Use double quotes to find documents that include the exact phrase: "aerodynamic AND testing"

Our mental well-being is an important aspect of general health. Having a good social support group, being physically active, joining a community group or having a hobby can influence our mental well-being. Combining any of these options can offer a multidimensional approach to coping with mental illness.

A recent study published in the Journal of Ecopsychology looked at nature walks in a group setting and their effect on mental health. The research concluded that joining a nature walking group significantly decreased depression, reduced perceived stress and minimized negative thinking while increasing mental well-being. Researchers further added that nature walks in a group setting could improve an individual’s well-being when coping with stress and negative emotions.

The research looked at the dynamics of being part of a group, participating in physical activity, and being in nature and it showed that:

Understanding the importance of positive mental health can assist in developing and sustaining an optimistic state of mind. Doing so can also help a person better understand themselves and enable them to seek out the necessary support.

Being mentally healthy means:

Good mental health enables people to enjoy life, maintain a positive attitude and have a sense of purpose. Outdoor recreation, especially in nature and with people who share the same interests, can provide great benefits for your body and mind while still being economical and fun to do.

The soccer world is excited for the 2014 FIFA World Cup hosted by arguably the greatest soccer nation in the world, Brazil. The tournament will take place from June 12 to July 13 with 32 nations vying to hoist the gold FIFA World Cup trophy. Qualifying countries have been drawn into their groups and matches have been set. As in most World Cup of Soccer years, the Brazilian side is one of the favorites to win it all and with home field advantage; it might just make that task a little easier.

One of the most interesting aspects of every tournament is always the soccer ball. In 2006 when the event was hosted in Germany, the ball used was called Teamgeist. This ball had 14 panels, which were thermally bonded. This was a radical change from the traditional ball that had 32 panels and was stitched together.

When the tournament was hosted in South Africa and for the first time on the continent of Africa in 2010, the ball was given the name Jabulani. The ball used in the final match between Spain and Netherlands, the former winning 1-0, was given the name Jo’bulani in reference to Jo’burg, the nickname for Johannesburg where the final match took place. The Jabulani ball had 8 thermally bonded panels to make it more aerodynamic. Unfortunately, since the majority of players found it difficult to control the ball, the reviews were not quite as positive as expected.

The Brazuca, the 2014 tournament ball, will have 6 identical thermally bonded panels for limiting water absorption and 50,000 raised bumps for drainage. This ball will experience many conditions as some games will be played close to temperatures that can reach up to 38 °C while other close to 0 °C. The maximum knuckling effect of the ball will be around 48km/h much less than the Jabulani, which was around 80km/h.

Some interesting facts about the Brazuca:

In this tournament, just like in all other World Cups, the soccer ball will play a starring role. Although the previous two balls did not receive high reviews, the Brazuca follows closer to the traditional 32-paneled stitched ball, with a few innovations thrown in of course. Let the games begin.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. ADIDAS JABULANI MATCH BALL. Joe Weider’s Muscle & Fitness. June 2010;71(6):64.

2. DELGADO-BORDONAU J, DOMENECH-MONFORTE C, GUZMÁN J, MENDEZ-VILLANUEVA A. Offensive and defensive team performance: relation to successful and unsuccessful participation in the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Journal Of Human Sport & Exercise. December 2013;8(4):894-904.

3. GARDNER P. World Cup balls and sin bins: bad ideas never go away, they just get recycled. World Soccer. January 2014;54(4):19.

4. Soares Leite W. ANALYSIS OF GOALS IN SOCCER WORLD CUPS AND THE DETERMINATION OF THE CRITICAL PHASE OF THE GAME. / ANALIZA GOLOVA POSTIGNUTIH NA SVETSKIM PRVENSTVIMA U FUDBUALU I ODREĐIVANJE KLJUČNIH FAZA U SAMOJ IGRI. Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport. September 2013;11(3):247-253.

5. Sakamoto K, Asai T. Comparison of Kicking Motion Characteristics at Ball Impact between Female and Male Soccer Players. International Journal Of Sports Science & Coaching. March 2013;8(1):63-76.

6. SungChan H, Takeshi A. Aerodynamics of Knuckling Effect Shot Using Kick-robot. International Journal Of Applied Sports Sciences. December 2011;23(2):406-420.

