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.
Trends in the fitness industry – what on earth is going on?
Title: Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2105: What’s driving the market?Authors:Journal: The American College of Sports Medicine Health...
Want a slimmer waist, lift weights
Title: Weight training, aerobic physical activities, and long-term waist circumference change in menAuthors: Mekary RA, Grøntved A, Despres ...
Preventing Alzheimer’s – the role of physical activity
Title: A meta-analysis of prospective studies on the role of physical activity and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease in older adultsAutho...
Teaching old mice new tricks – the effects of exercise on anxiety-related behaviour among older mice
Title: Effects of Moderate Exercise Training on Spatial Behavior Among Old Mice - Preliminary ResultsAuthors: E. Carmeli, E, B. Imam, B and Kodesh,...
Muscles and ageing - use it or lose it
Title: Muscle Quality in Aging: a Multi-Dimensional Approach to Muscle Functioning with Applications for TreatmentAuthors: Fragala, M. Kenny,...
Roundhouse kicks vs. butterfly kicks – what’s better for balance?
Title: Kung-Fu versus Swimming training and the Effects on Balance Abilities in Young AdolescentsAuthors: Baccouch, R., Rebai, H., & Sahli, SJo...
Run AND lift – the beneficial health effects of combining aerobic and strength training for obese individuals
Title: Effects of Concurrent Training on Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance in Obese IndividualsAuthors: da Silva Medeiros, N, Guichard de Abr...
The effects of vigorous activity on body composition – results from a UK-based population study among women
Title: Physical Activity in relation to body size and composition in women in UK BiobankAuthors: Guo, W., Bradbury, K. Reeves, G. and Key...
Exercise prescription for weight loss and weight maintenance
Title: Physical Activity and Training Prescription – applications for preventing obesity and weight gainAuthors: Buzzachera, C, Meucci, M &am...
Pilates vs general exercise – which is best for lower back pain?
Title: Pilates versus general exercise on pain and functionality in non-specific chronic low back pain subjects: A randomised, controlled trialAuth...