Knowledge Nuggets

Research conducted with nearly 1,400 youth athletes found that when they focus on how their bodies appear, known as “body surveillance,” their performance suffers. This can mean slower reaction times and less precise movements when competing. The research urges coaches and sport leaders to reduce appearance-based pressures and shift focus toward athletes’ confidence and functional...

A systematic review of concussion studies found that only 15.5% of concussion studies reported participants’ cultural background, and just 7.6% included ethnicity. Of those, 70% were white. The authors note that race, ethnicity, and culture can influence access to care, symptom reporting, and recovery. Without this data, disparities may persist. Better demographic reporting can help...

Many young athletes with disabilities get involved in sport by chance, often through disability-specific organizations. Researchers have found their parents play a key role, handling everything from logistics to coaching. Yet parents often feel overwhelmed due to limited resources and support. Expanding inclusive programs and better supporting families could help reduce barriers and promote more...

When looking at how Edmonton’s downtown arena project affected local residents, researchers found the project didn’t deliver on promises like affordable housing and fair wages. At the same time, policing increased and some residents were displaced from the area. This study highlights how future arena projects can better support the needs of local communities.

A recent review highlights ways to support positive body image among teens in secondary school physical education. One effective approach includes activities like yoga or mindful movement that help students reconnect with their bodies. These activities can encourage self-awareness and body appreciation through movement.

A recent systematic review supports Canada’s 24-hour movement guidelines, which recommend a balanced mix of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and proper sleep each day. The research found that moderate to vigorous physical activity offers significant benefits for mental health, heart health, body composition, and longevity, reinforcing the value of moving more each day for better...

Young adults often take on physical, social, and emotional risks through sport and recreation, but they’re not always supported in how they manage them. Using photo storytelling and interviews with 14 athletes to understand how they make sense of risk, this study found a need for safer, more supportive environments that reflect the real challenges...

This Canadian study found that social media can be both helpful and harmful when it comes to hazing in varsity sport. While athletes use it to build team identity, many avoid posting about hazing to protect their team’s image or avoid causing harm. The study points to a need for better education and athlete-informed policies...

Right now, over 4600 high-level youth athletes from across Canada are competing for iceberg-inspired medals at the 2025 Canada Games. Check out the design, which shows an iceberg’s peak above water, with its vast foundation hidden below, symbolizing the years of an athlete’s unseen training, resilience, and dedication that lie beneath the surface, supporting the...

Elite refugee athletes face major challenges when trying to continue their sport careers in Canada, like being unfamiliar with the system, feeling isolated, and losing their athletic identity. This study found when they had support from family, coaches, or community groups, they were more likely to stay involved in sport and rebuild a sense of...