SIRC’s Knowledge Nuggets provide a daily source of insight, leveraging the latest in research findings, promising practices, relevant news and practical resources.
There is limited research on pregnancy and postpartum impacts on elite athletes’ training loads and performances. A recent study followed 42 elite runners during and after pregnancy and found that study participants returned to 80% of pre-pregnancy training volumes by 3-months postpartum, and close to half improved performance post-pregnancy. The authors encourage individualized, cautious, and...
Parents play an important role in their children’s sport experiences. A recent study highlights 4 things that parents can do to make their children’s sport experiences more enjoyable: 1) show that you care about your child’s sport by facilitating and prioritising participation, 2) listen and learn from your child to ensure you can engage in...
Sport climbing is a new Olympic sport set to debut in Paris and is demanding on its own. However, it can also act as a complement to other athletic activities: a Romanian study found it can be a an effective cross training tool for youth soccer players. Over a 14-week trial, junior soccer players increased...
Did you know that within the sport performance literature examining female athletes and women’s sport, only 32-37% of research participants are female? Research on female athletes’ physiology and performance lags behind, with limited understanding of how hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle impact performance. Standardizing research practices and considering menstrual cycle phases can offer insights...
Skateboarding is often seen as a fun way to pass the time, and it will soon be known as an Olympic pursuit when it debuts at the Paris 2024 Olympics. It can also be a way to commute with important benefits. For example, one study found that teens who skateboard for transportation report higher levels...
Relative Age Effect (RAE) suggests that there may be performance advantages to athletes who are born earlier in the calendar year as they may be physically, cognitively, and emotionally more mature than younger peers in the same age grouping. However, early research on the new Olympic sport of surfing reveals it may be one of...
Ensuring equitable access and quality experiences for disabled people in sport is an ongoing challenge. Well trained coaches are crucial for delivering good opportunities, especially in Para sport. They play a key role in helping disabled individuals achieve important sporting and social goals.
Strength and conditioning (S&C) programs for golfers show promising improvements in performance. S&C programs, including strength training and plyometrics, have been shown to increase clubhead speed, ball speed, and distance by 4 to 6.4%.
Did you know that Paralympic athletes’ portrayal as inspirational figures influences their sponsorship opportunities? But not all athletes fit into these narratives, leading to challenges securing sponsorships. The views shaping sponsor perceptions highlight inequalities in sponsor access based on athletes’ perceived inspiration levels, calling for inclusive sponsorship practices and intersectional research for fairer opportunities.
On Indigenous Peoples Day, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of traditional physical activities for indigenous youth. In a recent review, researchers found that engaging in traditional physical activities helped youth feel connected to their land and community while supporting the development of healthy habits. This highlights the importance of integrating traditional physical activities in...
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