Knowledge Nuggets

High intensity interval training, also known as HIIT, is a widely used form of training to improve cardiac performance. Research shows that a 5-week HIIT program improved aerobic capacity and sport-specific skills for athletes.

Competitive female athletes perceive their hormonal cycles as affecting their sport involvement, but rarely discuss these issues with their coaches. A study of Swedish cross-country skiers showed that low levels of knowledge about hormonal cycles are a barrier to communication. Strategies to increase knowledge and strengthen coach-athlete relationships can help to break down barriers for...

Combat sport athletes often use rapid weight loss strategies, also known as weight cutting, before competitions, but these methods can cause harm. Dehydration and extreme dieting raise the risk of kidney stress and long-term damage.

Did you know you can easily and quickly assess your hydration status? A systematic review shows that urine color is widely used to determine hydration levels in various populations, including athletes. The darker the urine, the less hydrated you are!

Combat sport athletes often use rapid weight loss strategies, also known as weight cutting, before competitions, but these methods can cause harm. Dehydration and extreme dieting raise the risk of kidney stress and long-term damage.

While physical activity typically strengthens the immune system, high-intensity training can weaken it, leaving some high performance athletes more susceptible to upper respiratory infections. Discover key nutritional strategies to stay healthy and perform at your best!

Stretching is a common practice among athletes across sports. Long-term daily stretching has been shown to have a significant impact on gains in muscle strength, size, and flexibility, with research suggesting it may offer similar benefits to other forms of strength training.

Cold water immersion is a newer recovery method used by many athletes. In a survey of 111 respondents, many reported perceived benefits of cold water immersion despite solid evidence supporting its scientific benefits.

Higher testosterone levels are linked to faster sprint times in young male athletes, offering a potential edge in performance. While female athletes showed no correlation, males with higher testosterone ran significantly faster in 20 m and 30 m sprints.

Physical activity is essential for maintaining health, but intense training can result in immune dysfunction and muscle damage. Recent research points to meat as a potent recovery aid, rich in bioactive compounds that support muscle repair and optimize performance.