Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
A team of Rice University students designed an adaptive exercise harness with pneumatic padding, sensors, and modular attachments to address the limitations of current space-based exercise harnesses. The innovative harness aims to slow down muscle atrophy and improve astronauts' performance in space.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that a combination of exercise and omega-3 supplementation significantly improves the immune response and reduces the severity of chronic apical periodontitis. The researchers induced apical periodontitis in rats, dividing them into three groups: one received no intervention, while the othe...
A pilot study found that exercising during chemotherapy can increase the number of immune cells fighting cancer, including CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells. The exercise programme improved patients' aerobic fitness, leading to stronger immune responses inside tumours.
High blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms, according to the CDC. Few U.S. adults can correctly identify what blood pressure reading is considered high (130/80 mmHg). Despite prevalence, many people mistakenly believe high blood pressure always has noticeable symptoms or can be identified by feeling calm and relaxed.
A cohort study found that obesity in childhood cancer survivors is linked to an increased risk of developing multiple subsequent neoplasms. Conversely, high levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of these cancers.
Researchers found that higher McCance Brain Care Score is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and three common cancers worldwide. The score evaluates physical, lifestyle, and social-emotional domains linked to brain health.
A cohort study of schools found that COVID-19-related decline in youth physical fitness persisted during the pandemic, but not associated with remote or hybrid environments. The reduction was observed in cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness healthy zone achievement.
Researchers found that moderate levels of physical activity significantly reduced brain aging and improved cognitive function. The study's findings suggest a U-shaped relationship between physical activity intensity and brain age gap, with both insufficient and excessive exercise linked to accelerated brain aging.
A study published in The Journal of Pain found that nature exposure can help people with chronic lower back pain by providing a sense of escapism, social connection, and physical exercise. Researchers recommend incorporating accessible design features into natural spaces to improve inclusivity.
A Virginia Tech professor has received a proof-of-concept grant to further develop a chemical compound that could help promote weight loss by increasing mitochondrial activity. The compound, named BAM15, shows promise in preclinical studies without affecting food intake or muscle mass.
Research suggests that self-employment among white women is associated with lower rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and poor sleep duration. This study uses biologic and physical measures to explore the relationship between self-employment and cardiovascular disease risk factors across sex and racial/ethnic minority status.
A University of Florida Health study found that earlier and more consistent daily activity patterns are associated with better heart and lung fitness in older adults. The research suggests that understanding individual circadian rhythms could lead to personalized health strategies, including tailoring activity and treatment schedules.
A new study of college undergraduates in Japan found that self-perception of athletic ability is linked to personality traits, family characteristics, and prior sports experience. Students who perceived themselves as more athletic tended to be younger siblings, have a growth mindset, and come from households with higher incomes.
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo found that women with low muscle mass have a significantly lower survival rate than those with normal muscle mass. Muscle mass is crucial for patients undergoing cancer treatment, and low levels can predict adverse outcomes, including mortality.
Research by sociologist Sara Wiertsema found that young adults tend to exercise less after starting their first job. However, an activating social and work environment can help them maintain physical activity levels. Young people are more likely to continue exercising if they receive social support from colleagues or friends.
A team of scientists at Stanford University has created an early testing method to identify individuals at risk of taking a life-threatening fall. By analyzing walking patterns and balance issues over time, the researchers can provide clinicians with valuable insights to intervene before falls occur.
A leading cardiovascular disease researcher from Simon Fraser University is ringing the alarm on universal recommendations intended to improve heart health around the globe. The review paper examined the causes behind the causes of CVD, using data from the ongoing collaborative Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study.
A decline in sedentary behavior among US adults occurred between 2013 and March 2020, however the trend was reversed from 2021-2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic's exacerbation of inactive lifestyles
A study of 1,792 participants found that a higher waist-to-height ratio was associated with an increased risk of heart failure. The research suggests that waist-to-height ratio may be a better metric than BMI to identify patients who could benefit from therapies for obesity.
A large randomized clinical trial found that testosterone gel did not improve long-distance mobility outcomes for older women after a hip fracture. Supervised exercise, however, showed significant functional improvements and enhanced mobility.
