Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in elite athletes
Mental health and mental health disorders affect people from all walks of life. Elite athletes face unique challenges in dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with an estimated 1 in 8 experiencing this condition. This recent study explores the complexities of diagnosing and treating PTSD in athletes, highlighting best practice models for mental health…
Exploring pregnant and postpartum elite athletes
In the realm of sport there is a notable gap in research regarding the complex challenges that elite female athletes face when navigating sport environments for pregnant or postpartum athletes. That’s where this recent study comes in to uncover insights from coaches and healthcare professionals engaged with elite athletes during pregnancy and postpartum periods, aiming…
Rugby and fueling for success
In a study observing professional male rugby players, it was found that although players appear to meet their fuelling requirements in their pre-game and post-game meals, they do not meet the suggested daily carbohydrate fuelling needs. With athletes demonstrating relatively low carbohydrate intake compared to sports nutrition recommendations, it is important to ensure that a…
Transforming women’s sports through technology
In women’s elite sports, technology is transforming the game. Deloitte predicts that wearables, data analytics, and immersive fan experiences will optimize athlete performance and recovery. Embracing these technologies not only enhances fan engagement and opens new revenue streams but also fuels the growth and sustainability of women’s elite sports. It’s a win-win for players, fans,…
Climate and sport
The relationship between sport and the environment is important to keep in mind as climate change increasingly affects all areas of life. A recent review highlights the impacts of climate change on organized competitive sport entities.
The role of social support for female Olympic athletes
Social support has been widely recognized as a crucial aspect of an athlete’s career. Researchers from the University of Toronto conducted a study focusing on the unique challenges faced by female Olympic athletes and the role of social support. In their research, the authors provide valuable insights into how coaches, teammates, family, friends, and sports…
Importance of psychologists during training and competition to address mental health issues
Depressive symptoms appear to be significantly more common among high-performance athletes than in the general population. A recent study investigating the mental health of athletes at the FINA World Championships 2019 revealed that nearly 25% of the participants met the criteria for depression. Additionally, a substantial 45% of the entire athlete sample expressed a desire…
Impact of a missing audience on performance
Some athletes perform better when there is an audience and others do not. According to research, men run slower without an audience and women run faster. Women were also seen to perform better in complex tasks (e.g., shooting) when there was an audience present whereas men did not.
Taking a person-first approach to high performance sport in Canada
At the Canada Summer Games 2022 in Niagara, an event for up-and-coming athletes, the power of sport to transform lives was on full display with stories that showcased the pure joy, excitement and fun sport can offer. Teenage wrestler Eekeeluak Avalak became Nunavut’s first ever gold medalist in the Games and an emotional video clip…
Live sporting events and well-being
The aftermath of COVID has left many of us feeling lonely or isolated. Research indicates that attending live sporting events could help with these feelings. A recent study shows that there are positive associations of subjective well-being and decreased loneliness as a result of attending sporting events.Â