Knowledge Nuggets

An alarming number of elite athletes rely on pain relief medication to compete through injuries or enhance performance. Despite some caution about side effects, self-administration is common and can be influenced by coaches and medical staff.

Higher testosterone levels are linked to faster sprint times in young male athletes, offering a potential edge in performance. While female athletes showed no correlation, males with higher testosterone ran significantly faster in 20 m and 30 m sprints.

Did you know that professional skiing and snowboarding has an injury incidence rate of 3.49 injuries per 1000 days? Among these injuries, lower extremity injuries are most prevalent, with freestyle skiing exhibiting the highest risk at an alarming 6.83 injuries per 1000 days.

Girls who are part of marginalized groups often miss out on sports, posing a big challenge for inclusion. A recent study found that much of the hesitancy to join sports comes from patriarchal norms and shyness. Promoting girls only sports with female coaches may lead to better rates of sport participation.

Sport has the ability to foster fun and enjoyment, which can be crucial in many refugee contexts. This recent study highlights the importance of prioritizing playful games over structured sports in refugee settlements, with the goal of fostering enjoyment and relaxation for young residents. By emphasizing fun through play, numerous positive impacts can be realized...

Have you ever wondered about potential performance differences between playing on artificial and natural grass fields? A study found that novice field hockey players showed better results on artificial surfaces compared to natural grass. However, they had more success with short distance hitting and pushing, and ball contact was higher on natural grass. Coaches and...

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.

While the mental health benefits of physical activity are well-documented, the specific advantages remain relatively unexplored. A recent review underscores the benefits that non-contact boxing may offer such as significant relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress.

Have you ever considered the dynamics between gender, settler colonialism, and sport within Indigenous communities? For instance, lacrosse, once a traditional Indigenous practice, was adopted by white settlers, altering its cultural significance. Gendered expectations within settler colonial institutions, like residential schools, have also enforced ideals that impact Indigenous women’s participation in sports like lacrosse. To...

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.