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.
Data Privacy Day
Today is Data Privacy Day, an international effort to create awareness about the importance of respecting privacy and safeguarding data. In this SIRC blog, Natasha Johnstone, Executive Director of Ringette Canada, shares her organization’s ransomware experience, and provides tips for preventing an attack and responding if your computer network is compromised.
2020 Fitness Trends
Looking to make a change to your training routine in 2020? A large-scale survey of health and fitness professionals predicts wearable technology, high intensity interval training (HIIT), and group training will be the top three worldwide fitness trends for 2020.
Rideau Canal Ice Technology
Ice skating on the Rideau Canal is an iconic winter activity.. Entering its 50th year, the Skateway is the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink covering 165,621 square metres over 7.8kms. Learn about the process for creating the ideal skating surface in this blog by the National Capital Commission.
SIRCTalks Episode #10
In the newest SIRCTalks episode, Dr. Nicole LaVoi, Director of The Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport, discusses the importance of using data and evidence to facilitate social change. Watch the episode here.