Exercise Research Reviews
Research within the physical activity, health and exercise science fields
Fitness Australia and the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) at Victoria University are working together to provide monthly research updates about the current research within the physical activity, health and exercise science fields.
Where do these articles come from?
We will only describe studies that have gone through an academic peer review process and are published within scientific journals. This means that academic experts have reviewed and judged the research to be scientifically sound.
A good way to determine the quality of research is to look at a journal’s impact factor (IF). An IF is a measure reflecting the average number of times papers from this journal have been cited in other research papers. The higher the IF, the better quality the journal. Journals in the area of physical activity, health and exercise science fields generally range from, IF =1-8. Click here or here for other descriptions of IFs.
What will be covered?
Each month we’ll provide reviews of studies from a wide range of modes and training methods, such as:
- moderate-intensity aerobic
- high/vigorous-intensity anaerobic
- resistance/strength
- balance/coordination and
- flexibility
Glossary of Terms
When possible we will use plain language. However, sometimes technical terms may arise. Therefore, a glossary of terms has been provided which can be used to understand the specific language used in physical activity and exercise research.
How will it be useful to me?
The aim is to provide a summary of research findings that may be useful in delivering evidence-based training. We’ll complete each review with a practical example of how the findings may related to your clients and/or training.
Don’t believe the hype…
When reading these reviews it’s important to keep an open mind. Just because something has been reviewed by academia, it doesn’t automatically mean that you should incorporate this into your training program. It’s up to you to apply professional judgement and decide whether or not such research is applicable to your training methods or clients programs.
Cardio or strength - what should come first?
Title: Fitness and lean mass increases during combined training independent of loading order.Authors: Schumann M, Küüsmaa M, Ne...
‘Effects of vigorous activity in youth’
01-Apr-2016Vigorous physical activity and longitudinal associations with cardiometabolic risk factors in youth.
‘Who let the dogs out: the relationship between dog walking and physical activity among adolescents ’
23-Feb-2016Dog walking among adolescents: Correlates and contribution to physical activity
Balance training among older adults, how much is needed?
23-Nov-2015Balance training for older adults (aged 65+ years) has established beneficial effects of markers of functional status including improved postural control and mobility.
Exercise or education for mental health during pregnancy?
10-Nov-2015Why they did it? Research has identified that regular physical activity during pregnancy has many health benefits including, improved cardiometabo...
How much sitting at work is ‘too much’?
09-Nov-2015Recent evidence suggests that spending prolonged periods of the day sitting may have some health risks, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, obesity and poor musculoskeletal health.
Strength training and aerobic exercise reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Title: Muscle-Strengthening and Conditioning Activities and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Study in Two Cohorts of US WomenAuthors: Gr&osla...
The effects of behavioural counselling on strength training participation: results from an Australian community-based exercise intervention
19-Oct-2015Experimental studies have shown that strength training (ST) improves the ability of muscles to metabolise glucose (sugar). This is important because high levels of glucose result in increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Everyone’s a winner! Strength training among older adults
06-Oct-2015There is strong evidence showing that regular physical activity and exercise participation is beneficial for a wide range of health-related outcomes. An intriguing aspect of exercise science is the fact that that every individual may adapt to an exercise stimulus differently.
More activity during pregnancy = better mood and less worries
28-Sep-2015Studies have shown that exercise and physical activity during pregnancy leads to better health for both the expecting mother and unborn child. These include a healthier birth weight and a reduced risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and depression/anxiety.