Does Cardiorespiratory Fitness Prevent Breast Cancer in Women?
Scientific evidence collected for seven decades strongly supports the position that higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels are associated with more favorable health outcomes, including mortality due to various cancers. Findings from several small population studies suggest that a physically active lifestyle offers protection against pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer. However, physical activity in these studies […]
This May, Actively Transport Yourself to Work and Play
May is Active Transportation Month, a time to get outside — an experience enhanced by walking, riding or rolling rather than driving a vehicle. The health benefits of incorporating physical activity into one’s daily routines, whether during our commute, running errands or simply for leisure, have been extensively reported. These benefits span across cardiovascular, metabolic, […]
Understanding the Energy Requirements of Paralympic Athletes
With the growing participation of athletes with disabilities in competitive sports, there is an increased need for specialized nutritional support tailored to their unique physiological differences. These athletes often exhibit distinct body compositions, metabolic rates, training loads and activity patterns compared to their peers without disabilities. Sports nutritionists, especially those working with Paralympic athletes, have […]
Exercise for Autism: An Important Piece of the Puzzle
“Our kids won’t want to do that; they don’t like to exercise.” When I first proposed an exercise program for autistic children at the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius University, that was a response I often heard. The reasons why autistic individuals won’t exercise are as varied as the individuals themselves: uninterested, difficulty moving, picked last […]
Visceral Fatness and “BrainAge”
There is little doubt that our brain changes as we age, with changes in structure that contribute to cognitive decline over time. However, the degree of change is highly variable across individuals in terms of its onset, rate and magnitude. How should we behave, and what should we change to ensure that our brains stay […]
Exercise Oncology: Ready for Prime Time
The field of exercise and cancer (exercise oncology) has a long history. In 1911, findings were published documenting that being more physically active was associated with lower risk of colon cancer. Throughout the 20th century, animal model experiments repeatedly showed that exercise slowed tumor growth. In the late 1980s, Winningham and MacVicar carried out the […]
What Does the Team Physician Need to Know about Initial Management of Musculoskeletal Injuries?
The team physician commonly encounters musculoskeletal injuries resulting from athletic activities, including during practice, training and competition. The most common injuries encountered by a team physician include shoulder dislocation/subluxation, disabled throwing shoulders, elbow ulnar collateral injuries, hamstring injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, meniscus (cartilage) tears, ankle sprains, and groin and hip injuries. Discerning what […]
Creative Strategies to Amplify Your Research and Scientific Voice
For young researchers, the excitement of publishing is often overshadowed by the questions “Will my work reach a wider audience, or will only a handful read it?” and “If my work is read, will the impact of my work be understood by the reader?” Such concerns can propel students and young professionals to seek innovative […]
Whole Body Fatigability as a Measure of Mortality Risk
A common definition of fatigue is a “subjective lack of physical and/or mental energy perceived to interfere with usual or desired activities.” Fatigue is a typical response to physical or mental exertion such as exercise, challenging physical tasks, or a long day’s work or dealing with emotionally taxing situations. Yet, everyday fatigue is a common […]
Safety in Ultra-Endurance Racing
Participation in ultra-endurance events often pits human physiology against the earth’s unruly elements. Generally, the term “endurance sports” refers to athletic events that occur for prolonged durations and it’s clear that participation in endurance racing has increased exponentially over the last half century. Some of the most challenging and awe-inspiring events include ultra-marathon races such as […]