Knowledge Nuggets

November 11th is Remembrance Day. Today, and every day, we remember Canada’s veterans, and their service and sacrifice for our country. Sport and physical activity programs can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of veterans experiencing physical disability or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Beyond providing enjoyable experiences, research finds participation can support personal growth...

Sport and physical activity programming that incorporates trauma-sensitive design harnesses social and environmental protective factors that can contribute to children’s resilience. Specific strategies include creating a safe environment, nurturing positive adult relationships, building body awareness and physical competence, and delivering active, engaging experiences.

Concussions may be related to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging reveals that concussions can produce long-lasting structural and functional changes the brain in older individuals.

Engaging in regular physical activity can reduce the risk of viral infection, but exercising too much – either too hard or for too long – can have the opposite effect. To optimize your immune function, follow this simple yet evidence-based rule of thumb: Limit physical activity to 60 minutes or less at an average heart...

The Physical Literacy Environmental Assessment (PLEA) tool examines four domains to determine the extent to which sport and physical activity programs support the development of physical literacy amongst children and youth: environment, programming, leaders and staff, and values and goals, The tool can also be used as a checklist when planning and delivering a physical...

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on the movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth. Researchers found that during restrictions, less than 5% of children and 0.6% of youth met recommended activity guidelines, and spent less time outside and more time in front of a screen. However, homes with greater parental...

Public health protocols, family stress, and social isolation can be challenging for children and youth. Provide one-on-one support for overwhelmed athletes or program participants by helping them stabilize, explore their experience, and supporting their return to play.

McMaster University researchers studying the mystery of why some weightlifters’ muscles grow much more quickly than others’ have found new answers through a novel experiment in which subjects worked out one leg and immobilized the other. By comparing the genetic responses of the muscles to exercise, the research team identified a set of 141 genes...

“We made it clear that compliance with public health guidelines was non-negotiable. But we realized that there were tonnes of things that were negotiable – class times, set up, the streamlining of intake processes – where we could be innovative and create the best experience for our members.” Stuart McReynolds, President & CEO of the...

A new study found yoga improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, a condition characterized by chronic nervousness and worry. According to the study’s lead author, “This study suggests that at least short-term there is significant value for people with generalized anxiety disorder to give yoga a try to see if it works for them. Yoga...