PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

This study tests a program called the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) in middle schools. The program adds staff support, teacher training, and custom activity plans to help students aged 11-14 become more active. Researchers will measure changes in physical…

This study tested a 12-week program for Hispanic mothers with overweight or obesity and their 3-5 year old children. The program included weekly classes on nutrition, exercise, and coping skills, plus exercise sessions. Researchers measured changes in weight, body fat, and health…

This study tested a smartphone app to help young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39) lose weight. The app tracked diet and activity as part of a behavioral weight loss program. The goal was to see if this approach was practical and well-liked by participants. The study involved 6…

This study looked at whether having a partner or support figure attend clinic visits before and after bariatric surgery helps patients lose more weight and make healthier choices. 63 adults seeking weight-loss surgery were randomly assigned to bring a support person or not. Resea…

This study tested whether giving extra health coaching to new parents—especially fathers—could help prevent rapid weight gain in babies and reduce obesity risk. Researchers enrolled 657 parents from Massachusetts General Hospital and randomly assigned them to either receive coach…

This study looked at whether telling overweight East Asians their genetic risk for type 2 diabetes, combined with using a Fitbit, could encourage them to be more active. 355 participants aged 40-60 were split into groups: some got just a Fitbit, others got their genetic risk plus…

This study tested a 12-month telephone-based counseling program, supported by community health workers, to help people in rural Alabama become more physically active. The goal was to increase moderate-to-vigorous activity as a way to prevent cancer. 245 participants who were not …

This study looked at whether removing the cost of youth sports programs and providing extra family support can help low-income children ages 6 to 12 get more physical activity. About 430 kids from 20 parks in Minneapolis and Saint Paul took part over two years. The goal was to se…

This completed study tested a program to prevent obesity in mothers and children from pregnancy to age 2. It involved 1,645 families at community health centers in Boston. The program used education, text messages, and provider training to promote healthy eating, physical activit…

This study tested an 8-month exercise program for 30 people aged 90 and older. The program included warm-up walks, strength exercises with light weights, games, and stretching. Researchers measured changes in body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The g…

This study tested two virtual, 8-week programs (Active Brains 1 and 2) in 267 older adults with chronic pain and early cognitive decline. Both programs taught skills like relaxation, cognitive training, and positive psychology to help manage symptoms. Researchers measured changes…

This study tested a smartphone app called 'Bouge' to see if it could help pregnant women walk more each day. 250 pregnant women used either the Bouge app or a placebo app starting at 15 weeks. The goal was to increase daily steps by 2,000. Researchers also looked at sleep, well-b…

This study looked at whether a 16-week brisk walking program, combined with dietary advice, could improve heart rate control and blood vessel health in adults with early-stage cirrhosis (liver scarring). Fifty participants aged 45-75 who were not very active took part. The goal w…

This study looked at whether exercising in the morning or evening helps control blood sugar better in pregnant women with gestational diabetes or glucose intolerance. 39 women walked or stepped for 30 minutes either after breakfast or after dinner. The researchers measured blood …

This study tested a low-cost, portable exercise program for people with non-small cell lung cancer after surgery. The goal was to help them manage severe fatigue and improve their quality of life. 235 adults took part, and the program was designed to be safe and practical for nea…

This study tested a 6-week program called Heart Up! that uses text messages and social support to help adults with heart disease become more physically active and feel less hopeless. About 224 patients who had a heart attack or related procedure took part. The program aimed to im…

This study looked at whether teaching healthy habits to pregnant women could improve their sleep and physical activity. Fifty-seven women in their third trimester took part. One group received six weeks of health training, while the other group had standard care. Results showed t…

This study tested a mobile app called HopeMove designed to help teenagers with cancer stay physically active and reduce fatigue. Fifteen adolescents aged 13 to 18 who were receiving cancer treatment used the app for four weeks, doing guided exercises at least three times a week. …

This study tested whether taking 4 grams of taurine every day for 6 months can slow biological aging in healthy adults aged 55 to 75. Researchers measured aging through blood and DNA tests, and also checked physical fitness and thinking skills. The goal was to see if this simple …

This study tested a physical activity program for breast and endometrial cancer survivors who were not getting enough exercise. Participants started with a Fitbit activity tracker linked to their electronic health record, and those who did not improve were offered extra support l…

This study tested a mind-body program called GetActive for adults with chronic pain. The program combines relaxation techniques, coping skills, and physical activity (with or without a Fitbit). 82 participants completed the program, and researchers measured satisfaction, safety, …

This study looked at whether adding heart rate biofeedback training to regular physical activity can improve quality of life for people who have finished treatment for blood cancers. 80 adults in remission took part. The goal was to see if this combination helps them feel better …

This study tested whether a 6-week group dance fitness class could lower stress and improve mood in women aged 30 to 60. Forty-six women from Louisiana State University either joined the dance classes or continued their usual routine. Researchers measured stress through saliva sa…

This study looked at whether regular physical activity can improve thinking and memory in middle-aged adults (40-65) who have a family history of Alzheimer's disease. About 180 participants were randomly assigned to an exercise program or a comparison group and were followed for …

