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 reveals that nearly three-quarters of spinal cord injury patients want to exercise but only half actually do. The study also found that only 47% had been encouraged to exercise by their physicians, with 'lack of motivation' being a major barrier. Researchers aim to address these barriers through education and support programs.
Researchers studied 5069 patients and found that African Americans had lower exercise capacity despite higher rates of obesity. The study highlights the importance of weight reduction and increased physical fitness for preventing cardiovascular disease in African Americans.
The grant will fund research and development projects to create virtual exercise environments, adapt fitness equipment for individuals with disabilities, and promote tele-exercise. The goal is to overcome barriers and increase demand for accessible equipment and facilities.
Researchers from the University of California - Irvine discovered that even a single intense bout of exercise in teens and preteens raises cellular chemicals associated with disease while building muscle mass and increasing fitness. The study suggests a need to determine how much exercise is too much for healthy children.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that exercise, regardless of intensity or fitness level, can improve cholesterol levels by increasing the size of particles carrying good and bad cholesterol. The study also showed that standard lipid panels may not accurately measure risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that patients with diastolic heart failure have severely reduced exercise capacity and quality of life, similar to those with classic congestive heart failure. The study supports the existence of a second type of heart failure, highlighting the need for intensive research and treatment development.
A new study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine has confirmed the existence of diastolic heart failure, a condition that affects older adults' quality of life and exercise capacity. People with this condition experience severely reduced physical ability and increased neuroendocrine activity.
A $3.3 million NIH-funded grant will test whether changing the afternoon environment can increase physical activity, improve diets, and reduce body fat in third-graders.
A study found that aerobic exercise did not prevent aging-related bone loss, while higher body fat, especially in the abdomen, was linked to increased bone mineral densities. Muscle strength also played a role in maintaining bone health, contrasting previous studies suggesting aerobics could have a protective effect.
A study found that exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy improved fatigue, distress, mental health, and physical function in Gulf War veterans. Physical function improved more in those who received CBT, while mental health issues showed significant gains with exercise or both.
A 12-week aggressive exercise program showed high adherence rates among low-income, inner-city participants with disabilities. Participants experienced improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility despite chronic health conditions.
A University of Florida study found that college-age men were more prone to excessive exercise and related negative effects compared to women. Men who exercised for physical and mental well-being benefits were more likely to become dependent on working out.
Dr. Paskett will lead a study comparing the effects of low-fat and low-sugar diets on breast cancer risk in pre-menopausal women. The study aims to explore potential biomarkers for nutrition's role in preventing breast cancer.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a prehabilitation program improved balance, muscle strength, and mobility in physically frail elderly individuals. The program, which included physical therapy and resistance band exercises, significantly reduced disability scores compared to a health education group.
A Yale University study found that a 6-month exercise program improved muscle strength, balance, and mobility in physically frail elderly people. The program also reduced disability scores by 45% and nursing home use among participants.
Regular aerobic and weight-lifting activities can help diabetics control blood sugar and lower blood pressure, also providing cardiovascular benefits. Exercise training reduces total and abdominal fat, leading to improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and blood vessel function.
In a 6-month study, black women experienced a 26% decrease in daily energy expenditure after weight loss, while white women saw a 16% increase. The authors conclude that black women's decline in physical activity increases their risk of weight relapse.
A recent study reveals that nearly 25% of adults with disabilities are obese, compared to 15% without disabling conditions. Adults with lower limb mobility difficulties face the highest risk and often lack exercise counseling from their physicians.
A new report rejects the outdated Food Guide Pyramid, instead recommending a balanced approach to fats, carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and protein. The report emphasizes the importance of balancing energy output with food intake, particularly among sedentary Americans.
A recent study by researchers Jennifer Gerlach and Dorothy Espelage found that exercise may not have a positive impact on the mental health of women with eating disorders. In contrast, men with similar exercise habits showed strong associations between exercise and improved psychological well-being.
A new study found that the increased pain following exercise in osteoarthritis patients is short-lived, typically subsiding by evening. This insight can help patients cope with temporary increases in pain and stick to exercise programs for long-term benefits.
