%, compared to 9.4% with concentric training, like hiking uphill. This research provides insight into the specific metabolic effects of different types of exercise on glucose metabolism in humans.