Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) or menstrual pain is the most common gynecological condition, with the highest prevalence being reported among adolescents. Despite this, many prefer self-treatment through non-pharmacological or over-the-counter interventions, or avoid treatment instead of consulting a physician. There exists anecdotal belief that behavioral interventions, such as physical exercise, are effective in reducing the pain, as well as in eliminating the need for any pharmacologic treatments to control menstrual cramps and other related symptoms. In stark contradiction to this belief, a recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (BJOG), reports that there is no association between regular exercise, PD, and its associated symptomatology. Continue Reading

Several studies have provided convincing evidences on the preventive role of physical activity on postmenopausal breast cancer. Now, a recent study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention reports that being physically active (PA) reduces the chances of developing breast cancer by one third in postmenopausal women. Continue Reading

Recent research has found that the use of a new magnetic resonance-compatible hand-induced robotic device (MR_CHIROD) in conjunction with functional MRI (fMRI) increases cortical brain activation following chronic stroke, thereby suggesting its potential in enhancing stroke rehabilitation. The results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) held at Chicago during November 30 to December 5, 2008. Continue Reading

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, have observed that immature fat cells reside in the adipose vasculature, and make use of excess calories to grow into adult cells, resulting in fat accumulation. The discovery of the exact location of these progenitor cells may facilitate the development of methods that can potentially prevent, or even treat, obesity and its related ailments. Further, this may also facilitate the utilization of these cells for reconstructive purposes, such as in breast restoration following lumpectomy. Continue Reading

Early stage Alzheimer disease (AD) patients who are more physically fit have reduced brain atrophy compared to those with lower physical fitness, according to a research article published in the recent issue of the journal, Neurology. Continue Reading

A sedentary lifestyle may contribute to quicker aging, according to a study published by researchers from the Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, King’s College London, St Thomas’ Hospital Campus, London, England and The Center of Human Development and Aging, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, USA (Archives of Internal Medicine, January 2008).

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