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.
Does exercise make you smarter? – A review of the experimental evidence
Title: Beneficial effects of physical exercise on neuroplasticity and cognitionAuthors: Hötting, K. and B. RöderJournal: N...
Let’s get vigorous – the protective benefits of vigorous activity on functional decline
Title: Volume and intensity of physical activity in a large population-based cohort of middle-aged and older Australians: Prospective relationships...
Reducing anxiety with exercise
Title: Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxietyAuthors: Anderson,A & Shivakumar, GJournal: Frontiers in PsychiatryIm...
Let the kids lift
Title: Position statement on youth resistance training: the 2014 International ConsensusAuthors: Lloyd RS, Faigenbaum AD, Stone MH, Olive...
Does physical activity during playtime among preschool aged children affect their learning ability?
Title: Physical Activity, Self-Regulation and Early Academic Achievement in Preschool ChildrenAuthors: Derek R, Becker, Megan M. McClella...
Exercise reduces chronic pain
Title: Exercise-induced hypoalgesia - interval versus continuous modeAuthors: Kodesh, E & Weissman-Fogel, IJournal: Applied Phys...
Strength training for older adults - are they interested?
Title: A strength training program for primary care patients, central Pennsylvania, 2012Authors: Sciamanna, C. N., V. A. Patel, J. L. Kra...
Active mums have leaner babies
Title: Association between physical activity in obese pregnant women and offspring healthAuthors: Hayes, L, Bell, B, Robson, S, and Posto...
Active games for children’s health – what’s the evidence?
Title: Promoting children’s health with digital games: a review of reviewsAuthors: Parisod H, Pakarinen A, Kauhanen L, Aromaa M, Le...
Swiss ball training during pregnancy reduces the risk of low back pain
Title: Effects of a stability ball exercise programme on low back pain and daily life interference during pregnancyAuthors: Yan C-F, Hung...