Knowledge Nuggets

As we age, research suggests we need to “add oomph to our workouts.” Older adults that regularly engaged in cycling walked more efficiently than those whose primary exercise was slow walking.

Family support is positively associated with children’s physical activity levels. Parents and guardians can facilitate physical activity by encouraging, watching, role modelling, co-participating and attending physical activity events with their kids. Being active as a family encourages life-long physical activity and increases feelings of social support, connectedness and attachment – all important for good mental...

Participants using a physical activity app with team-based incentives accumulated more steps per day during a 12-week intervention period compared to matched controls. The findings offer further evidence that even very small incentives (users earned on average $3.60 CAD over 12 weeks) can be used to influence behaviour change and increase physical activity.

While many bids for the hosting of major sport events include increased sport participation as an expected outcome, researchers argue there is no reliable evidence for a “demonstration effect” through which citizens are inspired by elite sport, sports people, or sports events to participate themselves. In the SIRCuit, Dr. Luke Potwarka suggests demonstration effects do...

Individuals living with two or more chronic conditions – known as multimorbidity – might need to reconsider their prescriptions. A review of the literature suggests exercise therapy can be safe and beneficial for their physical and psychosocial health, and has a lower risk of negative side effects compared to pharmacological treatments.

The Valley Female Leadership Network in Nova Scotia created an infographic to help make case for investment in girls and women’s participation and leadership in sport and physical activity. Reflecting on their experience, they advise: “You may find you have too much information but that’s okay, you can always create more than one infographic!” Learn...

The mention of a hike can elicit groans, whining, and protests from children and youth. According to Outside magazine contributor Rachel Walker, tips to get your kids on the trails include choosing an interesting trail, giving them responsibilities, inviting their friends, and not skimping on snacks. However, perhaps most importantly, don’t call it “hiking”!

Integrated physical activity programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities not only offer benefits for participants, they can also influence the attitudes and behaviours of others. Learn how the APEX program is impacting support workers, program volunteers, and other members of the University of Windsor community, in the SIRCuit.

Researchers at the University of Alberta partnered with JumpStart Charities to evaluate the reach and impact of the Keeping Girls in Sport online module. Survey findings demonstrated some interested uptake patterns, and reinforced the value of the program for increasing awareness and know-how to create positive sport environments for girls. Applications for the 2020/2021 SIRC...

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...