Foam rolling beneficial to range of motion and recovery

Research from the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial University has shown that foam rolling can increase range of motion, as well as reduce pain and the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness, without having any adverse effects on performance. Foam rolling is a useful tool for athletes during warm up or recovery.

Sleep hygiene

Sleep hygiene is an important aspect of recovery and includes behaviours that promote improved quantity and quality of sleep. Sleep is especially important for athletic performance and inadequate sleep can hinder an athlete’s ability to recover from training or injuries. Some sleep strategies that can be used to help improve sleep hygiene include maintaining a…

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…

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.

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.

When injury strikes

When an athlete sustains an injury, it can impact the entire team. When this happens, coaches can maintain a positive group environment by clearly communicating role adjustments, prioritizing the injured athletes’ well-being, and keeping the injured athlete connected to the team throughout the recovery process.

Athlete recovery in Para sport

Recovery from training can help athletes reduce injuries and enjoy longer careers, but very little is known about athlete recovery in Para sport. According to new research, collaborating with athletes, trusting athletes’ expertise about their bodies, and individualizing recovery strategies are important considerations for practitioners working with Para sport athletes.

Bouncing back from jet lag

Canadian athletes travelling to Beijing will have to deal with a significant time change. Jet lag can negatively impact sleep schedules and performance. However, research shows that good sleep hygiene (for example, a comfortable pillow and earplugs) and controlled light exposure can improve athletes’ speed and power for up to 96 hours after travel.

Sleep hygiene

Are you getting enough sleep? The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as participating in regular exercise, and maintaining a regular bedtime and waketime, can help you get a good night’s sleep.

Healthy sleep for youth

Research indicates 70% of school-aged children and youth in Canada met recommendations for healthy sleep. This is important because a good night’s sleep can improve cognitive functions and moods, help maintain healthy body weight, and increase energy to help kids stay active throughout the day. In this infographic, discover tips to support healthy sleep behaviours…