Science Weekly
A weekly round up of scientific research for personal trainers. Join for free to get Science Weekly updates delivered straight to your inbox.
 We found many impactful studies published in the world of fitness, nutrition and exercise science in the past week. Well worth a read for personal trainers and their clients. The highlights:
Obesity: A dangerous immune response Researchers show which molecular processes promote secondary diseases in obesity. Source: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München The secret to staying young: New research highlights power of life long exercise to keep muscles healthy Lifelong physical activity could protect against age-related loss of muscle mass and function, according to new research. Individuals aged 68 and above who were physically active throughout their life have healthier aging muscle that has superior function and is more resistant to fatigue compared to inactive individuals, both young and old. This is the first study to investigate muscle, stem cell and nerve activity in humans. The researchers from University of Copenhagen, Denmark, found that elderly individuals who keep physically active throughout their adult life, whether by taking part in resistance exercise, ball games, racket sports, swimming, cycling, running and/or rowing had a greater number of muscle stem cells, otherwise known as satellite cells in their muscle. These cells are important for muscle regeneration and long-term growth and protect against nerve decay. Source: The Physiological Society Chef’s kiss: Research shows healthy home cooking equals a healthy mind New research has found being confident in the kitchen is not only good for your taste buds: it’s also good for your mental health. Source: Edith Cowan University 100g of cranberries a day improves cardiovascular health, study finds A new clinical trial found daily consumption of cranberries for one month improved cardiovascular function in healthy men. Source: King's College London Origins of diabetes may be different in men and women Development of the disease depends on location and features of fat tissue in each sex Researchers look at how fat tissue from different parts of the body may lead to diabetes onset in men and women. They reviewed almost 200 hundred scientific papers looking for a deeper understanding of how fat operates at the surface and tissue level, and the mechanisms by which that tissue contributes to diabetes onset. Source: Concordia University Good news for coffee lovers: Daily coffee may benefit the heart Drinking two to three cups a day was associated with greatest heart benefits Drinking coffee -- particularly two to three cups a day -- is not only associated with a lower risk of heart disease and dangerous heart rhythms but also with living longer, according to recent studies. These trends held true for both people with and without cardiovascular disease. Researchers said the analyses -- the largest to look at coffee's potential role in heart disease and death -- provide reassurance that coffee isn't tied to new or worsening heart disease and may actually be heart protective. Source: American College of Cardiology Active video games provide alternative workout Study shows exergaming has positive health effects for people who don’t want to hit the gym Working out isn't known for being fun. But new active video and virtual reality games may help change that. Exergaming, or active video gaming, may be the perfect introduction to helping people be more active, according to new research. Source: University of Georgia Exercise holds even more heart health benefits for people with stress-related conditions Study underscores the brain’s role in deriving cardiovascular benefits from physical activity Regular physical activity had nearly doubled the cardiovascular benefit in individuals with depression or anxiety, compared with individuals without these diagnoses, according to a new study. Source: American College of Cardiology Large study challenges the theory that light alcohol consumption benefits heart health Any observed benefit likely results from other lifestyle factors common among light to moderate drinkers, say researchers
In an observational analysis of UK Biobank participants, light to moderate drinkers had the lowest heart disease risk, followed by people who abstained from drinking; however, light to moderate drinkers tended to have healthier lifestyles than abstainers, which likely accounted for their better heart health. Genetic evidence in this same population suggested that all levels of alcohol intake are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Notably, the risk of cardiovascular disease linked to light alcohol consumption was modest but rose exponentially with higher intake, even at intake levels currently endorsed as 'low risk.' Source: Massachusetts General Hospital |