This small pilot study tested whether healthy adults could safely and comfortably exercise on a treadmill with their eyes closed, compared to a normal eyes-open session. Forty participants completed four treadmill workouts, two with eyes closed and two with eyes open. The study m…

This study tested a smartwatch and mobile app platform called Pedi@Ctivity to track physical activity in 362 adolescents, including those with chronic rheumatic disease. The goal was to collect big data and use AI to analyze activity patterns and create personalized exercise prog…

This study follows 87 women who had chronic low back pain 13 years ago to see how their pain, daily activities, and ability to work have changed. Researchers are looking for patterns that might predict who will improve or worsen over time. The goal is to better understand the lon…

This study tested a two-year school program designed to increase physical activity, improve fitness, and boost sports participation in Chilean children. Researchers compared 209 third-graders who followed the special program with those who had standard physical education. The goa…

This study tested whether adding calisthenics (bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats) to gym class helps teens get stronger and feel better about themselves. 100 students aged 13-16 were split into two groups: one did calisthenics for 12 weeks, the other followed standard…

This study examines a Danish law requiring public schools to include 45 minutes of physical activity each day. Researchers measured activity levels and BMI in over 5,000 children before and after the policy took effect. The goal is to see if the mandate actually boosts movement a…

This study looked at how using screens like phones and computers affects the physical and mental health of Egyptian teenagers aged 13 to 18. Researchers measured sleep quality, body awareness, posture, physical activity, and quality of life in 532 teens. The goal was to understan…

This study tested whether smartphone notifications could improve mood, physical activity, and sleep in over 1,000 medical interns. Participants received daily mood, activity, or sleep notifications through a mobile app. The study measured mood scores, step counts, sleep duration,…

This study looked at whether using a wearable device (like a fitness tracker) along with social media can help adults become more active and sleep better. 75 adults who had never used a wearable device before took part. The researchers measured changes in physical activity and sl…

This study tested different ways to teach physical activity-related health competence to nursing students in Bavaria. Over 300 students from 16 schools participated, with some schools using new teaching methods and others serving as controls. The goal was to see which approach be…

This study tested whether text messages can motivate adults to be more physically active. About 98 participants received fitness trackers and motivational texts for 26 weeks. The goal was to see if people liked the program and if their activity levels changed over time.

This Stanford study tested whether offering money for extra steps encourages people to walk more. 450 adults wore pedometers for a baseline week, then earned 2 cents per extra step for a week, followed by a final week without incentives. The goal was to see how different age grou…

This study looked at whether taking short, regular walks during long periods of sitting can lower blood sugar and cholesterol after meals—key risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Researchers compared the effects in normal-weight and overweight/obese South Asian adu…

This study looked at how children ages 8 to 17 use smartphones and tablets, including social media and games, and how that relates to their mental health, sleep, and physical activity. Over 900 children and their parents used the Aura app and completed surveys for three months. T…

This study tested whether a 9-week digital literacy training program could help older women (55+) feel more confident using physical activity apps. 63 women who already used such apps were split into two groups: one received weekly face-to-face training, the other continued as us…

This study tested whether social incentives like gamification and charity donations can help low-income families increase their physical activity. Nearly 800 participants from the Philadelphia area wore Fitbits and formed family teams. Each week, a random family member's step goa…

This completed study looked at 61 adults to see if physical fitness, body composition, and diet are linked to gum disease severity. Researchers reviewed dental records and lifestyle questionnaires from a previous study. No new treatments were tested; the goal was simply to unders…

This study looked at how physical activity changes the body at a molecular level in 320 children and teens ages 10-17. Participants gave blood samples after exercise and some took part in a 12-week exercise program. The goal was to understand the health benefits of exercise, not …

This study looked at how stress influences eating and physical activity in African-American, Hispanic, and white teen girls aged 13-17. Researchers measured food intake after stress and non-stress sessions, along with BMI and activity levels. The goal was to understand why obesit…

This study looked at whether a program called Movement Matters is practical and acceptable for children aged 7-11 with intellectual disabilities or autism. The program includes teacher training, school activities, family involvement, and role models. Researchers worked with 43 ch…

This study looked at whether 24 sessions of moderate aerobic exercise could improve fitness in postmenopausal women who get short of breath easily. Researchers measured how well their hearts and lungs worked during exercise. The goal was to see if exercise training can help reduc…

This study followed 18 adults with active ankylosing spondylitis who were starting anti-TNF therapy for the first time. Researchers measured their sleep quality using overnight sleep tests and a questionnaire, and tracked their daily step counts with a wearable device. The goal w…

This study tested a 3-month online program designed to help South Korean university students increase their physical activity during free time. Fifty-six students took part, using online materials and activities. Researchers measured changes in how much they exercised and their m…

This study tested a 12-week program where trained peer leaders guided older veterans with mobility issues in group exercise sessions twice a week and healthy eating discussions once a week. The goal was to see if this approach could improve diet quality and physical fitness. Thir…

