Knowledge Nuggets

Could golf be the secret to healthy aging? Golfing at least once per month, was found to lower the risk of death among older adults. While the protective effects of playing golf have not been linked to reduction of heart attack and stroke risk, researchers note the positive effects of exercise and social interaction for...

Longitudinal studies allow us to observe behavioural changes and identify patterns over time, providing unique insight on how behaviours are affected by life events. New research using data from the Monitoring Activities of Teenagers to Comprehend their Habits (MATCH) study, which followed nearly 1,000 children for eight years, describes how Canadian youth follow different trajectories...

New research led by David Hardisty, professor at the UBC Sauder School of Business, investigates the science behind why we procrastinate and how excitement, anticipation, and dread factor into decision-making. To break the cycle of procrastination, Hardisty recommends changing the language of how you think about negative tasks. Instead of “having to” go for a...

As Canadians retreated to their homes to limit the spread of COVID-19, researchers from the University of the Fraser Valley launched a study to examine how life in lockdown would affect physical activity and wellbeing. Research results show those who became more active during the pandemic reported lower anxiety than those who spent less time in outdoor physical activity;...

The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing the risk of experiences of psychological distress and poor mental health. Researchers at McMaster University have shown that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times weekly can boost mood, reduce psychological distress and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Like strengthening a muscle, exercise “tones” the stress system making...

“It’s quite possible that youth are having difficulties coping with the lack of structured learning, friendly competition, and most of all, social interaction with teammates that comes with participation in sport.” University of Alberta youth sport researcher Nick Holt recommends keeping kids connected to the benefits of sport through backyard practices, engagement in fun social...

Older male adults can be a particularly hard-to-reach group when it comes to physical activity programming. In this SIRC blog, researchers break down the 7 A’s of Active Aging to improve understanding on how to design and deliver tailored physical activity programs.

Did you know that physically active people are up to 50% less likely to get an upper respiratory tract infection than people who are less active? In fact, moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking have been shown to reduce the risk of pneumonia — a complication of viruses like the one that causes COVID-19 — by...

Western University researchers reveal that brisk walks – as short as 20 minutes – are just as effective as caffeine in boosting working memory. Working memory is the ability to store and manipulate information in the moment, such as remembering items on a grocery list after you’ve driven to the store.

Having trouble getting active? Goals are a great way to stay motivated. Set a physical activity goal and create a detailed plan for when, where, and how you will achieve it. Review your goal on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to celebrate progress, increase the challenge, or adjust expectations (too aspirational? Reset your goal and...