Knowledge Nuggets

Static stretching is a core part of staying injury free with its ability to increase range of motion in joints. A recent study finds that beyond just increasing range of motion, stretching seems to provide the benefits of decreased muscle stiffness after 3-12 weeks of static stretching compared to those that did not.

Despite Norway’s reputation for gender equality, disparities exist in sports ambitions among young boys and girls. A recent study examines whether young teens share equal aspirations of becoming professional athletes. Researchers found that, while boys often aspire to pursue professional athleticism, girls tend to prioritize skill development over professional ambitions. This underscores the influence of...

Interventions that are evidence informed and co-created with end-users are more likely to be effective, but injury prevention programs have typically been developed by experts only. In the quest to reduce injuries among young handball players, researchers have developed a holistic injury prevention intervention that puts the end-users, including players, coaches, and club administrators, at...

In a Canadian study of mentor and mentee coaches involved in a virtual Para sport coach mentoring program, the mentee-mentor conversations regarding disability-specific knowledge enhanced the mentees’ confidence. This finding highlights not only the importance of effective communication between mentors and mentees, but also the crucial role it plays in mentees’ development.

Researchers from the University of Windsor have developed a free, fully accessible, self-paced, online Psychological Skills Training (PST) program, specifically designed for Para athletes. PST has been shown to enhance athlete confidence, motivation, and satisfaction within sport. This program is free for Para athletes to access via www.learnpst.com. Check it out!

Athletes that play wheelchair basketball have increased stress on their upper limbs, which can lead to shoulder pain. Although research in this area is limited, research suggests that strengthening exercises can be beneficial in reducing the risk of shoulder injuries. Further research is needed to determine the most optimal exercise type and duration required to...

Hydrotherapy is a form of exercise therapy that is done in the water and has been shown to improve neuromuscular and musculoskeletal functions. Water has unique properties which allows people to perform exercises that can’t be done on the ground and can provide a more comfortable experience for people suffering from physical dysfunction. According to...

Mentoring appears to offer distinct benefits for marginalized people, particularly within the Black community. A study investigating how African American male athletic directors manage diversity and inclusion in college athletic departments revealed that these directors were uniquely positioned to support Black individuals, including athletes.

A recent study uncovered five key influencers that affect whether athletes decide to push through or bow out in challenging endurance events, including the severity of weather conditions and individual risk perceptions. Interactions between these factors and the growing environmental uncertainties create a dynamic decision-making landscape.

A recent study investigating the mental health of athletes at the FINA World Championships in 2019 revealed that nearly 25% of the participants met the criteria for depression, and 45% expressed a desire for or a need for psychotherapeutic support. These findings underscore the importance of mental health support and resources for high performance athletes.