Researchers analyzed data from a wearable device to find that women's physical activity levels are less variable and more predictable than men's. The study also found no significant difference in physical activity levels between individuals with and without menstrual cycles.
A new study from the University of Bath found that regular, moderate-intensity exercise preserves vitamin D levels in overweight and obese individuals. The study showed that exercise completely maintained the body's active form of vitamin D, which plays a key role in supporting bone health and the immune system.
Research reveals rural preschoolers spend more time on screens and engage in less physical activity than their urban counterparts. The study found 24% of rural children have overweight or obesity, compared to 16% in urban areas.
Research suggests that physical activity and organized sports participation can help ward off childhood mental ill health, with benefits seen in boys. However, findings indicate sex differences in protective effects, with boys showing stronger associations between physical activity and lower risk of depression, anxiety, and addiction.
A comprehensive study by UCLA's Olympic Analytical Laboratory and Texas Tech University found that growth-promoting substances in US meat supply are present in trace amounts, well below regulatory limits. Most beef samples showed detectable levels of banned substances, but at safe levels for human consumption.
Research found that boys born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or higher testosterone levels during pregnancy are less physically active at age 7. Girls exposed to similar levels of testosterone had lower muscle strength, highlighting the role of maternal testosterone and PCOS in future development.
A randomized clinical trial with 30 female participants found that neither hot nor cold water immersion improved muscle recovery from exercise-induced damage. Despite physiological differences between groups, none showed significant improvements in muscle soreness or swelling.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that chronic energy deficiency in collegiate female endurance runners negatively impacts their performance and training benefits. Runners with insufficient energy intake had slower race times and reduced training benefits, but these effects can be reversed by increasing calories.
A study found that parental technology use in a child's presence was negatively associated with cognitive and psychosocial outcomes, as well as screen time among young children. The effect sizes were small, highlighting the need for further research on potential impacts on physical activity, sleep, and motor skills.
Researchers found that even small doses of high-intensity exercise can reduce the risk of dementia and promote healthy brain aging. The study suggests exercising regularly is crucial for preserving brain health, making it a key prevention measure against cognitive decline.
A new report published in the COPD Foundation's journal found virtual pulmonary rehabilitation to be a safe and effective alternative for people with COPD who require supplemental oxygen. The program improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for participants, demonstrating its potential to increase access to care.
New research from the University of Copenhagen found that reducing skeletal muscle NAD+ levels in mice by 85% did not accelerate aging or impair whole-body metabolism. The study suggests that skeletal muscle can tolerate substantial NAD depletion without loss of function or accelerated aging.
A recent study has found that increasing physical activity between the ages of 45 and 65 can help reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. The research, led by ISGlobal, suggests that even minimal amounts of exercise have health benefits for brain health.
A long-term follow-up study found that cycling among older adults improves health and life expectancy, particularly among nondrivers, who experience lower risks of long-term care requirements and mortality. Cycling contributes to maintaining physical and mental health, making it a vital lifestyle companion for this demographic.
The severity of menstrual-related symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome varies depending on exercise habits. Young women without regular exercise habits experience more symptoms influenced by menstruation days and perceived stress, whereas those with regular exercise habits have symptoms associated with body mass inde...
A study found that genetic predisposition to higher muscle strength is associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in aging men. The association remained significant even after adjusting for lifestyle factors such as smoking and body mass index.
Regular exercise can reduce side effects of cancer treatment, such as heart damage, nerve damage, and brain fog. It also improves psychological wellbeing, sleep quality, and overall quality of life in people with cancer.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of integrating exercise and rehabilitation services into routine breast cancer care. The Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation and Exercise (CORE) program improved functional deficits, fitness, and strength in patients with stage I-III breast cancer.
A new study found that staying active through moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with significantly better processing speed, working memory, and executive function in older adults. Even small changes to daily activities can have big impacts on brain health.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that exercise can improve brain health and mitigate cognitive decline, even when ketone production in the liver is impaired. The research found that endurance exercise can prevent cognitive impairment caused by compromised hepatic ketogenesis.