What does fun mean to you? Does it involve donuts, maybe a pint of beer, or possibly becoming a human kaleidoscope? No matter how you define fun, the odds are pretty good that it’s been combined with a race course to create the perfect fun run just for you.

Here is selection of fun runs that might inspire you to start training for a race.

Krispy Kreme Challenge

A challenge that might get your stomach growling or turning, the race started as a dare between undergraduate students in 2004. Runners have one hour to cover a five mile course and eat a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts along the way. The original race in Raleigh, North Carolina, is now in its tenth year and has approximately 8000 registered runners.

Night Race

As soon as the sun goes down, this race is ready to start. Night racers are given LED headlights and glow in the dark t-shirts so they can run or walk as one fluorescent mob. Glow stations are set up where runners can be painted with glow-in-the-dark paint and are equipped with glow sticks before heading out on the 5/10km course. After the race, runners have free admission to a live DJ and dance party.

Mud and Chocolate

Runners can choose from 4.5 mile or half marathon course. The course is set to take runners along tree-lined trails (and they promise only a little bit of mud) with chocolate aid stations located throughout. The finish line is dubbed chocomania, where racers can indulge in a chocolate buffet once they complete the race. To top off the event, medals are presented to the participants – which also happen to be made of chocolate.

Man vs. Horse Marathon

This race got its start in a Welsh pub as a debate among patrons. While the horse was the clear favourite when then the challenge started thirty years ago, modifications have been made to the course to even the playing field. It wasn’t until 2004 that the first man was able to win the race against the horse.

Whether you feel like trying a race to support a worthy cause, or to have a laugh with your friends, the selection of fun runs means there is something for everyone. So find a race that interests you, lace up your runners, and go have some fun.

References Available from the SIRC Collection:

1. Minniti A, Tyler C, Sunderland C. Effects of a cooling collar on affect, ratings of perceived exertion, and running performance in the heat. European Journal Of Sport Science. November 2011;11(6):419-429.

2. Mullins N. Obstacle Course Challenges: History, Popularity, Performance Demands, Effective Training, and Course Design. Journal Of Exercise Physiology Online. April 2012;15(2):100-128.

3.  O’neal E, Davis B, Thigpen L, Caufield C, Horton A, Mcintosh J. Runners Greatly Underestimate Sweat Losses Before and After a 1-hr Summer Run. International Journal Of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. October 2012;22(5):353-362.

4. Sanders A, Redhead J. Heat stroke and 10K “fun runs”: new safety measures are called for. British Journal Of Sports Medicine. October 2006;40(10):880.

5. Vadeboncoeur T, Silvers S, Mohseni M, et al. Impact of a High Body Mass Index on Lower Extremity Injury in Marathon/Half-Marathon Participants. Journal Of Physical Activity & Health. January 2012;9(1):96-103.

6. Wilk B, Timmons B, Bar-Or O. Voluntary fluid intake, hydration status, and aerobic performance of adolescent athletes in the heat. Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism. December 2010;35(6):834-841.

Whether you’re planning a March break getaway or already thinking ahead to summer vacation, a little time away can be the highlight of your year. Travel typically involves departing from your daily routine which can include your workout or training schedule. Sometimes a break in training can be seen as a setback in the hard work you’ve put into reaching your fitness goals. Keeping up training momentum is actually a lot similar to organizing a good vacation; it’s all in the planning.

As an athlete vacationer, the first thing you should do is adjust your mindset and approach to training while you’re on vacation. Workout expectations should be different from what they would be at home.

Planning Suggestions:

Do Some Research: Find out what facilities will be available. Are there going to be gyms in the vicinity and do they offer day passes? Will there be places that offer fitness classes? Take advantage of any you find to help keep a bit of routine to training.

Be Flexible: Fit in workouts whenever you can; go for a swim, hike on a trail, bike around the city, or try something new. If you aren’t able to fulfill your typical workout, that’s okay, view the week as light training or as a cross-training opportunity.

Stay on Top of Your Nutrition: It’s a given that there will moments of indulgence while on vacation, just avoid making it every meal. Either bring some nutritious snacks along or explore a local market for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Go Ahead, Relax: Don’t waste time worrying about undoing your conditioning, strength and endurance will not disappear overnight. It takes roughly 2-3 weeks for well-trained athletes to show a less than 10% loss of power and endurance when training stops. Planning a scheduled rest period can even benefit training.

