Mental health supports for NSOs
You don’t necessarily need a sport-specific mental health strategy or specialized staff to make an impact in the mental health space. Consistently and frequently communicating to athletes, coaches and support staff what mental health supports are available at no cost or subsidized cost, such as Game Plan or Lifeworks, is an accessible place for all…
Enhancing adult sport and physical activity
While long-term athlete development frameworks are meant for any age, adults report a lack of programming tailored to adult development. By emphasizing adult programming (for example, adult hockey or figure-skating programs targeted at those who did not learn how to skate as a child), organizations can bring more people into the game, grow their membership…
Remembrance Day
Today, we as Canadians take time to observe Remembrance Day. We remember the individuals who have served, continue to serve Canada and the sacrifices they’ve each made for our country. Physical activity (PA) programs have helped veterans with disabilities find a sense of community, as well as promote their health and well-being. Additionally, program providers…
Improving athlete mental health
Mental illness affects 35% of elite athletes, and some challenges—like performance anxiety and identity loss—are unique to the sport environment. In this video, McMaster university researchers discuss strategies like mental health awareness, individualized development programs, and mental health screenings to improve athlete well-being.
Using machine learning to diagnose concussions
Diagnosing concussions in athletes and deciding on return-to-play strategies often relies on subjective measurements. The Concussion Index can help reduce subjectivity by using brain electrical activity and machine learning to diagnose concussions. Improved diagnosis reliability can help reduce concussion-related disabilities in athletes.
Invictus Games impact
The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sport competition for service members and Veterans with physical and mental illnesses and injuries. Uniquely, it integrates family programming and support into program delivery. In the SIRC blog, Invictus Games researchers share tips that sport programmers can use to support military families, from recognizing and appreciating family to…
Trauma-informed approaches in sport
Up to 60% of Canadians report having had at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), such as abuse, neglect, or a household disruption. Coaches and program leaders can use a trauma-informed approach to support individuals who have experienced ACEs. This approach can help athletes better regulate their emotions and improve focus, leading to better performance,…
Self-doubt and performance
Overestimating the abilities of other people can cause us to doubt ourselves. A study of competitive runners showed that athletes’ predictions of their performance can vary: overconfident athletes tended to have an inflated view of their ability, while underconfident runners overestimated their competitors. Finding a balance between confidence and doubt can help athletes optimize their…
Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
“When my sister and I were competing for Canada, it felt like the whole Indigenous population was on our shoulders,” says Dr. Sharon Anne Firth, a residential school and Indian Day School survivor who went on to compete in 4 Olympic Games. Dr. Firth discusses the topic of mental health, her experience as an Indigenous…
Psychosocial readiness to return to sport following a sport-related concussion
Did you know that 1 in 450 Canadians suffered a sport-related concussion (SRC) or other type of brain injury in the past year (Gordon & Kuhle, 2022)? A SRC is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head (McCrory et al., 2017). For example, being struck by a soccer…