A study of 2,950 children found that in utero exposure to maternal smoking was linked to asthma and wheezing, with genetic susceptibility playing a significant role. Low body weight in COPD patients is also associated with greater muscle atrophy and poorer exercise capacity.
Scientists have successfully transformed sedentary mouse muscles into fatigue-resistant type I muscle fibers by introducing the PGC-1Q protein, which activates energy production and oxidative metabolism. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for treating muscle fatigue in patients and individuals confined to bed rest.
The ACP Annals Tip Sheet discusses growth hormone deficiency treatment, exercise counseling effectiveness, and West Nile virus prevention strategies. The USPSTF found mixed evidence on exercise counseling's impact on patient activity, while recommending public mosquito control programs for virus prevention.
A new study reveals that six to 10 minutes of vigorous exercise per class can significantly improve adolescents' risk profiles, with drops in systolic and diastolic pressures. The study found that exercise-only groups had lower body fat and blood pressure than control groups.
The study found that 6 deaths resulted from brain injuries, while 8 players died from heatstroke in 1970. Dr. Frederick Mueller recommends practices with regular cooling-off breaks and pre-practice physical examinations to prevent such fatalities.
Participants with lower physical functioning experienced rapid progress toward higher functional levels after taking Tai Chi classes. Additionally, those with lower health perceptions and depression reported more significant improvements in physical function.
A new study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that exercising boosts the confidence of older adults. By promoting fitness-related variables like weight, energy and eating habits, public health interventions can help build confidence to continue exercising, leading to long-term behavioral change.
A recent study by the American Physiological Society found that non-coffee drinkers experience a greater ergogenic benefit from caffeine consumption compared to regular users. Caffeine's effect on physical productivity was also examined, revealing no significant increase in performance for sustained coffee drinkers.
A randomized clinical trial found that exercise reduced estradiol and estrone levels in postmenopausal women, particularly those who lost body fat. The study suggests that exercise may play a role in reducing the risk of breast cancer by lowering estrogen levels in older women.
Regular physical exercise can significantly improve physical and mental health in breast cancer patients, reducing fatigue and weight gain. Physical activity may also extend survival rates by improving immune function and hormone levels.
A study of 50 healthy postmenopausal women found that a specific exercise program reduced the risk of vertebral fractures and retained benefits for eight years after completion. The exercise group had lower bone density loss and better back strength than the control group.
Working parents spend the same amount of time physically present in school as non-parents, but find ways to care for their children by reducing personal time and leisure activities. Teachers with older children also contribute to childcare by taking on extra duties.
A study found that nearly 56% of diabetic patients have stress-induced ischemic defects revealed by SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging, regardless of age or sex. These defects were more prevalent in asymptomatic patients than those with a history of chest pain.
A one-year study found that a diet reducing fat and calories, combined with walking, led to an average weight loss of 8.5% and improved blood sugar levels. Exercise was reported as the most beneficial behavior among participants.
Researchers found that estradiol levels changed significantly during exercise for women using transdermal estrogen patches, but returned to normal within thirty minutes. In contrast, other hormones showed no significant changes during exercise with oral or transdermal administration.
Researchers at University of Illinois found that physically active older adults perform better in executive control tasks, which require more conscious effort. The study suggests increased physical activity is beneficial for older adults, improving their cognitive functioning and reaction time.
A CWRU study of 1,000 retirees aged 75+ found that regular exercise and not smoking significantly correlated with increased lifespan. Exercise was also shown to improve physical function and mental health, such as reduced depression and increased exuberance for life.
Researchers followed 1,000 adults over nine years to explore the effects of health-promoting behaviors on quality and quantity of life. The study found that those who exercised regularly had a lower risk of mortality and reported greater psychological well-being, while smokers had a higher risk.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that an at-home exercise program significantly reduced depression and stress among caregivers of demented relatives. The program provided regular counseling sessions to help participants work up to a home exercise routine.
Research finds that infants with flow limitation in breathing may be more likely to develop asthma, while rhinovirus infection increases disease severity in acute bronchiolitis, and exercise can be safely done by women with sickle cell anemia
The study found that high-intensity physical training significantly improved cardiovascular fitness profiles and reduced abdominal fat in obese adolescents. Moderate-intensity physical training had less impact on these outcomes.
