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 found that moderate-intensity exercise performed in the morning can improve sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Women who exercised for at least half an hour daily, seven days a week, had better sleep onset and quality compared to those exercising in the evening.
A three-year study of 4,122 women from diverse backgrounds found that age, confidence, and social connections play significant roles in exercise behavior. However, unexpected factors such as family size and religious attendance also influenced physical activity levels.
A study of 83 heart attack patients found that 12% did not exercise at all over the next year, despite completing a cardiac rehabilitation program. The number of people exercising decreased significantly, with most sessions lasting only 35-45 minutes and averaging only 28.2% time spent in the targeted heart rate zone.
Researchers studied 99 adults with mild hypertension, finding reduced heart function during exercise and at rest if they delivered less oxygen per beat. This study suggests oxygen pulse during exercise could be a useful screening tool for identifying heart issues in these individuals.
A study found that exercise combined with caregiver training can improve physical activity, reduce depression, and enhance physical health and function in people with Alzheimer's. Caregiver education also played a crucial role in the program's success.
A recent study by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that Hispanic heart patients had a significant survival advantage compared to their white and African-American counterparts. After adjusting for age and clinical data, Hispanic patients were only about 80% as likely to die as whites or blacks.
Research highlights the importance of exercise for older adults, dispelling stereotypes that age means poor health. Regular physical activity can benefit elderly individuals as much as younger people, enabling them to maintain independence and manage daily functions.
A USC study found that physical activity can reduce the risk of breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS) by up to 35%, particularly among women who exercise more than four hours a week. The exact mechanism is unclear, but hormones and immune-boosting effects are potential theories.
Researchers investigated chronic pain management through surveys, questionnaires, and studies. The results highlighted the importance of pain treatment outcomes, associations with health-risk behaviors, and post-traumatic stress disorder relationships. Additionally, a new exercise program improved arm and hand recovery after stroke.
A study found that exercise increases BDNF and neurogenesis in mice, but high levels of these chemicals don't necessarily improve learning. In fact, high-running mice perform poorly in maze tests, suggesting a potential 'tipping point' where too much exercise becomes detrimental.
Researchers found that resistance exercise can alter the expression of clock genes in human skeletal muscle, causing a phase shift similar to winding on (resetting) the muscle clock. This suggests that peripheral clocks can regulate themselves independently of the central clock.
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who performed below average in peak exercise capacity and recovery rate were more likely to die from heart disease. Regular exercise was shown to combat risk factors, with moderate physical activity improving exercise capacity by 15-30%.
Researchers found significant racial and sex differences in nasal contribution to breathing during exercise, with African-Americans having a greater nasal contribution than Caucasians. Women had significantly less physical work capacity and breathing efficiency compared to men.
Caffeine was found to reduce thigh muscle pain in young adult men during cycling exercise, suggesting its potential as a pain relief aid for endurance activities. The study's results may help explain why prior reports showed that caffeine improves exercise performance.
Researchers found that women exercising 250-300 minutes per week and reducing calorie and fat intake lost up to 15% of their body weight in about six months. They also increased cardiorespiratory fitness compared to baseline values.
Research found that moderate-intensity physical activities like walking, biking, or swimming can reduce breast-cancer risk in postmenopausal women by about 20 percent. Regular exercise also offers a similar protection among high-risk groups, such as those with a strong family history of breast cancer.
Exercising and losing weight can significantly reduce excess insulin production and lower blood pressure in patients with Syndrome X. The study found that overweight patients experienced a 47% reduction in hyperinsulinemia with combined exercise and weight loss.
A historic conference at the U.S. Naval Academy brought together experts on underwater rescue and salvage, including survivors of notable submarine accidents like USS SQUALUS and USS TANG. The accounts of these men are now transcribed in a new book that explores some of the most daring undersea missions of the last century.
The Exten Fitness System uses motorized chairs to provide a safe all-body workout for those unfit or overweight, helping counter the UK's 'couch potato' culture. The system offers 23 exercises in 30 minutes, promoting increased muscle tone and mobility, improved circulation and coordination.
A new study is investigating the role of genetics in exercise response, seeking to identify genes that influence body composition and fitness. The project aims to develop personalized exercise programs tailored to individual needs, which could lead to improved weight loss and reduced obesity-related risks.
