Ski like a girl: Researchers reveal hidden histories of women in Nordic sport
From a U of A varsity ski club to the Canadian Birkebeiner and the Olympics, women have always been part of the landscape of winter sport. When Lyndsay Conrad dove into her archival research on early 20th-century ski history in Alberta, she found women were missing in the standard narratives, yet leap out in old…
Plyometrics and sport performance
Strength and conditioning are key in all areas of sport. One method of strength training is plyometric training, which is a series of explosive body weight resistance exercises. A recent study finds that sport performance consisting of throwing capacity, jumping ability, and sprint performance significantly improved due to plyometric training interventions.
Building women leadership through sport
Engaging in sports can empower women to become better leaders. Beyond physical benefits, sports foster teamwork, communication, and resilience, translating into effective leadership qualities. Athletic experiences empower women to navigate professional challenges with confidence, challenging societal norms and inspiring leadership development.
Prioritizing mental health
Prioritizing mental health is crucial, and regular exercise is a powerful tool in achieving it. The therapeutic effects of nature on our well-being have garnered significant attention in recent years. A recent study underscores the potential of nature walks in effectively reducing anxiety levels.
Asthma and physical activity
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects more than 300 million individuals worldwide. Although various pharmacological treatments exist, recent research suggests that there could be additional benefits with lifestyle changes, particularly with increased physical activity.
Parental role in fostering youth psychosocial development
In the landscape of elite youth sports, there exists a notable gap in research concerning parental roles in fostering their child’s psychosocial development. A recent study delves into the dynamics at play within a professional football (soccer) academy and its players development process. The investigation centers on uncovering parents’ perspectives on their roles and experiences…
Cultural competence in sports psychology
A recent global study shows that sports psychology professionals must prioritize cultural competence beyond a checklist, considering it an ethical duty for effective practice. The research highlights the need to actively develop this competence through learning from mistakes and open conversations, grounding it in personal and professional experiences for meaningful cultural understanding.
Challenges and solutions in parental support for young para-athletes
Parents supporting young para-athletes report challenges including limited local sports options and funding difficulties. Recognizing these hurdles, and understanding their impact, can inform improved support mechanisms for the sports sector like addressing cultural barriers, engaging parents in program development, enhancing access to sports for disabled youth, and refining talent identification pathways for aspiring para-athletes.
Rest and injury
Rest and sleep are key parts of maintaining physical health and recovering from potential injuries. This is true even outside of competition season, a recent study done on preseason rugby athletes found that longer sleep duration during the preseason may assist in enhancing physical qualities including aerobic capacity and body composition.
Machine learning and injury
Injuries are common in sports and can have significant physical, psychological and financial consequences. A recent study found that current machine learning methods can be used to identify athletes at high risk of injury and be helpful to detect the most important injury risk factors.