U of A undergrad researcher finds surprising effect on memory eight hours after physical activity
Exercising first thing in the morning makes long-term memory recall increasingly hard as the day continues, according to surprising results from an undergraduate student-led study that challenges conventional wisdom about the positive role physical activity plays in making new memories. “If you’re going to exercise in the morning, you might have a little trouble remembering…
Choosing to walk instead of drive is good for your body and mind, benefits the environment and ultimately helps the economy
I’ve asked myself this question every day for much of my adult life, and I now realize it’s one of the keys to my happiness and good health: Do I really need to drive to work today? I first began asking myself this question almost out of necessity when living in an overcrowded tropical city…
Researchers find no evidence that BMI is a good determinant of surgical outcomes for osteoarthritis
A new study shows that losing weight before knee replacement surgery doesn’t lead to better outcomes for patients. In a systematic review published in Joint Bone Spine, researchers in the University of Alberta's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine found that weight loss before surgery may not be beneficial for people with advanced knee osteoarthritis. Medical practitioners have long advised patients…
Maxine Myre’s genesis as a researcher began with an investigation into the inflammatory responses of, among other things, fat cells. And although fat plays as important a role in the healthy function of people as any other component, the negative relationship we’ve developed between weight and health triggered a fascination within Myre. “I’m a fairly…
Social support in rec leagues builds confidence and offers a reprieve from negative emotions, researcher finds
Besides the physical fitness and social benefits of sport, recreational athletes use their sport participation as a way to cope with adverse life events, according to a University of Alberta study. The study could help adult sport associations better market and reshape their leagues to combat shrinking participation rates. “It’s not surprising that these recreational…
A better future awaits if we use this period of uncertainty to work on our mental, physical and career well-being
Dread isn’t too strong a word to describe the feelings many have about the winter about to start. The COVID-19 virus is reason enough to worry. There’s not much individuals can do about that except follow all the good advice about staying safe. However, there are two other major depressing impacts of COVID-19 that we…
Isolation and lack of physical activity go hand in hand, so try to stay connected as much as you can
Whenever Kerry Mummery, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta, ends a faculty town hall, he tells the attendees to make sure they continue to connect with people, even if it’s just virtually. “We don’t know whether virtual meetings are as good as in-person meetings. I’m sure they’re…
Lower your risk of depression, improve cognitive function, reduce fatigue, spark creativity, drive blood flow, among other things
It might surprise you to hear that something as simple as walking can improve your brainpower. It doesn’t even have to be full-on power walking. Even a 20- or 30-minute walk during your lunch break can have a positive impact on your brain. Walking also reduces your stress and improves your overall sense of well-being.…
Athletes can find opportunities amid the challenge of cancelled sporting events, say U of A master's student and sport psychology researcher
From the Olympics to rec leagues, in 2020 sporting events all over the world were cancelled due to COVID-19. But as athletes move on from the cancellations, many are seeking out the opportunities in the unprecedented. Lack of competition changed the way ultramarathoner Sara Szabo approached her sport this year. She transitioned from competing against…
Popular but unqualified ‘fitness professionals’ could be promoting misinformation and unhealthy behaviour, says U of A researcher
The vast majority of exercise bloggers aren’t qualified to give the advice they’re giving, according to a University of Alberta study. The study suggests this lack of certification could contribute to misinformation and unhealthy behaviour, especially since the pandemic has pushed many online for guidance with their fitness goals. “We looked at some of the…
Exercising first thing in the morning makes long-term memory recall increasingly hard as the day continues, according to surprising results from an undergraduate student-led study that challenges conventional wisdom about the positive role physical activity plays in making new memories. “If you’re going to exercise in the morning, you might have a little trouble remembering…
