Knowledge Nuggets

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.

Children with intellectual disabilities and developmental conditions often experience difficulties with certain tasks and limited eye contact. Active participation in community activities such as sport has been shown to enhance their overall happiness, indicating the significance of engagement in improving their well-being.

In youth sports, coaches wield significant influence on athlete development. A recent study explores why coaches use specific leadership behaviours and their intended outcomes. Results reveal how different leadership styles correspond with distinct coaching objectives, aiding in enhancing our understanding of coaching practices for improved athlete experiences.

Elite athletes and coaches view sleep as essential for optimal performance and recovery, but sleep quality is often compromised by various factors. Sleep quality can affect athletic performance and recovery, with the impact varying based on sport type and individual needs.

Combat sport athletes often use rapid weight loss strategies, also known as weight cutting, before competitions, but these methods can cause harm. Dehydration and extreme dieting raise the risk of kidney stress and long-term damage.

Masters athletes are often seen as examples of healthy aging, but research from the Australian Masters Games, drawing over 5000 participants, highlights class and gender inequalities that are leaving some people out. While celebrating the accomplishments of masters athletes, acknowledging varied aging experiences and providing equitable opportunities for everyone to participate are crucial.

A recent review shows that research on elite youth athletes often focuses on disordered eating, anxiety and depression and that risk factors for mental health issues include gender, athlete status, and social relationships with coaches, parents and guardians, and peers. These findings highlight the pressing need for effective prevention measures to safeguard the mental health...

Regular stretching is common among athletes as an injury prevention and warm up method. A recent study finds that regularly stretching before exercising and sticking to a routine can lower the chances of muscular or tendon injuries, especially in sports like running. Additionally, regular stretching may even improve balance and lower the risk of falling.

Training and lifting at gyms are a common part of athlete development, with many athletes listening to music for motivation. A study found that although preferred warm-up music does increase the volume of lifts and motivation, it does not speed up or change how the lifts feel.

Despite female sex hormones being known to influence thirst and fluid balance, research shows they don’t significantly affect overall water retention during rest or exercise. Although progesterone can alter internal body temperature, it does not appear to impact heat dissipation during exercise in women.