Researchers have identified the first genetic loci associated with aerobic capacity in rats, revealing a complex relationship between inherited traits and exercise. The study used a genome scan to find quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to aerobic running capacity and found significant associations on chromosomes RNO16 and RNO8.
Researchers found that fibromyalgia patients exhibit a blunted response to exercise-induced sympathetic nervous activity, indicating normal muscle physiology. The study also revealed no increased pain or fatigue in the post-exercise period, challenging previous assumptions about the role of physical effort in exacerbating symptoms.
Researchers discovered a protein enzyme called calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) that controls mitochondrial production in muscle tissue, leading to improved metabolic properties. This finding has the potential to develop new drugs that mimic the effects of regular exercise for individuals unable to exercise.
A recent Ohio State University survey found that two-thirds of pregnant women believe walking and sex can induce labor. However, experts say these methods may not be effective and could pose health risks to the mother and baby. The study's author emphasizes the importance of waiting for natural labor to begin.
A study of 643 women found that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are an indicator of increased cardiovascular risk in people with no signs of heart disease. Regular exercise has been shown to decrease blood pressure in all groups of people, regardless of their weight or ethnicity.
A new UF study demonstrates improved aerobic capacity in healthy elderly adults following both low- and high-resistance exercise training programs. This challenges the conventional view that strength training is not effective for improving cardiovascular and respiratory performance.
A study found that iron supplementation significantly enhanced maximal oxygen uptake and respiratory exchange ratio in iron-depleted women, improving their adaptation to aerobic exercise. Women with more depleted initial iron status showed the most improvement.
Research emphasizes the role of environmental factors in promoting physical activity, including accessibility, pleasant surroundings, and convenience. The study found that people are more likely to engage in outdoor activities when there are safe and accessible paths, bikeways, and health clubs nearby.
A University of North Carolina study found that individually tailored health promotion programs can significantly improve the lives of working women. The program, which included confidential feedback and lay health advisory programs, boosted fruit and vegetable consumption and improved strength and flexibility exercise among participants.
Two Johns Hopkins studies confirm the value of treadmill exercise tests in diagnosing heart disease before symptoms appear. Women with abnormal or inconclusive test results are up to 2.6 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, while men with similar test results are twice as likely to die from heart disease.
A University of Michigan study found that adolescent girls who feel confident about their physical abilities enjoy exercise more than those who doubt their skills. The research, led by Nola Pender, suggests that girls' perceptions and responses to exercise are linked to their confidence levels, with more confident girls reporting less ...
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that ultra-long-distance runners experience a decline in maximal voluntary force capacity due to central fatigue, but also exhibit strengthened twitch mechanical responses and unaltered M-wave characteristics.
A new study found that sustained caffeine intake counteracts the benefits of creatine supplementation, reducing muscle relaxation time and fatigue. This means that consuming high amounts of caffeine over a short period can negate the effects of creatine on exercise performance.
Regular intense exercise over nine months improved glucose metabolism in overweight individuals, with benefits persisting after cessation. The study found significant reductions in insulin levels and improvements in cardiovascular health.
Research with monkeys shows that low energy availability due to strenuous exercise training causes amenorrhea. Increasing food intake reverses the effect, suggesting a key role for energy balance in exercise-induced amenorrhea.
A Mayo Clinic study found that sildenafil does not worsen symptoms of inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle during exercise in men with coronary artery disease. The study, which involved 105 patients, suggests that sildenafil can be safely prescribed for these patients without increasing their risk of heart attacks.
A training program improved emergency physicians' ability to diagnose strokes via CT scans, leading to a significant increase in accurate diagnoses. Remote review of CT scans using teleradiology also showed reliable results in evaluating stroke patients for thrombolytic therapy.
A study suggests that robot-assisted sensorimotor therapy can help stroke survivors recover movement abilities years later. The robot exercises patients' limbs and rebuilds nerve pathways from the brain to the injured limb, leading to improved movement abilities.