Knowledge Nuggets

Athletes who train for extensive periods of time outdoors have an increased risk of exposure to the sun’s UV rays, and thus an increased risk of skin cancer. Research shows that athletes who participate in water-based sports, such as open-water swimming, surfing, or sailing, face an even further risk due to the reflective qualities of...

Both high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) have been shown to improve performance, but through different body adaptations. HIIT improves the heart’s ability to pump blood to exercising muscles, while SIT causes greater changes in how the muscles absorb and use oxygen.

Overuse injuries develop from repetitive stress and are common in sports such as running and tennis. Unlike traumatic injuries (for example, a sprained ankle), overuse injuries cannot often be pinpointed to a single event. Research shows that psychosocial factors play a role in the development of overuse injuries. Individual factors such as competitive drive, perfectionism,...

Yoga can have numerous benefits for physical performance and well-being. Research shows that incorporating yoga training into an athlete’s routine can increase flexibility and balance. Adding yoga to your training routine, whether you are a recreational or high-performance athlete, can provide enhancements to overall athletic performance.

Research shows that a high proportion of athletes are vitamin D deficient. Low vitamin D levels impact muscle strength and endurance, and increase risk for stress fractures. Athletes should monitor their vitamin D levels, especially during Canadian winters, when there is less exposure to sunlight. 

Interval training consists of repeated high-intensity exercise, lasting from seconds to minutes, followed by a recovery period. Common forms of interval training include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT). Read more about how HIIT and SIT can produce greater improvements in a person’s physiology than longer duration, low or moderate intensity exercises...

Exercise and physical activity have the power to change the lives of individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Recent studies show that 75% of people living with CP spend nearly all their waking hours engaged in sedentary activities. Individuals with CP experience many benefits from individualized exercise programs, including increased endurance, motor function, and stability, as...

Skiing, snowboarding and sledding put the participant at risk for injuries. Proper prevention strategies are key when it comes to avoiding alpine sport-related injuries. Some strategies for keeping safe include wearing properly fitted protective equipment, knowing the alpine responsibility code, looking at the environmental conditions and acknowledging your skill level.

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to injuries. Research shows that exercise can help increase bone mass density, thereby reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis. High impact exercise including vigorous aerobic exercise, weight training and running is better at increasing bone mass density than low impact exercise, such as...

Concussion is a serious concern in contact sports. A New Zealand research team of clinicians, sport scientists, and engineers is exploring the potential of soft-shell headgear and coaching programs that could make sports like rugby safer for all players, and especially youth.