Napping and increased performance
Sleep plays a crucial role in all aspects of activity, particularly in sports. A recent study on 291 adult male participants revealed that combining a regular night of sleep with a nap resulted in enhanced cognitive and physical performance, as well as reduced perception of fatigue.
Bolstering learning for children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, interaction, and other behaviours. A recent study suggests that exercise programs designed to enable children with ASD to participate can significantly improve their physical literacy and motor skills, offering a potentially valuable framework for physical activity programming for children with ASD.
Optimizing gender-specific performance
Optimizing performance in soccer requires collaboration among coaches, physicians, nutritionists, and exercise physiologists to provide tailored recommendations. A recent study offers valuable insights into essential factors, including hydration status and training load structure, crucial for optimizing body composition and health.
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…
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…