This completed study looked at how physical activity, life satisfaction, and medication adherence are related in 82 older Turkish adults (65+) with chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Researchers used surveys to measure each factor. The goal was to understand…

This study looked at how exercise changes molecules in the body. About 1,800 adults were placed into endurance training, resistance training, or no exercise for 12 weeks. The goal was to create a detailed map of these molecular changes to help future research on the health benefi…

This study tested whether a personalized online program delivered through WeChat could help college students better balance their time across physical activity, sleep, and sitting. Fifty students aged 18-25 who did not meet healthy movement guidelines were randomly assigned to re…

This study looked at 159 pregnant women in their third trimester to see how their physical activity levels relate to blood flow in the uterus, the baby's heart rate, and birth weight. Researchers used questionnaires and step counters to measure activity. The goal is to better und…

This study tested whether short bursts of walking or jogging during long periods of sitting can improve how the body handles sugar and fats. Twenty-five healthy adults who sit most of the day took part. Researchers compared sitting without breaks to sitting interrupted by either …

This study looked at whether taking short walks at different frequencies during long periods of sitting can improve blood sugar and fat levels. Twenty-five healthy but sedentary adults participated. Researchers measured changes in blood markers after different patterns of sitting…

This study tested a program to help elementary school teachers use active learning—getting kids moving during lessons. Over 300 teachers and students took part. The program included training and newsletters. Researchers measured how acceptable teachers found it and how much physi…

This study looked at whether doctors at 20 primary care clinics would adopt a program to refer patients with chronic diseases to a 12-week community exercise program. Researchers tested different ways to train clinic staff and tracked how many patients got referrals. The goal was…

This pilot study tested whether a mobile program could help young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39) increase physical activity and improve their diet. The program included behavioral lessons, an activity tracker, and simplified diet monitoring using a traffic-light approach. Th…

This study looked at whether telling children and teens that a device tracks their physical activity changes how much they actually move. Eighty healthy participants aged 10-18 wore an accelerometer for 4 days. Half were told it measures activity, the other half were told it meas…

This study looked at whether a before-school physical activity program called BOKS could improve body weight, thinking skills, and quality of life in 188 children aged 5 to 14. The program ran three mornings per week for 12 weeks. Researchers measured changes in BMI, executive fu…

This completed study looked at 70 breast cancer survivors to see how their physical activity levels relate to heart disease risk. Participants wore a special armband for a week to track activity, and researchers measured their heart risk using standard scores. The goal was to gat…

This completed study looked at whether stimulating a nerve in the ear (vagus nerve) or doing controlled breathing exercises can improve physical performance and affect the nervous system. 64 healthy, moderately active men took part. The goal was to see how these two approaches co…

This study tested whether a tailored digital program could help underactive Latina teenagers (ages 13-18) become more physically active. The program included one-on-one counseling, a personalized website, text message goal-setting, a study Instagram account, and a Fitbit tracker.…

This study looked at 127 female athletes aged 16-40 to see how much they know about pelvic floor health and whether they experience pelvic floor problems. Researchers used questionnaires to measure knowledge, symptoms, and physical activity levels. The goal was to understand how …

This study tested whether giving money to hospital employees would encourage them to be more physically active. 292 participants who exercised less than 30 minutes per week were given Fitbits and could earn up to $860 over 24 weeks by increasing their activity. The goal was to se…

This study checks on mothers and their children 12 years after a pregnancy lifestyle program. Researchers want to see if healthy eating and activity during pregnancy affect the child's body composition and long-term health. About 497 families from the original TOP study are invit…

This study tested whether adding game-like elements—such as points, leaderboards, and team challenges—could encourage 255 university students in Taiwan to walk more each day. Participants were split into groups that used these features separately, combined, or through a mobile ga…

This completed study looked at 261 French cancer patients to understand why many do not exercise, despite evidence that physical activity improves survival and well-being. Researchers surveyed patients about their personality, motivation, anxiety, and social background. The goal …

This study tested a 12-week family program to help children and their parents move more, sit less, and sleep better. The program included weekly digital tips and three in-person activity sessions. Researchers measured changes in physical activity and fitness in 136 parent-child p…

This completed study from the University of São Paulo measured physical activity levels and quality of life in 100 adults with cardiac arrhythmias. Researchers used questionnaires to see how active patients were and how they felt physically and mentally. The goal was to understan…

This completed study followed 150 lung cancer patients to see how their treatment—surgery, chemo, radiation, or immunotherapy—affects their physical abilities, symptoms, and quality of life. Researchers measured things like walking distance, muscle strength, and daily activity le…

This study looked at how to make school-based physical activity and nutrition programs work better for children in Texas. Researchers tested different support methods—like mentoring, extra resources, and contests—to see which helped schools deliver these programs most effectively…

This study looked at how a dose of caffeine (6mg per kg of body weight) affects the way healthy adults perform exercises like running, squatting, and jumping, both when fresh and when tired. Researchers measured angles, forces, and timing to see if caffeine changes movement techn…