Trauma-Sensitive Design
Sport and physical activity programming that incorporates trauma-sensitive design harnesses social and environmental protective factors that can contribute to children’s resilience. Specific strategies include creating a safe environment, nurturing positive adult relationships, building body awareness and physical competence, and delivering active, engaging experiences.
Long Term Effects of Concussion
Concussions may be related to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging reveals that concussions can produce long-lasting structural and functional changes the brain in older individuals.
Exercise and Immune Function
Engaging in regular physical activity can reduce the risk of viral infection, but exercising too much – either too hard or for too long – can have the opposite effect. To optimize your immune function, follow this simple yet evidence-based rule of thumb: Limit physical activity to 60 minutes or less at an average heart…
Physical Literacy Assessment Tool
The Physical Literacy Environmental Assessment (PLEA) tool examines four domains to determine the extent to which sport and physical activity programs support the development of physical literacy amongst children and youth: environment, programming, leaders and staff, and values and goals, The tool can also be used as a checklist when planning and delivering a physical…
Healthy Behaviours During COVID-19
The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on the movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth. Researchers found that during restrictions, less than 5% of children and 0.6% of youth met recommended activity guidelines, and spent less time outside and more time in front of a screen. However, homes with greater parental…
Trauma-Sensitive Lens
Public health protocols, family stress, and social isolation can be challenging for children and youth. Provide one-on-one support for overwhelmed athletes or program participants by helping them stabilize, explore their experience, and supporting their return to play.
Skeletal Muscle Loss
McMaster University researchers studying the mystery of why some weightlifters’ muscles grow much more quickly than others’ have found new answers through a novel experiment in which subjects worked out one leg and immobilized the other. By comparing the genetic responses of the muscles to exercise, the research team identified a set of 141 genes…
Return to Play Plans
“We made it clear that compliance with public health guidelines was non-negotiable. But we realized that there were tonnes of things that were negotiable – class times, set up, the streamlining of intake processes – where we could be innovative and create the best experience for our members.” Stuart McReynolds, President & CEO of the…
Yoga and Health
A new study found yoga improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, a condition characterized by chronic nervousness and worry. According to the study’s lead author, “This study suggests that at least short-term there is significant value for people with generalized anxiety disorder to give yoga a try to see if it works for them. Yoga…
Return to Contact Sports
Researchers from the University of Bath warn there may be an increased risk of injury for athletes returning to contact sports after prolonged training restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on parallels from the 2011 National Football League 20-week lockout where frequent injuries were observed after returning to competition, the researchers recommend building individualized…