Knowledge Nuggets

Listening to music while exercising is a popular habit among athletes, offering benefits for both performance and motivation. Its effectiveness can vary based on individual music preferences, with some evidence suggesting a significant impact on performance.

The relationship between mentors and mentees stands out as a pivotal factor in effective mentoring. This was highlighted in a study featuring 239 mentor head coaches and 239 mentee assistant coaches, where researchers discovered a significant link between the quality of mentorship and the improvement of mentees’ leadership skills. Such finding underscores the imperative of...

A multitude of physical and mental health benefits for people who run recreationally span various age groups. Participation in running activities has been associated with enhanced well-being, mood improvement, and reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, showcasing its positive impact on overall health.

Mental fatigue is common among many athletes due to the high cognitive demands of sport. Mental fatigue in athletes has been shown to significantly impair both endurance and technical abilities, such as passing and shooting accuracy.

Prioritizing Indigenous voices is key for sports organizations designing coach education. Collaborative design can enhance cultural pride and support coach development by incorporating Indigenous culture and history. Using traditional methods like storytelling and mentoring, collaborative design aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, promoting Indigenous-led education and decolonizing coaching practices.

A study of women managers in a men’s professional sports league uncovered prevalent sexism, including the objectification and diminishment of women. The results highlight the importance of implementing comprehensive anti-sexism training and supportive policies for women in the sports industry.

One major barrier to sport participation is often financial constraints. In high-income countries, children and adolescents from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to participate in organized sports and meet physical activity guidelines than those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

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...

Pregnant women have unique health considerations, but they’re significantly underrepresented in sport research. As a result, we’re faced with severe knowledge gaps concerning female-specific cardiovascular physiology and sports performance. Researchers are calling for more inclusive research and sex-specific guidelines to better inform the training and participation policies of pregnant women.

Sports offer numerous physical and mental health benefits for individuals with disabilities; however, many remain inactive despite these advantages. The health benefits of sports participation across various disability groups include socialization opportunities and enjoyment, highlighting the positive aspects of sports participation.