If you plan to incorporate training into your holiday, remember to take time and enjoy your vacation. Just like your training, time, effort, and money have been invested in planning your getaway, so have fun and stay fit.

References Available from SIRC Collection:

1. Krause P. The Benefits of Cross-Training. AMAA Journal. Spring2009 2009;22(2):9-16.
2. Marques M, Zajac A, Pereira A, Costa A. Strength Training and Detraining in Different Populations: Case Studies. Journal Of Human Kinetics. December 2, 2011;:7-14.
3. McMaster D, Gill N, Cronin J, McGuigan M. The Development, Retention and Decay Rates of Strength and Power in Elite Rugby Union, Rugby League and American Football.Sports Medicine. May 2013;43(5):367-384.
4. Meeusen R, Duclos M, Gleeson M, Rietjens G, Steinacker J, Urhausen A. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the Overtraining Syndrome. European Journal Of Sport Science. March 2006;6(1):1-14.
5. Oliveira V, Leite G, Prestes J, et al. EFFECT OF A DETRAINING PERIOD ON NEUROMUSCULAR VARIABLES IN HANDBALL ATHLETES. / EFECTO DE UN PERÍODO DE DESENTRENAMIENTO SOBRE VARIABLES NEUROMUSCULARES EN ATLETAS DE BALONMANO. Fitness & Performance Journal (Online Edition). March 2009;8(2):96-102.
6. Thomas L, Mujika I, Busso T. A model study of optimal training reduction during pre-event taper in elite swimmers. Journal Of Sports Sciences. April 2008;26(6):643-652.

by Leigh Cove
Algonquin College Sport Business Management Intern

Once again winter has settled in, and even though it’s just started people are already counting the days until spring. A lucky few will get to escape and fly somewhere not coated in ice and snow, while the rest only get to daydream. If you are planning a vacation this winter and are looking for a unique experience growing in popularity, consider a cycling holiday.

Cycling holidays or tours offer the opportunity to see idyllic scenery of the country of your choosing and stay active at the same time. Typically cycling vacations are structured so individuals spend the majority of the day on their bicycle and stop at destinations for dinner, some local culture, and well-deserved rest. Popular destinations for cycling holidays are: France, Italy, Spain and Britain.

Cycling tour options are not exclusive to Europe, and can be categorized based on the type of experience you’re looking to have. For example trail versus road biking, seaside views, or local food and wine excursions.

Some things to keep in mind if considering a cycling tour for a winter getaway are:

How difficult will the tour be? 

Many tour companies tend to have a grading system to indicate the level of physical demand one can expect during the rides. Read over tour details so you can have an idea of how many hours a day will be spent on the bike and number of rest periods. Depending on your fitness levels, some pre-trip training would be advisable and a brush up on proper cycling technique to avoid potential strains and injury.

Do you know basic bicycle maintenance? 

While some cycling tours have an experienced cycling guide and mechanic accompanying riders, it may be wise to learn the basics of bicycle maintenance and care. Essentials to know would be adjusting seat height, handlebar adjustments, and pedal positioning. Knowing how to make these changes can ensure your bicycle is properly fitted. Having a properly fitted bike will minimize discomfort and joint strains from sustained cycling periods.

No matter the type of cycling and skill level of the tour that you choose for a winter escape, preparation will be the best help with ensuring the ride is a safe and enjoyable experience.

References from the SIRC Collection: 

1. Bini R, Hume P, Croft J. Effects of Bicycle Saddle Height on Knee Injury Risk and Cycling Performance. Sports Medicine. June 2011;41(6):463-476. 
2. Lamont M. Reinventing the Wheel: A Definitional Discussion of Bicycle Tourism. Journal Of Sport & Tourism. February 2009;14(1):5-23. 
3. Louis J, Hausswirth C, Easthope C, Brisswalter J. Strength training improves cycling efficiency in master endurance athletes. European Journal Of Applied Physiology. January 15, 2012;112(2):631-640. 
 4. Medical Assistance The Five Most Common Cycling Injuries. Bicycling Australia. January 2013;(179):108-112. 
5. Oja P, Titze S, Kohlberger T, et al. Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine & Science In Sports. August 2011;21(4):496-509. 
6. Thomas S. HOW-TO: DESCEND WITH CONVICTION. Road Bike Action. April 2013;7(4):52-58.