Knowledge Nuggets

The postpartum transition (from childbirth to one-year postpartum) is among the most challenging identity shifts for women. Physical activity has the capacity to reconnect women with their new bodies, while improving mental health. With education and support, more women can safely resume physical activity after childbirth and benefit from improved well-being.

Fitness trackers and other wearable tech have become increasingly popular in sporting and non-sporting populations. Researchers have determined that activity trackers tend to encourage wearers to take approximately 1800 extra steps per day, equivalent to approximately 40 extra minutes of walking.

Physical inactivity is a global concern. Accelerating physical activity policy implementation is essential to achieve a 15% reduction in inactivity, a target set by World Health Organization (WHO). If every country implemented GAPPA, a set of evidence-based recommendations, this goal would be reached by 2030!

Research shows that physical activity can improve academic performance in children. In addition, engaging in physical activity can improve attention and cognition. It is recommended that teachers provide students with physical activity breaks and that physical activity is integrated into the curriculum.

In soccer, women have twice the risk of sustaining ACL knee injuries compared to men. Research shows that injury prevention programs such as FIFA 11+ can reduce ACL injury rates by up to 45% in women. Effective injury programs include multiple exercises focused on strength, agility, balance and mobility. To protect athletes from injury, teams...

On International Women’s Day, we’re reminded of the importance of undertaking women-specific research within the sport sector. Recent research on the relationship between women’s health and soccer showed that muscle and tendon injury rates were 88% higher during specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, 20% of injuries occurred after the expected date of menstruation....

The athlete biological passport (ABP) was created to assist with the detection of doping in sports. Unlike traditional detection methods which are one-off and direct, the ABP is an electronic record of an athlete’s biological attributes, developed from multiple samples taken over time. Variables are monitored closely to identify any changes that may indicate the...

Performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) are associated with dangerous effects on the heart. Research shows that they increase the risk of heart attack and can result in abnormal blood clotting and an irregular heartbeat. PEDs also help athletes over-exert themselves, which can cause increased strain on muscles of the heart. PEDs are banned in sports and...

Exercise has many beneficial effects on the heart. Regular exercise reduces body weight, blood pressure, improves muscular function and strength of the heart and improves the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen. Research shows that adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of modest activity every day for heart health benefits. Modest...

Research shows that physical activity can improve academic performance in children. In addition, engaging in physical activity can improve attention and cognition. It is recommended that teachers provide students with physical activity breaks and that physical activity is integrated into the curriculum.