The UNC study found that residents with access to trails, sidewalks, and well-lit streets were more likely to meet the recommended physical activity levels. Notably, blacks, American Indians, and those with lower education and income levels reported less favorable neighborhood environments and reduced access to exercise spaces.
A recent study found that older women who live in neighborhoods with good walkability are up to 100% more physically active. Women who live near parks, trails, or shops have higher levels of activity than those whose homes are not within walking distance.
A Mayo Clinic study found that middle-aged and older adults who engage in regular aerobic exercise can maintain increased insulin sensitivity for up to four days after their last workout. However, this effect is not seen in those over 40, highlighting the importance of frequent exercise for preventing or treating Type 2 diabetes.
Scientists tested a synthetic earthquake on a half-real building with conventional and simulated steel support columns. The experiment, called the 'Multi-Site Online Simulation Test,' used grid-linked machines to create a realistic simulation of an earthquake, producing a profusion of real-time data.
A study found that exercising in front of a mirror reduces women's energy, relaxation, and positivity. This effect persists even among those with good body image, suggesting mirrors may hinder physical activity motivation. The findings have implications for exercise promotion guidelines and the use of mirrors in workout centers.
A study found that job stress may be a missing link between workplace exercise and heart risk. Leisure-time exercise benefits were substantial, with moderate exercisers having slower atherosclerosis progression than sedentary individuals.
A study by Taiwanese researchers found that swimming exercises can improve bone density and mechanical properties in growing rats, similar to weight-bearing exercise. However, the benefits of non-weight-bearing exercises like swimming on long bone biomechanical properties were not significant.
A study found that applying a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug cream to the skin reduced muscle soreness by 37-45% in healthy males after exercise. This method avoids systemic side effects associated with oral NSAID use, which are common among patients.
Researchers are investigating how exercise affects immune function in older populations, aiming to prevent infections and improve health outcomes. Preliminary data suggests moderate exercise may boost immune function measures and reduce mortality caused by influenza.
Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute built a state-of-the-art machine translation system for Hindi in less than a month, achieving all aspects of the DARPA's 'Surprise Language' project. The system uses statistical models to find the most likely translations and can query Hindi databases using English questions.
A two-year study compares Chinese immigrant stroke patients to controls, finding reduced stroke risk through improved dietary habits, increased exercise, and better job status. Stressful factors like language barriers also contribute to lower job satisfaction among immigrants.
Researchers found exercise had a bigger emotional boost for those with high neuroticism measures, suggesting it could benefit individuals with psychological difficulties. The study also found the link between physical activity and mood was independent of daily events.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that muscle capillaries respond differently to exercise in men and women. Women's skeletal muscle increased in capillary density after 24 weeks of supervised exercise training, while men did not. Both genders showed similar improvements in exercise capacity.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that moderate exercise, equivalent to 11 miles of brisk walking or jogging per week, was preferred over high-intensity exercise. Participants in the supervised program tended to move towards a regimen more similar to the moderate group after completion.
Research at Duke University Medical Center shows that physical inactivity leads to a significant increase in visceral fat, while high amounts of exercise can lead to significant decreases. The study also found that lower amounts of exercise prevented the accumulation of visceral fat but did not lead to improvements.
Duke University researchers found that exercise reduces potentially harmful cholesterol levels in the blood. The extent of this benefit depends on exercise amount and intensity, as well as gender. After a five-year trial, they discovered that high-intensity exercise led to sustained benefits in HDL cholesterol for both men and women.
The study found that lung surgery improves survival rates and function for some patients with severe emphysema, particularly those with concentrated disease in the upper lobes. However, patients with more diffuse disease and greater exercise capacity are at higher risk of complications.
A major government study found that surgery provides significant improvements in pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life for selected emphysema patients. The study identified specific criteria, including CT scan patterns and exercise capacity, to determine which patients are best suited for surgical therapy.
Research shows older women with cardiovascular disease can improve quality of life and exercise tolerance through cardiac rehabilitation programs. Despite low participation rates, the study found benefits for women in their 70s and beyond.
