Impact of COVID-19 on physical activity
As Canadians retreated to their homes to limit the spread of COVID-19, researchers from the University of the Fraser Valley launched a study to examine how life in lockdown would affect physical activity and wellbeing. Research results show those who became more active during the pandemic reported lower anxiety than those who spent less time in outdoor physical activity;…
Aging expectations and physical activity behaviours
Project Summary A developing area of research focuses on ‘successful aging’, which has the central objective of discovering significant predictors of optimal health in later life so that risks of disease and disablement can be targeted and reduced. From this research, there is evidence indicating beliefs that older adults have of their own aging process…
Exercise and Resiliency
The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing the risk of experiences of psychological distress and poor mental health. Researchers at McMaster University have shown that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times weekly can boost mood, reduce psychological distress and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Like strengthening a muscle, exercise “tones” the stress system making…
Youth & COVID-19
“It’s quite possible that youth are having difficulties coping with the lack of structured learning, friendly competition, and most of all, social interaction with teammates that comes with participation in sport.” University of Alberta youth sport researcher Nick Holt recommends keeping kids connected to the benefits of sport through backyard practices, engagement in fun social…
Predictors of excessive exercise in anorexia nervosa
Project Summary The present study was aimed at determining a model that would predict excessive exercise in individuals with anorexia nervosa. This is very important because exercising excessively while underweight, as can be the case in certain forms of sport participation, has been shown to have dangerous health consequences, and has been linked to negative…
7 A’s of Active Aging
Older male adults can be a particularly hard-to-reach group when it comes to physical activity programming. In this SIRC blog, researchers break down the 7 A’s of Active Aging to improve understanding on how to design and deliver tailored physical activity programs.
Exercise & Infection
Did you know that physically active people are up to 50% less likely to get an upper respiratory tract infection than people who are less active? In fact, moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking have been shown to reduce the risk of pneumonia — a complication of viruses like the one that causes COVID-19 — by…
Working Memory
Western University researchers reveal that brisk walks – as short as 20 minutes – are just as effective as caffeine in boosting working memory. Working memory is the ability to store and manipulate information in the moment, such as remembering items on a grocery list after you’ve driven to the store.
Setting Goals
Having trouble getting active? Goals are a great way to stay motivated. Set a physical activity goal and create a detailed plan for when, where, and how you will achieve it. Review your goal on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to celebrate progress, increase the challenge, or adjust expectations (too aspirational? Reset your goal and…
National Health and Fitness Day 2020
Only 16% of Canadian adults meet Canada’s physical activity guidelines. In preparation for National Health and Fitness Day tomorrow, check out our new fact sheet on evidence-based tips for getting active. (Spoiler: Set a goal, create an action plan, track your activity, get feedback, review and reset!)