Exercising to sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can improve health and well-being, but for many adults, a good night’s sleep can be hard to get. A recent review looked at the effects of exercise on sleep and found that regular exercise increases sleep quality and reduces insomnia in adults, highlighting the importance of a regular exercise routine.
Youth athlete identity
Young athletes’ connection to their sport shapes their identity, mental health, and resilience. Athletic identity peaks in adolescence, offering protection against burnout but may also increase risks like depression after injury.
Sport programs limiting crime
Can sports really help mitigate crime? This study shows that sports programs significantly reduce aggression and antisocial behaviour while boosting self-esteem and mental wellbeing, highlighting their potential as an effective tool for crime prevention.
The hidden currents of Canadian sport: A deep dive with SIRC’s new podcast
In the world of sports, we often celebrate the visible: the gold medals, the game-winning goals, the perfect routines executed under the bright lights of competition. But beneath the surface of every athletic performance lies a complex web of forces—psychological, structural, and cultural—that shape an athlete’s journey long before they ever step into competition. This…
Beyond the game: The power of positive psychology in sport
In the world of elite sports, the focus has traditionally been on performance metrics, rigorous training regimens, and strategies for winning. But what if the secret to sustained success lies not just in physical prowess, but in the mind? Enter positive psychology, a field that seeks to unlock human potential by fostering mental resilience, well-being,…
Exercising safely in a warming climate
As climate change increases exposure to hot weather, we need to think more about how to exercise safely in warm conditions. A recent study suggests reducing exercise intensity, exercising during cooler times of day, seeking shade, wearing light-colored clothing, increasing airflow, and wetting the skin can reduce the risk of cardiac strain when exercising in…
Taking a team approach to concussion care
When it comes to concussion care, a team approach can be very helpful. Research shows that children and youth who receive interdisciplinary care, meaning care from health practitioners with different specialties, early on in their recovery tend to have better outcomes. The takeaway is that referring athletes to the proper care is key!
The Unspoken Battle: How Body Image Shapes Sport Performance
For athletes, sport is about pushing limits of skill, strength, and endurance. But what happens when the greatest challenge isn’t physical at all? For many, especially young athletes, the most persistent struggle exists in their own minds: body image. Dr. Catherine Sabiston, a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University…