Tackling Global Inactivity
Physical inactivity is a global concern. Accelerating physical activity policy implementation is essential to achieve a 15% reduction in inactivity, a target set by World Health Organization (WHO). If every country implemented GAPPA, a set of evidence-based recommendations, this goal would be reached by 2030!
Physical activity and school performance
Research shows that physical activity can improve academic performance in children. In addition, engaging in physical activity can improve attention and cognition. It is recommended that teachers provide students with physical activity breaks and that physical activity is integrated into the curriculum.
Knee injuries in women’s soccer
In soccer, women have twice the risk of sustaining ACL knee injuries compared to men. Research shows that injury prevention programs such as FIFA 11+ can reduce ACL injury rates by up to 45% in women. Effective injury programs include multiple exercises focused on strength, agility, balance and mobility. To protect athletes from injury, teams…
Women’s health and sports
On International Women’s Day, we’re reminded of the importance of undertaking women-specific research within the sport sector. Recent research on the relationship between women’s health and soccer showed that muscle and tendon injury rates were 88% higher during specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, 20% of injuries occurred after the expected date of menstruation….
Indirect detection of doping in sports
The athlete biological passport (ABP) was created to assist with the detection of doping in sports. Unlike traditional detection methods which are one-off and direct, the ABP is an electronic record of an athlete’s biological attributes, developed from multiple samples taken over time. Variables are monitored closely to identify any changes that may indicate the…
Cardiovascular effects of performance enhancing drugs
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…
Exercise and the heart
Exercise has many beneficial effects on the heart. Regular exercise reduces body weight, blood pressure, improves muscular function and strength of the heart and improves the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen. Research shows that adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of modest activity every day for heart health benefits. Modest…
Physical activity and school performance
Research shows that physical activity can improve academic performance in children. In addition, engaging in physical activity can improve attention and cognition. It is recommended that teachers provide students with physical activity breaks and that physical activity is integrated into the curriculum.
Outdoor training and sun safety
Athletes who train for extensive periods of time outdoors have an increased risk of exposure to the sun’s UV rays, and thus an increased risk of skin cancer. Research shows that athletes who participate in water-based sports, such as open-water swimming, surfing, or sailing, face an even further risk due to the reflective qualities of…
HIIT or SIT?
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.