Knowledge Nuggets

Adults between the ages of 50-60 lose approximately 1-2% of their muscle mass each year, while adults over the age of 60 lose 3% annually. Positive lifestyle behaviours (e.g., adhering to a healthy diet and regular exercise) can help to combat muscle loss associated with aging.

Youth athletes may experience increased pressure to specialize when involved in club-level sport. Research discovered club coaches were more likely to possess attitudes in favor of sport specialization, when compared with high school coaches. Early sport specialization has been associated with negative physical and psychological outcomes including overuse injuries, dropout from sport, burnout, and lower...

Wondering how to leverage your sport event into more sport participants? Research shows spectators are inspired to participate when they fantasize about being in the competition, become absorbed in the spectator experience, can critically judge athletes’ performance and skills; and appreciate the grace and beauty of the sport itself. This has implications for the type...

Looking to give your resumé a boost? Research shows sport volunteering positively influences hiring managers’ perceptions of applicant qualifications. Sport volunteering may act as a signal of values and competencies, such as altruism and a willingness to work in a team environment.

Today is Earth Day, part of an international movement to increase engagement on climate action. Canada Games Council President and CEO Dan Wilcock believes the Canadian sport sector can work collaboratively to help tackle the issues surrounding climate change. Having recently signed onto the Sports for Climate Action Framework, the Canada Games Council plans to...

A common myth is that cycling can be detrimental to men’s health, including links with erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer. However, findings from a new worldwide study demonstrated no association between cycling and men’s health issues. Learn more about the study and results in this video from the Global Cycling Network.

This week (April 18-24) is National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers.  Virtual volunteering is a novel way to engage volunteers during persisting COVID-19 restrictions, but it doesn’t need to stop post-pandemic. Online opportunities can help sport organizations build their pool of volunteers, attract volunteers with diverse skill sets, and become a more flexible and inclusive organization.  

The Spring 2021 SIRCuit is now available! Spring is in the air and summer is on the horizon—and while the COVID-19 pandemic rages on in many parts of the world (including here in Canada), sports enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Looking ahead, this edition of the SIRCuit tells compelling stories about how athletes and sport organizations have adapted and thrived in the...

Research indicates 70% of school-aged children and youth in Canada met recommendations for healthy sleep. This is important because a good night’s sleep can improve cognitive functions and moods, help maintain healthy body weight, and increase energy to help kids stay active throughout the day. In this infographic, discover tips to support healthy sleep behaviours...

A study of former collegiate athletes in Ontario discovered 44.9% competed despite experiencing concussion symptoms. Consider how changing group norms can support effective concussion management in the SIRC blog, and access concussion prevention and management resources on SIRC’s concussion hub.