Military sport programs
Sport programs have great potential to support the healing and recovery of injured and ill military personnel and their families. In fact, military personnel and their families alike benefit when sport programs recognize, appreciate and cultivate a sense of belonging for military families. Here are some tips to integrate military families into sport programs, which…
Return to physical activity postpartum
The postpartum transition (from childbirth to one-year postpartum) is among the most challenging identity shifts for women. Physical activity has the capacity to reconnect women with their new bodies, while improving mental health. With education and support, more women can safely resume physical activity after childbirth and benefit from improved well-being.
Sport Information Resource Centre, Coaching Association of Canada and Health Canada Launch Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) E-learning Module
Canada’s most trusted partner in advancing sport knowledge is raising awareness of the importance of the AQHI as it relates to athlete health and empowering sport leaders to make informed decisions about air quality. March 21, 2023 Ottawa – The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC), in partnership with Health Canada and conjunction with the Coaching…
Fitness trackers encourage increased activity
Fitness trackers and other wearable tech have become increasingly popular in sporting and non-sporting populations. Researchers have determined that activity trackers tend to encourage wearers to take approximately 1800 extra steps per day, equivalent to approximately 40 extra minutes of walking.
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…