Knowledge Nuggets

Research on retired high-level Australian female athletes reveals important health concerns that are often overlooked. These issues were often underreported and poorly managed. The findings show why routine screening, education, and stigma-free support are needed to protect athletes’ health during and after their careers.

A recent review looked at the values sport organizations often profess to follow, such as transparency, accountability, and democracy, which are often vague and not backed by action. When assessed, organizations were generally applying them only at a basic or moderate level, showing a gap between promotion and practice.

Orange Shirt Day is a time to honour survivors of residential schools and reflect on the ongoing work of reconciliation. Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in sport, and the role sport plays in working toward reconciliation in Canada.

With the recent release of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s preliminary report, there is growing discussion about what safe sport really means. A Canadian study of 386 national team athletes exemplified that safe sport goes beyond preventing abuse. Athletes defined it as a culture of fairness, respect, equity, and being supported and valued,...

Using health records from over one million Ontarians with concussions, researchers found only 14% saw a doctor within three days, and many waited months for specialist care. Children and rural residents faced the longest delays. The study highlights that more pediatric specialists, better referral practices, and addressing travel barriers are central to improving concussion care.

Historically, concussion research has focused on men, even though women often respond differently to brain injury due to biomechanical, hormonal, and neurological factors. A 2024 review shows how brain imaging and artificial intelligence can uncover sex-specific patterns, helping improve diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for female athletes.

Interviews with Canadian teachers and administrators revealed that while educators want to support students returning to school after concussion, most schools lack clear policies or training. Providing step-by-step return-to-school protocols and professional development for staff could ensure students receive the academic accommodations and support they need to recover successfully.

A review of 37 studies found bullying is more likely when locker rooms are unsupervised, team culture is negative, or coaches use aggressive behaviours like yelling or humiliation. For coaches, focusing on support and a positive team culture can go a long way in keeping athletes safe and included.

A population-based study looked at data from 152,000 youth with concussions and found they faced a 39% higher risk of new mental health conditions, including anxiety, mood disorders, and behavioral challenges, when compared to peers without concussion. Risks of self-harm and psychiatric hospitalization were also elevated, showcasing the need to monitor youth mental health after...

A recent Canadian study of youth hockey players found that recovery from concussion isn’t just physical. Players with peer and family difficulties and stress experienced longer return times. Supporting positive peer connections and helping parents manage stress may promote faster recovery.