Exercise and immunity
Regular physical activity, as little as 30 minutes of activity, five days a week, can strengthen the human immune system and reduce the risk of falling ill and dying of infectious diseases by 37%.
Foam rolling can increase flexibility, decrease pain with without negative effects on performance
Foam rolling has become very popular over the last decade. It is believed to increase flexibility and range of motion, improve athletic performance and reduce pain and muscle soreness. Our laboratory within the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial University of Newfoundland has been working to verify these claims and determine whether…
Athlete health and clean air
In June, on Canada’s Clean Air Day, SIRC took a look at air pollution and how it can affect the healthy and performance of outdoor sport participants. Today, is the International Day of Clean Air and it bares reminding that as sport leaders we have a responsibility to understand air pollution and its impact on…
First Aid Training
Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) can be lifesaving, but only when the public is willing and able to use them. A recent study of community sports clubs in Ireland demonstrated that only one-fifth of club members were willing to use an AED. However, after only 2 hours of training, 77.5% were willing to use the lifesaving…
Stair climbing for heart health
Exercise is an important part of rehabilitation after heart procedures. But time, equipment and access to a gym can be a barrier to exercising. Stair-climbing is a safe, efficient, and accessible alternative that can help cardiac patients improve their heart health and build muscle. Best of all, stairs remain accessible to exercisers even amid pandemic-related…
Terry Fox
Today we are celebrating Terry Fox Day. Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist. After losing his right leg to osteosarcoma, he was inspired to start running across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Fox’s journey was cut short as his cancer progressed, but his “Marathon of Hope” raised $24.17 million…
Treating sport-related concussion with exercise
For decades, rest has been prescribed for sport-related concussion symptoms. But new evidence suggests that mild to moderate aerobic exercise can be a safe and effective concussion treatment. In fact, exercise can help speed up recovery and help athletes who experience symptoms beyond the expected recovery period.
The importance of the pelvic floor in returning to physical activity after childbirth
After childbirth, mothers have numerous concerns about their postpartum body and its capacity for returning to physical activity. One of the worries is whether physical activity may negatively affect the pelvic floor after pregnancy and delivery. The pelvic floor is a crucial group of muscles that helps maintain bladder and bowel control, support internal organs,…
Exercise for sleep
Wanting to exercise at night but worried that it will disrupt your sleep? Performing high-intensity exercise like running or cycling in the evening may benefit your nighttime sleep. The key is making sure that you finish your workout at least 2 hours before you plan to go to bed.
Healthy fathers
Father’s Day is this Sunday! Although entering parenthood can be an exciting time, it comes with new challenges and responsibilities. This can often limit the amount of physical activity that fathers partake in. Research shows that fathers who maintain optimal physical activity levels have better physical and mental health, enhanced positive father-child bonding, and are…