Knowledge Nuggets

Whether recognized formally or informally, athletes should occupy leadership roles to support a team’s functioning. Like some NHL teams, improving the number and effectiveness of athlete leaders can enhance team motivation, communication, cohesion and performance. Shared leadership among teammates can be an effective way to increase team dynamics and success.

Research shows that active transportation, such as walking, wheeling or cycling to get to and from places, is associated with improved physical and mental health. But only 7% of adults living in Canada use active travel. Time spent outdoors interacting with nature and green spaces can improve our mental well-being and decrease our environmental footprint....

“Communicating evaluation findings is like giving a TED Talk. The story you should tell is inside of you.” In the SIRC blog, Chris Penrose, Director of Programs and Operations at Lay-Up Youth Basketball, shares insights on learning from and communicating the findings of a program evaluation.

Boys are less likely than girls to seek help for mental health concerns, but a new evidence-based mental health literacy program in Australia is aiming to change that. Boys that participated in the 45-minute workshop reported increased confidence and intentions to seek and provide help for mental health concerns. The boys in this program preferred...

Data-driven decision-making doesn’t need to involve complicated data collection and analysis. It can, but it doesn’t have to. Instead, make working with data easier by knowing what data you already have and how to access it, figuring out what you want to learn from the data and letting the data tell the story.

Women are motivated to take part in golf for many reasons, but the traditional structure, rules, and social etiquette of the game can create barriers to their participation. In the SIRC blog, Lindsay Knowlton, founder of Iron Lady Golf, shares strategies and tips to help golf clubs and organizations create inclusive, welcoming environments for women.

For Masters athletes, a quality coach provides a range of benefits that distinguish training and competition from fitness or exercise. These include enhanced confidence, learning processes, lifestyle habits, and the creation of an environment that meets their need for affiliation.

When it comes to sedentary behaviour (waking time spent at rest in a sitting or reclined position), Canadian adults received a grade of F in the 2021 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults. Not surprisingly, more than 60% of Canadians reported spending more time using the internet and watching TV during the pandemic....

Attitudes and social norms that prioritize athlete performance can prevent parents and guardians from discussing concussion reporting with their kids. Educational initiatives targeting parents and guardians are needed to address these attitudes and norms, while emphasizing the benefits of parent/guardian-athlete communication, such as developing closer bonds.

Exercise is one way to prevent the age-related decline of memory. In fact, new research shows that aerobic exercise may enhance memory in previously inactive older adults, with the potential for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to yield the greatest benefit.