Knowledge Nuggets

Student-athletes are faced with many pressures both on the field and in the classroom, which can lead to mental health challenges such as anxiety. Research shows that teaching student-athletes and their coaches strategies to promote social support, such as active listening strategies, may support improved mental health outcomes in student-athletes.

A Canadian study examining the impact of access to multidisciplinary care following a concussion in Olympic athletes found that return to sport was longer in athletes who had a delayed access to care. This research emphasizes the importance of early engagement with healthcare professionals to ensure a quicker and safer return to sport.

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.

In the world of youth sports, we often hear how playing teaches important life skills. But focusing solely on practical outcomes overlooks the deeper, personal growth that happens. Looking at sports through a different lens, one that values individual growth and the journey of ‘becoming’, can uncover new ways young athletes learn and grow, offering...

How a coach interacts with athletes can be significant predictor of athletes’ enjoyment and intentions to stay in sport. A study of 202 elite-level artistic swimmers from 22 countries showed that athletes under the guidance of democratic-style coaches reported elevated levels of athletic enjoyment and expressed greater intent to pursue their athletic careers. This finding...

‘Sports foods’ play a crucial role in meeting an athlete’s body’s energy needs during exercise. These nutrients serve various functions such as protecting cartilage, improving muscle quality, controlling weight, and much more.

Does mental toughness make a difference in sport performance? This review dove into research and found that athletes with higher mental toughness consistently perform better, especially in combat and individual sports.

Motor skill training doesn’t just improve performance, it rewires the brain! Athletes develop fewer but stronger brain connections through training, boosting focus and reaction time and giving them a mental edge.

Curious about your muscle type? This study suggests that the number of reps you can do at 80% of your maximum weight (1RM) reveals whether you have more fast-twitch or slow-twitch muscle fibers.

Nutritional strategies tailored to an individual’s genetic profile can significantly impact physical performance. Despite general guidelines, personalized nutrition for athletes considers genetic differences in nutrient absorption, metabolism, and utilization. Research in the fields of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics suggest that sports professionals should increasingly focus on personalized dietary plans to optimize athletes’ health, body composition, and...