Knowledge Nuggets

In soccer, preventing injuries is crucial for player performance and long-term health. Current evidence supports strength training, including methods like eccentric and flywheel training, to reduce injury risks effectively.

Masters athletes are often seen as examples of healthy aging, but research from the Australian Masters Games, drawing over 5000 participants, highlights class and gender inequalities that are leaving some people out. While celebrating the accomplishments of masters athletes, acknowledging varied aging experiences and providing equitable opportunities for everyone to participate are crucial.

Ketogenic diets are gaining attention in elite endurance sports for their ability to boost fat burning, potentially transforming performance. However, concerns linger about their impact on glycogen use and high-intensity exercise, with mixed results among athletes.

A recent review shows that research on elite youth athletes often focuses on disordered eating, anxiety and depression and that risk factors for mental health issues include gender, athlete status, and social relationships with coaches, parents and guardians, and peers. These findings highlight the pressing need for effective prevention measures to safeguard the mental health...

Elite athletes and coaches view sleep as essential for optimal performance and recovery, but sleep quality is often compromised by various factors. Sleep quality can affect athletic performance and recovery, with the impact varying based on sport type and individual needs.

Stress can significantly impact an athlete’s well-being and sport performance, but social support from teammates, coaches, and support staff can positively influence how athletes perceive and adapt to stress. Recent research shows that for social support to produce positive effects, having a shared social identity and the knowledge and expertise to provide sufficient support is...

Every athlete deserves a safe and welcoming environment in sport. And while athletes from equity-owed groups may be more likely to experience harm, a recent study revealed that these athletes often perceive Safe Sport as an unrealistic and unattainable ideal. These findings suggest that integrating principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to safeguarding...

Research on sports injuries often focuses on high performance athletes, potentially overlooking the risks for recreational players. This study on recreational tennis players found that they experience different injury patterns, with most injuries being caused by falls and twists.

Athletes face a heightened susceptibility to disordered eating compared to non-athletes. Social and sport pressures influence disordered eating behaviours among elite athletes. Interviews with 9 male and female athletes reveal insights into the complex interplay between societal norms, athletic demands, and dietary practices.

Cold weather can impact sports performance, making specific guidelines for competing in cold conditions necessary. This review offers insights on how cold affects the body and provides tips for athletes and coaches to stay healthy and perform well in winter sports.