Knowledge Nuggets

A recent Canadian study shows that training load isn’t the only factor influencing injury risk in university athletes. Stress from school, relationships, and mental health also play a big role. A more balanced, whole-person approach to training can help sport leaders better support athlete well-being and prevent injuries.

Gambling advertisements are widespread across televised sports and social media in Ontario, with many not fully aligned with provincial guidelines. With youth and vulnerable audiences regularly exposed, researchers emphasize the need for stronger regulation and monitoring of sport-related gambling promotions.

This Canadian study found that racism, sexism, and colonial systems still limit how Indigenous women and girls take part in lacrosse. To move forward, participants emphasized the need for community-led, land-based programs that reflect Indigenous cultures and support their leadership in sport.

An international panel of leading experts in dental trauma and sport dentistry recommends that athletes in high-risk sports like hockey, rugby, and martial arts wear custom-fitted mouth guards to prevent dental injuries. The guideline highlights the role of coaches, parents, and dental professionals in promoting this simple but effective form of protection.

Hormonal IUDs are the most commonly used and best-tolerated form of contraception among female endurance athletes, according to a recent study. With fewer negative side effects and more positive impacts on performance compared to other methods, the findings highlight the need for sport-informed contraceptive counselling to support athlete health and performance.

With an increasing number of heat waves happening across the country, you may be more likely to experience exertional heat stress during the summer months. This happens when physical activity increases heat production, surpassing the body’s cooling capacity. Sport participants should be monitored for signs of heat stress to prevent severe illness and heat stroke.

Mentorship can be a powerful way to support parasport coaches. A recent study found that a virtual mentorship program helped coaches feel more confident, use inclusive terminology, and learn more about coaching athletes with disabilities. The study recommends continuing mentorship programs to help coaches progress, connect, and grow in their roles. 

New research found that athletes who feel like they’re not making progress or no longer value their sport are more likely to underperform—regardless of whether they are physically exhausted. These warning signs of burnout highlight the need for coaches and sport leaders to check in on athletes’ motivation, not just their physical load.

A new study found that immersive virtual reality (VR) training helped athletes stay more focused during competition. For coaches and sport organizations, this suggests VR can be a powerful tool to simulate pressure-filled scenarios and sharpen in-game focus and decision-making.

A recent scoping review led by researchers at the University of Toronto and University of Calgary shows that inconsistent definitions of athlete maltreatment are limiting efforts to prevent harm. By mapping 30 years of research, this work lays the groundwork for national tools to better protect athletes.