Benefits of sport in individuals with disabilities
Sports participation offers benefits for all, including those with disabilities, by enhancing functionality and reducing anxiety. This review explores these benefits, emphasizing positive outcomes like socialization, enjoyment, and opportunities to challenge stereotypes among individuals with disabilities.
Socioeconomic background and sport participation
One major barrier to sport participation is often financial constraints. In high-income countries, children and adolescents from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to participate in organized sports and meet physical activity guidelines than those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Non-contact boxing and mental health
While the mental health benefits of physical activity are well-documented, the specific advantages remain relatively unexplored. A recent review underscores the benefits that non-contact boxing may offer such as significant relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress.
Communities’ responses to sport inclusion in the Olympic Games
The inclusion of sports like skateboarding, BMX freestyle, and sport climbing in the Olympics has sparked mixed reactions within their communities. This study explores how these athletes and enthusiasts feel about joining the Olympic fold. It reveals concerns about losing their sports’ unique identities and traditions, especially as the emphasis shifts towards competition.
Non-elite sport for mental health literacy
Organized sports have been increasingly used as a platform to promote mental health. This study found that sport-based interventions in non-elite sports, had moderate to strong positive effects on mental health literacy, including reduced stigma and increased knowledge.
Vitamin D comparison between indoor and outdoor athletes
Vitamin D is crucial for health as it impacts bone health and immune function. Indoor elite athletes have been shown to have lower vitamin D levels compared to outdoor athletes, with nearly all indoor athletes being deficient in the vitamin.
Self-esteem in sport
Self-esteem plays a crucial role in both daily life and sports. This study finds that athletes in individual sports generally exhibit higher levels of self-esteem compared to those in team sports.
Challenging the comeback effect
It was once believed that being slightly behind in a game could boost winning chances in basketball, but new research challenges this idea. Tests across other sports like football and rugby found no similar effect.
Sport for stress reduction
Sport isn’t just about competition, it’s also about having fun. For adolescents, engaging in physical activity can reduce the effects of stress, especially when they genuinely enjoy what they’re doing. This highlights how motivation behind physical activity influences life satisfaction and reduces stress.
Reasons to continue sport participation later in life
Despite the well-known benefits of sport, participation tends to decline with age. However, many older adults continue to engage in sports for reasons such as health benefits, social connections, and a sense of achievement. To encourage greater participation among older adults, highlighting these benefits are essential.