Research on physical activity and how it affects health. Covers running and step counts, disease risk reduction, fitness tracking, and exercise physiology.
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.
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.