Exercise

Where did 10,000 steps a day come from?

There is a general consensus amongst fitness enthusiasts that if an individual wants to stay healthy, they need to walk about 10,000 steps a day. People across the globe have accordingly been adjusting their target of daily steps on fitness trackers to this number. Scientific studies based on fitness have also been conducted to check the validity of the claim that walking 10,000 steps will ensure good health. How did this belief come into being? Is there any truth behind it or is it just another myth?

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Latest Exercise News and Research

Decoding the genetic roots of stroke and heart attack

In a new study published in the European Heart Journal, researchers at Karolinska Institutet show that genetic traits influence the cellular composition of atherosclerotic plaques, which over time will affect the risk of such lesions to cause a stroke or heart attack. The new knowledge can be used to improve the risk assessment and treatment of patients with atherosclerosis in the future.

20 Nov 2024

Cardiorespiratory fitness trumps BMI in predicting risk of death and heart disease

As rates of obesity, as defined by body mass index (BMI), continue to climb in the United States, so have efforts to lose weight, including a new era of weight-loss drugs.

20 Nov 2024

Survival chances found to be significantly better for sports-related cardiac arrest

Most cases of cardiac arrest during sport are likely to be preventable. In addition, the emergency response with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillators within the sports context can be improved.

19 Nov 2024

New research links sphingolipids to heart disease and atherosclerosis

Excess cholesterol is known to form artery-clogging plaques that can lead to stroke, arterial disease, heart attack, and more, making it the focus of many heart health campaigns.

19 Nov 2024

Benefits of sport and leisure activities outweigh the risks for people with heart disease, cardiologists say

While exercise is generally beneficial for a person's overall health, physical activities may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular disease events in certain susceptible individuals. However, cardiologists say that the benefits outweigh the risks.

19 Nov 2024

Anti-obesity drugs show promise in improving cardiovascular health beyond weight loss

Popular anti-obesity drugs continue to show cardiovascular benefits beyond weight loss, according to several new papers published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology, that are being simultaneously presented at the American Heart Association's 2024 Scientific Sessions.

19 Nov 2024

UQ swimming program reverses motor decline in young people with severe cerebral palsy

A competitive swimming program developed by University of Queensland researchers for young people with severe cerebral palsy has reversed motor decline associated with the condition.

19 Nov 2024

Some parents may struggle with managing children's anger, poll suggests

Many parents are all too familiar with angry outbursts from their children, from sibling squabbles to protests over screen time limits.

18 Nov 2024

Proactively screening diabetes patients for heart disease does not improve long-term survival

While coronary heart disease and diabetes are often seen in the same patients, a diagnosis of diabetes does not necessarily mean that patients also have coronary heart disease, according to a new study from researchers at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City.

18 Nov 2024

Tirzepatide improves heart health and function in obese HFpEF patients

In the international SUMMIT trial, adults with heart failure preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity taking tirzepatide for up to 3 years had a reduced combined risk of worsening heart failure events and cardiovascular death, and improved health status and physical function in comparison to participants taking placebo, according to late-breaking science presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024.

18 Nov 2024

SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin shown to improve kidney oxygenation in diabetes patients

Type 2 diabetes can lead to diabetic kidney disease, but a class of drugs that cause the kidneys to remove glucose through urine has been gaining attention.

18 Nov 2024

Diabetes rates skyrocket globally with millions left untreated

The total number of adults living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the world has surpassed 800 million - over four times the total number in 1990, according to findings from a global analysis published ahead of World Diabetes Day in The Lancet.

18 Nov 2024

Excessive sedentary time linked to higher heart disease risk

More time spent sitting, reclining or lying down during the day may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death, according to a study in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology, and presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024.

15 Nov 2024

Non-invasive, low-cost tool developed for assessing risk of vitamin D deficiency in young women

Vitamin D, an essential nutrient, is naturally produced through sun exposure and certain foods. However, excessive sunburn prevention measures are causing a severe problem of vitamin D deficiency, particularly among young women in Japan.

15 Nov 2024

Inequalities in green space linked to preventable deaths in urban areas

Findings reveal that more green space in deprived neighborhoods is associated with lower mortality rates, advocating for strategic public health initiatives.

15 Nov 2024

Long-term sedentary behavior raises blood pressure in youth

Time spent sedentary beyond six hours per day during growth from childhood through young adulthood may cause an excess increase of 4 mmHg in systolic blood pressure, a new study shows.

14 Nov 2024

Study shows how microbial load affects gut health and disease

In sickness or in health, the billions of microorganisms that inhabit our guts are our constant companions throughout life. In the past few decades, scientists have shown how the nature of this 'microbiome' can provide valuable clues to human diseases and their treatment.

14 Nov 2024

Primary care clinicians key to achieving optimal cardiovascular health

Primary care clinicians and practices are uniquely positioned to help people achieve optimal cardiovascular health through screening, diagnosing and treating the health behaviors and factors outlined in the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 health metrics to reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke, according to a new scientific statement published today in the Association's peer-reviewed journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

13 Nov 2024

Study suggests beta-blockers may elevate depression symptoms in post-MI patients

In MI patients with preserved heart function, beta-blockers are linked to higher depressive symptoms, indicating a need for careful mental health assessment.

13 Nov 2024

Frailty may predict dementia risk years before onset, study finds

Research shows frailty levels rise significantly before dementia, suggesting it could be a key marker for early identification and prevention of dementia risk.

13 Nov 2024