Decline in youth sport participation
One of the most useful ways for youth and adolescents to socialize and stay healthy is sport. Despite the positive benefits of sport, sport participation among youth has steadily declined in the past decade. A recent study found that motivation as well as sport experience had the strongest relationships with drop-out. It is suggested that…
Impact of sleep on mental health
When life gets busy it is common for many people to end up sacrificing sleep in order to get all of their tasks done. Sleep difficulties are prevalent among Canadians, and poor sleep quality and duration have been associated with worsened overall well-being. A new study found that there are strong associations between good sleep…
Veganism and Health
Diets are a common trend among society in order to manage weight and stay healthy. One common diet that has gained popularity is veganism. Veganism is the dieting practice of not consuming any animal-based products including meat, eggs, dairy and more. Recent studies suggest that a carefully designed vegan diet can help to improve sports…
Risks of energy drink consumption
Across the country many people have caffeine regularly as a part of their everyday routine. This usually comes in the form of coffee in the morning or throughout the day, however recently energy drinks have been on the rise. With the suggested limit of caffeine being around 400 mg a day, the rise of energy…
Sports Drinks and Hydration
A common byproduct of moderate to rigorous physical activity is water loss from sweating. As little as 3-4% water loss can lead to worsened athletic performance. In order to supplement this loss many athletes turn to sports drinks in order to keep hydration levels balanced. This recent study finds that drinking electrolyte drinks continuously during…
Strategies to Enhance Disability Programming
Through interviews with providers of community-based exercise programs for individuals with disabilities, researchers have developed a comprehensive list of 85 strategies to enhance programs. A user-friendly chart offers actionable methods to improve exercise experiences for people with disabilities, serving as a valuable resource for program providers striving to create more inclusive and effective fitness opportunities.
Managing Healthy Expectations for Youth Athletes
A study delving into the impact of expectations on the well-being of young students in talent schools for sports found that while coach and parental expectations provided motivation, students also faced self-doubt and stress. Coaches played a crucial role in progress, yet excessive dependency on their approval could pose problems. Parental support was appreciated, but…
Belonging in marginalized populations
Organized sports can serve as a powerful conduit for fostering feelings of belonging in marginalized populations, such as individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Effective Cheering
Did you know that cheering for runners is more than just words? Research reveals that providing instructional and motivational support is appreciated by runners, but its effectiveness depends on factors like the runner’s condition and course feedback accuracy. While support is usually uplifting, it can also create pressure. Experts suggest using the “IMPACT” approach (Instructional,…
Exercise-related transient abdominal pain
Have you ever been on a run and suddenly started experiencing pain in the side of your abdomen? Many people refer to this as a side stich, but the proper name is exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). To help decrease the chances of ETAP, don’t eat a large meal an hour before your run, avoid…