Trust and conversations make monitoring meaningful

Drawing on interviews and surveys with coaches and support staff, a recent review found that tools to track athletes’ training loads, recovery, or wellness aren’t enough on their own. For coaches, building trust and having regular conversations with athletes is key to making monitoring effective for health, training, and performance.

Seeking care after a concussion

Seeking medical care after a concussion is key to recovery, but the timing matters too. Research shows that athletes who access care sooner are often cleared to return to sport more quickly, underscoring the importance of early medical referral after a concussion.

Concussion recovery may take longer than symptoms suggest

Even when youth athletes felt fully recovered from a concussion, EEG scans sometimes showed altered brain activity lasting weeks or more. This study’s findings highlight the importance of cautious return to play decisions and using tools, like EEG’s before resuming sport.

Social support helps refugee athletes rebuild through sport

Elite refugee athletes face major challenges when trying to continue their sport careers in Canada, like being unfamiliar with the system, feeling isolated, and losing their athletic identity. This study found when they had support from family, coaches, or community groups, they were more likely to stay involved in sport and rebuild a sense of…

Youth athletes turn to coaches and parents for food guidance

Adolescent athletes most often cited parents and coaches as their main sources of food literacy, while non athletes were more likely to rely on peers and social media. Since not all adults in guidance roles offer evidence-based advice, equipping coaches and parents with accurate, sport-specific nutrition resources is key to supporting young athletes’ health and…

Spotting the hidden signs of burnout  

New research found that athletes who feel like they’re not making progress or no longer value their sport are more likely to underperform—regardless of whether they are physically exhausted. These warning signs of burnout highlight the need for coaches and sport leaders to check in on athletes’ motivation, not just their physical load.

Using VR to train attention in sport

A new study found that immersive virtual reality (VR) training helped athletes stay more focused during competition. For coaches and sport organizations, this suggests VR can be a powerful tool to simulate pressure-filled scenarios and sharpen in-game focus and decision-making.

Physical Activity and Concussion Recovery

After a concussion, current guidelines recommend an early return to physical activity if it does not make symptoms worse. A study found that a 20-minute exercise session enhanced executive function in participants. Additionally, they reported a reduction in symptoms within 24 hours of the intervention. This reinforces that healthcare professionals can prescribe physical activity programs…

Concussion non-disclosure in women’s rugby

Disclosing concussion symptoms is crucial for proper recovery and to prevent a second impact. A study of female rugby players found that many conceal their symptoms due to concerns about work, limited awareness, and poor communication around concussion management. Recognizing these barriers can help team managers develop initiatives that encourage symptom disclosure and enhance education.

Monitoring Athletes’ Mental Fatigue

Athletes are susceptible to mental fatigue, which can negatively impact both their physical performance and technical skills. Researchers found that mental fatigue in athletes varied significantly during the pre-season and decreased as competition neared. Which means, monitoring athletes’ mental fatigue could help practitioners better tailor recovery strategies — especially during the pre-season.