Knowledge Nuggets

Many people use the terms sport drink and energy drink interchangeably, but it’s important to recognize that they are not the same. Sports drinks are flavoured beverages that frequently contain carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes and various other vitamins or nutrients. Energy drinks may contain these ingredients as well, but they also include stimulants such as caffeine....

Going to the gym is beneficial for health, but what if you suffer from intimidation at the gym? Individuals may find the gym overcrowded and equipment confusing to use. You can help ease “gymtimidation” by starting with simple workouts, doing research about equipment and exercises, hiring a personal trainer, or going with a friend.

Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is important to help prevent mouth and face injuries. Not only can injuries to the mouth and face impact an individual physically, they can also have psychological and social consequences. Research shows that mouthguards reduce injuries to the mouth and face by absorbing impact.

Intramural sports give students the opportunity to be physically active, regardless of their experience level. Participation in intramural sports is associated with improved physical health, self-confidence and stress management skills. Intramurals also give students the opportunity to experience a wide variety of sports, allowing them to pick and choose the ones they enjoy and want...

Being a new mom is often stressful. Encouragingly, research shows that new and expecting moms who stay active are less likely to experience anxiety. Meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week is a great way for moms to protect and promote their mental health.

Trying out a new sport skill or exercise routine? Seeking feedback from others — whether health or fitness professionals, or friends and family — can increase self-confidence and help motivate you to achieve your goals.

Regular physical activity, as little as 30 minutes of activity, five days a week, can strengthen the human immune system and reduce the risk of falling ill and dying of infectious diseases by 37%.

To create a Safe Sport environment, research with Canadian sport administrators points to a need for changes to policy and education at all levels. Focusing on harm prevention is not sufficient. Sport organizations also need to promote positive values and human rights.

Research shows that sport participation can help athletes cope with adverse life events. For example, social support networks built through participation in recreational sport leagues can build confidence and offer a reprieve from negative emotions. Adult sport leagues can harness these findings to better market and reshape their leagues to attract new participants.

Gender equity is just as important in sports research as it is on the playing field. However, a recent literature review shows a considerable gender gap in talent development research. Youth development programs need more research on girls and women to better address their specific needs with evidence-based programming.