A new study found that exercise training improves quality of life and increases survival rates among breast cancer survivors. Regular physical activity can help reduce the negative impact of treatment on cardiopulmonary function, leading to improved overall well-being.
A study found that most physical activity web sites provide general knowledge but lack personalized assistance to users. Tailored messages can increase the chance of material usage and personal change. One site, JustMove.org, outperformed others in providing interaction and tailored assistance.
A simple lab exercise introduces students to exploring catena soils, recognizing horizon changes, and associating auger holes with soil descriptions. The exercise helps students understand the impact of topography on soil properties and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
A study of over 800 adults found that combining weight loss, improved exercise, and a low-salt diet significantly lowers blood pressure. The participants who received comprehensive lifestyle modification had the best results, with an average reduction of 11mmHg in systolic and 6.4mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.
A large-scale prospective trial will determine whether exercise can reduce mortality for patients with heart failure or any other disease. The study, led by Duke University, aims to find out if exercise has an effect on reducing hospitalizations among heart failure patients.
Researchers found that supplementation with whey isolate and creatine increased muscle fiber size and strength gains, particularly in fast-twitch fibers. The study suggests that dietary strategies enhancing resistance training outcomes have significant implications for athletes and individuals with muscle-wasting conditions.
A study found that patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) who have reduced cardiac output and blood volume may exhibit decreased left ventricular function. The researchers used nuclear ventriculography to assess the heart's functioning in CFS patients and healthy controls during exercise and postural stress.
A new study reveals that consuming caffeine and ephedra prior to exercise alters the cardiovascular system by increasing blood pressure and hypersensitive response. The combination also heightens systolic blood pressure before exercise, indicating greater demands on the heart.
A new study investigates the likelihood that physical activity level regulation with aging is controlled, in part, by genetic factors. The research found significant differences between strains of female mice in physical activity measurements, suggesting a genetic influence on age-related changes in daily physical activity levels.
Researchers found that positive attitudes toward exercise most strongly influenced intention, followed by control over obstructing factors. Pregnant women who exercised reported improved physical condition, reduced discomfort, and increased energy. Postpartum barriers include exhaustion and lack of time.
Researchers found significant improvement in fatigue among MS patients who participated in yoga and exercise groups compared to a waiting list group. The study suggests that activity interventions may have a positive impact on quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers examined how transformational and transactional leadership predicted unit potency, cohesion, and performance. They found that both styles led to improved performance in simulated combat training exercises.
A meta-analysis of 48 studies found that creatine and HMB supplements effectively increased lean tissue gain with resistance training. These supplements doubled lean gain over the placebo group, suggesting independent mechanisms of action.
Researchers found that obese baboons had normal leptin levels, indicating that high cholesterol and obesity are triggered by different mechanisms. The study's findings suggest that humans can get away with indulging in unhealthy habits without suffering severe health consequences.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that older divers remain healthy enough to dive safely as long as they do not have any underlying lung or heart conditions. The study used hyperbaric chambers to measure the effects of carbon dioxide retention on older and younger divers.
A new study confirms the link between exercise and brain changes in aging humans using high-resolution MRI. Fitness slows down age-related decline in brain density, particularly in gray and white matter.
Researchers found that postmenopausal women who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise experienced significant reductions in weight, total body fat, and intra-abdominal fat. The study's large sample size and high adherence rates make it a significant finding for older women seeking to reduce their risk of chronic disease.
A recent study found that gyms in western Oregon fail to meet ADA guidelines for accessibility, with pathways and customer service areas being the most non-compliant. The researchers offer specific recommendations for improvement, available online.
Researchers investigate various aspects of exercise and recreation for individuals with mobility impairments, including the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted prosthetic sockets, the importance of walking speed after stroke, and the development of rehabilitation technologies. These studies aim to improve the lives of people with spinal c...
Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) who undergo supervised exercise programs experience improvements in blood flow, reduced systemic inflammation, and enhanced cardiovascular health. By walking on a treadmill several times a week, PAD patients can eventually reduce their leg pain and increase their walking distance.
A new study found that videotaping a message about healthy eating can increase fruit and vegetable consumption in African American teenagers. The intervention combined behavioral skills learning with motivational techniques, leading to significant improvements in dietary habits.