Robot Spectators
Spectators are considered by some to be an important component of homefield advantage…so what will be the impact of empty stands? From robot mannequins in China, to cardboard cut-outs of fans in Germany (with proceeds to local charities), a number of innovative ideas are emerging that could be considered by professional sport leagues as they…
Podium Performance Webinars
In partnership with CoachNB, CoachingNL and CoachingPEI, the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic’s Podium Performance Webinars offer a virtual platform for coaches to connect and learn. The Coach Socialization Series consists of 3-4 sessions a week covering a variety of topics including mental performance, resilience, and a building a positive and competitive culture.
Building a pandemic communications strategy must start with this one-word question
Sport organizations around the world are in crisis communications mode, trying to figure out the best ways to use new technologies and compelling content to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. While many scramble to react to the latest development, and others sit paralyzed by indecision, there are well-researched and time-tested principles that can provide sport…
COVID-19 Research: Fitbit
Thought your Fitbit was only good for tracking your 10,000 steps? Researchers at Standford Medicine have launched a new project to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by harnessing the 250,000+ measurements/day made by smartwatches and other wearable devices to detect early signs of viral infection. The team will develop algorithms based of key metrics…
Friendly Competition
Research suggests competition is a stronger motivator for exercise than friendly support. To encourage active living amongst the SIRC team, supporting our physical and mental health, we’re using the Challenge Hound app. Learn more about this and other strategies used over the last month to help keep the team healthy and engaged in the SIRC…
Earth Day 2020
Today is Earth Day, part of an international movement to drive positive action for our planet. In Belgium, researchers developed a tool using broadcast archives of professional sport events to build long-term datasets of changes in seasonal foliage. Analysis of footage from the Tour of Flanders showed the same 46 trees blooming earlier than they…
Basketball AI
The use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in basketball has advanced in-game analysis, enabling coaches to more accurately predict player and team performances by identifying trends. Read how these techniques are revealing new insights about individual players, their teams and their opponents, promising future changes in how the pros play basketball and how the…
Technology
Research from Brazil revealed that smartphone-based social media use and playing video games impaired passing decision-making amongst professional athletes. Findings suggest athletes should avoid social media platforms and/or playing video games immediately before games to avoid any negative impacts on performance. Click here for an infographic of the findings.
Speed Skating Tech
Canada’s long-track speed skaters debuted a suit thought to give a competitive advantage during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. While some research has shown up to a 10% reduction in aerodynamic drag with high-tech suits, other novel designs have produced limited effect. See what Canada’s top athletes are wearing at the ISU World Cup Speed…
SIRCTalks Episode #11
In the latest SIRCTalks episode, Building Capacity Through Research, Amreen Kadwa discusses how she used research on inclusivity in sport to support the development of Hijabi Ballers – a community-based organization that celebrates Muslim women and girls in sport. Watch it here.