Knowledge Nuggets

You don’t necessarily need a sport-specific mental health strategy or specialized staff to make an impact in the mental health space. Consistently and frequently communicating to athletes, coaches and support staff what mental health supports are available at no cost or subsidized cost, such as Game Plan or Lifeworks, is an accessible place for all...

Coaches play an important role in facilitating athlete development. Shepherding athletes through an introduction to Para sport after an accident is a unique coaching role. This study explores the role of wheelchair rugby coaches in the development of athletes with a spinal cord injury.

Physical activity improves physical health in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while also developing social and communication skills. Research shows that adolescents with ASD are 60% less likely to participate in physical activity and 74% less likely to participate in organized sport compared to age-related peers. Creating policies and practices specific to the needs...

While long-term athlete development frameworks are meant for any age, adults report a lack of programming tailored to adult development. By emphasizing adult programming (for example, adult hockey or figure-skating programs targeted at those who did not learn how to skate as a child), organizations can bring more people into the game, grow their membership...

Today, we as Canadians take time to observe Remembrance Day. We remember the individuals who have served, continue to serve Canada and the sacrifices they’ve each made for our country. Physical activity (PA) programs have helped veterans with disabilities find a sense of community, as well as promote their health and well-being. Additionally, program providers...

Being active in midlife and menopause can be life-changing for women, but many experience barriers to getting active. The sport sector can help women in this life stage by expanding opportunities for physical activity, creating judgment-free zones, and offering social support. Expanding the image of what ‘sporty’ means can further inspire women to be active.

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited access to athlete classification, a requirement for Para sport competition. To this end, researchers at Western University are working to develop and evaluate hybridized frameworks to deliver classification, including elements of virtual classification. The aim is to consider approaches that require few resources and create greater levels of accessibility to...

The sport sector is constantly striving to enhance injury prevention mechanisms. Sports injury surveillance systems that provide quality data are critical when creating and evaluating injury prevention strategies. These strategies should be incorporated at all levels to create stronger standards for data reporting, monitoring injury and developing sport safety strategies.

Skiing, snowboarding and sledding put the participant at risk for injuries. Proper prevention strategies are key when it comes to avoiding alpine sport-related injuries. Some strategies for keeping safe include wearing properly fitted protective equipment, knowing the alpine responsibility code, looking at the environmental conditions and acknowledging your skill level.

Because elite athletes train and compete throughout their reproductive years, sport policies should reflect the needs of pregnant athletes. Recent research identified five areas where better support can be provided to pregnant athletes: pregnancy planning and fertility, pregnancy disclosure and discrimination, training pregnant athletic bodies, safety concerns, and supportive networks and equitable funding.