exercise class in the pool

Alternative Therapy For Parkinson’s Disease

Catherine O’Brien The Problem Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by impairments in movement and balance. It is estimated to affect 2 million Americans and tends to be more prevalent in older populations (60+). Current treatment methods include dopamine replacement therapy. The downside to this therapy, however, is that it seems to wear

plank

Isometric Exercise and Alzheimer’s Disease

Catherine O’Brien Alzheimer’s Disease is the leading cause of dementia and currently affects an estimated 5.5 million American adults (Center for Disease Control, 2016). Unfortunately, the Center for Disease Control predicts that the incidence of Alzheimer’s will increase in the coming years.  The early stages of the disease are marked by Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

couple running

The Crucial System Responsible For Runner’s High

Catherine O’Brien A runner’s high is a state or feeling that is reached after a long bout of aerobic exercise. This state is often described as containing three distinct qualities: Euphoria Reduced anxiety Decreased sensitivity to pain While this euphoric state is often equated with running, other types of aerobic exercise may produce these same

cycling desk

Cycling Desks: Good For Your Body & Your Brain

Catherine O’Brien The Problem: “Sitting is the new smoking”. This is a phrase that I heard numerous times while working my last office job. Of course, this is an alarming statement so I made a concerted effort to get up and walk around at least once an hour. The idea that sitting could be as

kids need to move to improve

Kids Need To Move To Improve – Ebook

Catherine O’Brien Forever Fit Science’s “Kids Need To Move TO Improve – Ebook” is written by contributor, Catherine O’Brien, who focuses on the effects of physical exercise on academic performance in school age children. Research has demonstrated that levels of fitness are positively correlated with academic performance and research done by Fedewa et al. showed the positive

Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training

The Power Of Music During Exercise

Catherine O’Brien Good music can be a significant motivating factor during exercise. In my experience, a good playlist boosts excitement and energy throughout my workout.  I love pairing my music to match my workout and intensity whether it be a fast paced pop playlist paired with a HIIT circuit, an upbeat country playlist paired with

Children playing

Does Physical Activity Help Children With Autism? – Ebook

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is typically diagnosed in toddlers.  The disorder is characterized by various behaviors that impair communication and social interactions.  These stereotyped or self-stimulating (SSB) behaviors refer to repetitive and / or restrictive patterns and may include repetitive speech or repetitive motor movements (spinning, rocking, flapping etc.). Because ASD is often diagnosed in young

woman runner with headache

Headaches and VO2 max

Catherine O’Brien Headaches are a prominent health concern with 1 out of every 7 Americans suffering from headaches regularly. Because of the prevalence of this problem and my own curiosity about headaches as they relate to exercise, I will focus my next series of articles on the relationship between headaches and physical fitness as well

kids running

Effects Of Outdoor Activity On Children With Autism

Catherine O’Brien In previous articles, I have discussed the role of exercise in reducing stereotypical behaviors in children with autism. The research has shown that the intensity and duration of exercise are key variables in reducing stereotyped behaviors.  Previous research on typically developing populations has examined the role of exercise environment on physiological and psychological

father and daughter playing tennis

Low Intensity, Short Workouts Benefit Individuals With ASD

Catherine O’Brien Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is typically diagnosed in toddlers. As discussed in my earlier article about ASD, the disorder is characterized by various behaviors that impair communication and social interactions.  These stereotyped or self-stimulating (SSB) behaviors refer to repetitive and / or restrictive patterns and may include repetitive speech or repetitive motor movements

children swimming

Building An Autism Friendly Workout Plan

Catherine O’Brien Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disorders that vary in severity. As it is a spectrum disorder, there are mild and severe forms of ASD. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism Spectrum Disorder affects 1 in 68 children. The National Institute of Mental Health

kids jumping jacks

Kids Need To Move To Improve

Catherine O’Brien In my previous article, Study Shows Active Children Are Better At Math, I discussed research that demonstrated a positive relationship between physical fitness and academic performance in children. As a quick refresher, the research I discussed was conducted by Chaddock-Heyman et al. (2015) and found positive relationships between children’s level of fitness (high vs.