January news update
KiActiv® is constantly looking for ways to innovate and develop our programmes based on the latest developments in the field of physical activity research. Being guided by the literature not only enables us to continue to adapt internally, but also helps us to highlight the ever-evolving benefits of everyday activity, ensuring that you can fully appreciate the positive impact that your increased activity is having on your health!
As a result, we have collated some of the most interesting, cutting-edge research pieces published this month to help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of everything from your general wellbeing and physical health to your mental and cognitive health
- Parkinson’s Disease: A new study suggests that those with early-stage Parkinson’s disease who undertake regular physical activity may have less difficulty walking, processing information, and doing daily activities later in life. They also found that each type of physical activity had different effects on the body, with one to two hours of moderate-to-vigorous activity twice a week resulting in a slower decline in balance and walking stability. The study was published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, click here to read the full article.
- Diabetes:We all know that an increase in physical activity is effective in reducing blood sugar levels, however, a new study has shown that regular physical activity also significantly changes the body’s metabolism, and many of these changes are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition, the study showed that increased physical activity improves insulin secretion and sensitivity. In type 2 diabetes, cells lose their sensitivity to insulin, so these results highlight why physical activity is crucial for the prevention of the condition. You can read the full study here.
- Fatigue: How fatigued certain activities make an older person feel can predict the likelihood of death and other health consequences in the near future, according to research published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. However, there is also research showing that increased physical activity can decrease your fatiguability, and it is never too late to start increasing your activity.
- Heart health: Researchers who studied 25,000 women over 17 years found that post-menopausal women who walk faster are less likely to get heart failure. Those who walked fast (>3mph), compared to casually, were found to be 34% less likely to develop heart failure, even when other factors raising their risk of heart failure, like their weight and alcohol consumption, were taken into account. Click here to read more about the study.
- Mental Health: Physical activity is regularly used as a way of reducing symptoms of anxiety, but how effective is it? A large-scale study of almost 200,000 cross-country skiers found that being physically active halves the risk of developing clinical anxiety over time. Among women, a higher physical performance (faster skiing) was associated with an increased risk of anxiety compared to slower skiing However, for men, the finishing time of the race did not significantly impact the risk of anxiety. This suggests that leisurely, enjoyable forms of physical activity are effective for reducing anxiety risk. Read more here.
At KiActiv® we always aim to provide our clients with the best advice based off the latest scientific research. We hope this insight into some recent studies can help you when it comes to physical activity and making choices to improve your health.
