Knowledge Nuggets

Curious about your muscle type? This study suggests that the number of reps you can do at 80% of your maximum weight (1RM) reveals whether you have more fast-twitch or slow-twitch muscle fibers.

Nutritional strategies tailored to an individual’s genetic profile can significantly impact physical performance. Despite general guidelines, personalized nutrition for athletes considers genetic differences in nutrient absorption, metabolism, and utilization. Research in the fields of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics suggest that sports professionals should increasingly focus on personalized dietary plans to optimize athletes’ health, body composition, and...

If you’ve heard the expression, “It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it,” then you know that emotional expression plays an important role in how others perceive what you say and do. Research shows that coaches’ emotional expressions influence athletes’ experiences in different ways depending on how emotions are socially and culturally...

Sailing athletes are constantly adjusting to weather conditions, risking injuries to the knee and lower back due to the sport’s dynamic nature. Customized training addressing vulnerable areas and a tailored nutrition plan, including timely macro- and micronutrient intake and supplements, have been shown to drastically reduce injuries and enhance performance in sailing.

Although there are known variations between female and male physiology, training protocols in female sport are largely based on research with male athletes. The hormonal variability experienced by women across the menstrual cycle, as well as the menstrual cycle variability between women, adds complexity to research on female athletes. A better understanding of the unique...

Chronic alcohol misuse causes muscle weakness and atrophy, while problematic drinking impairs muscle function and athletic performance. This study shows that alcohol consumption hinders muscle recovery and function, potentially reducing sport performance, especially in men.

It was once believed that being slightly behind in a game could boost winning chances in basketball, but new research challenges this idea. Tests across other sports like football and rugby found no similar effect.

Sports participation offers benefits for all, including those with disabilities, by enhancing functionality and reducing anxiety. This review explores these benefits, emphasizing positive outcomes like socialization, enjoyment, and opportunities to challenge stereotypes among individuals with disabilities.

For the past 30 years, research has shown that men’s sports continue to dominate media coverage, with women’s sports often receiving minimal attention. Despite some progress on social media and online newsletters, gender imbalances persist, highlighting the need for more equitable representation in sports media.

As technology continues to advance, athletes are increasingly using devices to enhance their performance and overall health. Wearable sweat sensors have become one of these key tools for health tracking. Here are recent developments in sweat loss measuring devices and how they contribute to improved tracking and monitoring of overall body health.