A multi-site clinical trial found that both low and moderate-high intensity exercise reduced cognitive decline in sedentary older adults with mild memory loss. The study showed that even low-intensity exercise may be beneficial for brain health, suggesting a promising new strategy to prevent or delay dementia.
Research found that bad habits like smoking, heavy drinking, and lack of exercise can lead to declines in health as young as 36, with effects more pronounced over the long-term. The study tracked hundreds of people for 30 years and found that three unhealthy behaviors were linked to poorer mental and physical health.
A University of Mississippi research team developed a machine learning model to predict exercise adherence based on body measurements, demographics, and lifestyle factors. The study analyzed data from 30,000 surveys and found that time spent sitting, gender, and education level were key factors in predicting physical activity habits.
A new study from the University of Bath found that combining step tracking with mindfulness training boosts people's desire to exercise. Participants who used a mobile app for daily mindfulness practices increased their activity by 373 minutes per week compared to those who only stepped tracked.
A study by the University of Jyväskylä found that muscles retain a memory trace of previous resistance training at the protein level for up to two and a half months. This persistence can make it easier to start training again after a break.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that teenagers who exercise regularly with their families are more likely to meet activity guidelines and report stronger mental health. The research showed that daily family exercise can lead to improved physical and mental well-being in teens, building strong bonds and confidence.
A study found that marathon runners experience a decrease in brain myelin content, but it recovers fully two months later. Myelin acts as an energy reserve, and the study opens new insights into brain energy metabolism.
The American Heart Association and NFL announced three winning schools that received $1,000 grants to boost student fitness. The schools will upgrade their physical activity equipment with cardio and strength exercises ideal for whole body health.
A doctor argues that prescribing parkrun takes pleasure out of exercise, reducing patient autonomy and embedding social resources. While parkrun has benefits, regular attendance is low among inactive individuals.
Researchers investigated why bones become less responsive to exercise with age, finding increased mtROS or decreased Atg7-dependent autophagy in osteoblastic cells do not contribute to reduced mechanoresponsiveness. Damage to the bone's osteocyte network also does not prevent a healthy bone-building response.
A three-year study found that independent outdoor time and multisport activities significantly support the development of motor competence in children. Girls showed better motor skills than boys, who were more active but didn't display a correlation with outdoor time.
A study found that pedometers capture a remarkable 88% of the health information provided by more advanced accelerometer measurements. Walking at a brisk pace is essential for cardiovascular health optimization, with a minimum cadence of 80 steps per minute strongly associated with good aerobic fitness.
Researchers found that habitually exercising retired adults outperformed sedentary peers in physical and cognitive tests. The study suggests that regular physical activity can help avoid the negative impacts of mental fatigue on cognitive and physical performance.
New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that even sporadic physical activity can have lasting health benefits, making it easier for people to prioritize their well-being amid busy schedules. The study found that completing 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, regardles...
A recent study published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity found that older adults exhibit similar or even less muscle damage than young adults after exercise. Muscle soreness was consistently lower in older adults, with reductions of around 34% at 48 hours and 62% at 72 hours compared to younger individuals.
A study explores how large language models (LLMs) can transform teaching by generating customized educational materials, assessing student progress, and providing targeted feedback. LLMs excel at automating routine tasks, reducing teachers' workload and enabling them to focus on mentoring students.
Researchers calculated two indicators from body composition data to examine the relationship between muscle quality and long-term care need. People with low phase angles and extracellular to intracellular water resistance ratios were found to be at high risk of becoming dependent, especially when values fell below median thresholds.
The American Heart Association invites communities nationwide to walk together on National Walking Day to break the cycle of sedentary behavior. Regular walking can improve both physical and mental well-being, even in small steps.
A study published in GeroScience found that weight training improves memory and brain anatomy in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The results showed that strength training protected against atrophy in key brain areas associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers propose a general formula modeling bone adaptation as a function of key loading parameters. The formula provides insights into the relationship between mechanical signals and adaptive bone responses, offering guidance for optimizing exercise regimens and designing medical devices to promote bone health.