High Intensity Physical Activity in Individuals with Elevated Levels of Coronary Artery Calcium Appears to Be Safe

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans notes that there is no obvious “best amount” of physical activity and no evidence of increased risk, even among those that engage in high intensity activities. However, vigorous physical activity may acutely increase the risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death in some individuals. Recent studies have shown that large […]

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Enhances Neuroplasticity in Healthy Older Adults

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to physiologically change due to our experiences. There is accumulating evidence for the benefits of a single session of aerobic exercise to enhance motor learning and neuroplasticity in young adults. Stationary cycling exercise performed immediately before or after skilled motor practice enhances motor learning that involves movements of […]

Highly Cushioned Shoes Improve Running Performance Even in the Presence of Muscle Damage

From a physiological perspective, long-distance running performance is determined by the interaction of three factors: maximal oxygen uptake, the highest oxygen uptake that can be sustained (at steady-state) and running economy (the amount of oxygen required to transport the body mass over a given distance). While each one of these factors is important to performance, […]

Autism & Exercise — Getting Parents Up to Speed

“My child is no longer involved in occupational therapy or physical therapy, so he’s not moving as much. What should I do … ?” This is a conversation I have had many times over the last 18 years. Parents call my organization, Exercise Connection, in their search to find a logical next step. What they […]

Clinical Exercise Physiologists in the Workforce

A clinical exercise physiologist (CEP) is an allied health professional trained to work with persons diagnosed with a chronic disease for which exercise training has been shown to be therapeutically beneficial. Such conditions include cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neuromuscular, immunological and orthopedic disorders, among others. Primarily, CEPs work in medically supervised environments providing programs or services directed by […]

ACSM Names Alexis Batrakoulis 2022 Certified Fitness Professional of the Year

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) today announced Alexis Batrakoulis, Ph.D., ACSM-EP, ACSM-CPT, EIM-II, as the 2022 ACSM Certified Professional of the Year during its annual International Health & Fitness Summit in Dallas, Texas.  ACSM created the Certified Professional of the Year award to recognize excellence in the exercise profession. The award also acknowledges the education […]

Women in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science: Accomplishments and Aspirations

As Women’s History Month draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the accomplishments of women in our field and the gains we’ve made, as well as thank the mentors and leaders who blazed a path forward. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) continues to lead in this regard, with accomplished women at […]