Knowledge Nuggets

Athletes playing through injury and pain are often celebrated. However, these stories influence how youth (and their parents and coaches) define what it means to be a “real” athlete, increasing the risk of injury and short and long-term health impacts. Learn how coaches can challenge group norms that support playing through injury in the SIRC...

Research suggests newcomers to Canada turn to sport and physical activity for many reasons, including expanding one’s social network, improving health and wellness, and integrating into Canadian society. Sport organizations can build on this opportunity to expand their networks and membership through authentic engagement.

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for athletes recovering from a concussion, but many athletes struggle to get quality sleep following their injury. Improving sleep hygiene, including creating a regular pre-bed routine, avoiding technology before bed, and optimizing your sleep environment, can improve sleep patterns to help the brain recover and allow athletes to...

Many ultramarathon runners believe the consumption of sodium supplements during competition will prevent the symptoms of exercise-associated hyponatremia, including dehydration, muscle cramping, and nausea. However, accumulating evidence suggests supplementing sodium intake above what is consumed in food and drink is generally not necessary, and could be dangerous.

Assessments of the motor control and cognitive function of boxers before and after a nine-minute sparring session showed short-term impairment to brain-to-muscle communications and decreased memory performance. The findings help understand how subconcussive impacts — those that are below the concussion threshold — may have immediate effects on the brain.

Athletes like Christine Sinclair, Sydney Crosby or Willie O’Ree have exceptional skills; but what distinguishes them as leaders is their behaviour. Great work ethic, showing care for teammates, being accountable, acting in ways that reinforce positive team norms – these are examples of behaviours that help athletes emerge as leaders within a team.

New research discovered female athletes seek specialty medical treatment later than male athletes for sport-related concussions, which may contribute to worse symptoms and longer recoveries. These findings reinforce the importance of early identification and the implementation of concussion management plans and protocols.

For busy youth sport parents, finding time for personal sport and physical activity can be difficult. However, engaging in “sideline” physical activity during your child’s practice or game may be one way to counteract the negative effects of sitting and other sedentary elements of the traditional parent–spectator role.

Looking to increase the reach of your training program? Encourage stakeholders to make it mandatory. An evaluation of the Keeping Girls in Sport online module demonstrated high completion rates in provinces where the training was mandated by some provincial sport organizations.

While hydration practices during training and competition are important, new research emphasizes the importance of beginning endurance exercise in a well-hydrated state. Athletes experiencing pre-exercise dehydration showed impaired aerobic exercise performance, peak oxygen consumption, and lactate threshold.