Knowledge Nuggets

Performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) are associated with dangerous effects on the heart. Research shows that they increase the risk of heart attack and can result in abnormal blood clotting and an irregular heartbeat. PEDs also help athletes over-exert themselves, which can cause increased strain on muscles of the heart. PEDs are banned in sports and...

Both high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) have been shown to improve performance, but through different body adaptations. HIIT improves the heart’s ability to pump blood to exercising muscles, while SIT causes greater changes in how the muscles absorb and use oxygen.

Listening to athletes is an important part of enacting cultural change in sport. Canadian researchers interviewed athletes to get their perspective on when the feel safe versus unsafe in high performance sport settings. Inappropriate coach behaviour, an inattentive system, lack of resources and exclusion by teammates make athletes feel unsafe, while knowledgable and supportive coaches...

Research shows that video assistance referee (VAR) technology in professional soccer has helped with officials’ decision-making, but has disrupted the flow of the game. To improve speed and accuracy, FIFA debuted a new technology at the 2022 World Cup that automates the detection of offsides. Using multiple cameras and artificial intelligence software, officials were able...

“As an athlete, you’re always thinking about yourself. Then my daughter, Kate, comes along and that whole perspective totally changes. I had to make every moment count, whether I was being a mom with Kate, or training at the gym,” says 2-time Olympian, Mandy Bujold. The Canadian boxer discusses her fight to earn a spot...

In 2021, FIFA recently released their first analysis of high performance women’s soccer and the results are still relevant today. The report highlights opportunities that can encourage clubs to invest in their women’s teams. For example, having a written strategy for women’s soccer helps clubs increase revenue, have more facilities for the first team, and...

Showing consideration and compassion for women athletes’ long-term health and goals, both during and after athletes’ careers, is critical in high performance sport. Rather than rely on hindsight in retirement, evidence-based guidance is needed to support women athletes as they progress through their careers so that they can prioritize their health for life. Check out...

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...

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.

The FIFA 11+ program was developed in 2011 based on medical research. It consists of a warm-up routine that combines exercises in strength, running, and balance to prevent injuries in soccer players. Despite its current success, research shows that higher program uptake can be achieved by raising injury prevention awareness and promoting protecting players’ overall...