Articles tagged with Sports
A large review of studies found no consistent effect of music on focus or mood during exercise, with results varying depending on intensity and participant characteristics. The findings suggest that broad claims about music's benefits are not always supported and highlight the need for more rigorous study designs.
A recent study analyzing 50 years of climate data shows that the Tour de France has so far avoided extreme heat conditions, but the risk is increasingly high. The researchers found that regions like Paris and Lyon are becoming new heat stress hotspots, highlighting the need to adapt schedules, routes, and safety protocols.
Researchers found that youths born in the 1990s spent more time playing formal sports compared to their peers, with those from higher social class backgrounds dominating these opportunities. This shift away from informal play raises concerns about the costs and benefits of commercialized youth sports.
A new national study by the University of Southern California's Race and Equity Center found that 94% of professional athletes believe they should be allowed to engage in political activism. The study highlights the power of pro athletes' platforms and encourages them to use their influence to promote racial justice and activism.
A Finnish study found that verifying adolescents' maximal oxygen uptake requires a brief phase to ensure reliable results. The researchers also discovered that different time averaging strategies can significantly affect the final measurement values, highlighting the need for explicit strategy specification.
The Olympic Games' substantial carbon footprint highlights the need for a profound overhaul to comply with the Paris Agreement. Researchers recommend scaling down events, reducing air travel and increasing use of renewable energy to achieve ambitious emission reduction targets.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that football fans' mean stress level was 41% higher on the day of a major match compared to non-match days. Participants experienced increased heart rates, peaking during the match, and were more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking alcohol.
A pooled data analysis of 52 studies involving 6485 people found that transgender women have similar upper and lower body strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle mass compared to cisgender women. However, their physical fitness is comparable despite greater muscle mass 1-3 years after hormone therapy.
Researchers identified two fundamental coordination patterns in underwater dolphin kick, accounting for over 99% of movement across performance levels. Faster swimmers exhibited greater shoulder extension and increased lower trunk movement, enabling reduced water resistance and improved propulsion.
American Heart Association names Indiana University head coach Curt Cignetti national college football Coach of the Year, marking a dramatic turnaround in his second season. The award honors exceptional leadership and excellence, with proceeds benefiting heart health research and awareness.
Research published in BMJ Medicine found that a mix of different types of physical activity may be best for prolonging the lifespan. Variety rather than total quantity alone is linked to a lower risk of death, with some activities associated with a 15% lower risk of death from all causes.
A recent editorial cautions that Canada's health systems may struggle to cope with the influx of patients during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The article highlights concerns about overburdened hospitals and emergency departments, as well as the need for a national plan to bolster capacity and train personnel.
Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State University coach, received the American Heart Association's Paul 'Bear' Bryant Newcomer Coach of the Year Award for his historic season. He led the Owls to a 10-4 record and Conference USA championship, marking only the fourth time a team has won 10 or more games in its second year of FBS reclassification.
A new consensus statement provides evidence-based guidance for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and return-to-play protocols for female athletes. The updated report includes a first-of-its-kind adolescent model of the Female Athlete Triad, addressing energy deficiency in growing adolescents.
A 12-month aerobic exercise program reduced brain age by 0.6 years, while a control group showed a slight increase. The study suggests that following current exercise guidelines may help keep the brain biologically younger in midlife, supporting clearer thinking and stronger memory.
A review in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology summarizes the benefits of parasport participation for individuals with cerebral palsy. The authors highlight its value in combining therapeutic physical activity with social inclusion and community integration.
Research found that menstrual cycle fluctuations do not increase injury incidence but can lead to more severe and longer-lasting injuries. Female athletes may need to adapt their training schedules according to their menstrual cycle to reduce injury risk.
A study found that reducing body fat percentage improves long-distance running and cross-country skiing performance, but converting body fat into muscle tissue is a more effective way for female athletes to optimize their body composition. Training and dietary habits that promote muscle growth outweigh the benefits of weight loss.
A new study by Linköping University finds artificial turf pitches more environmentally sustainable than natural turf when recycled and maintained properly. However, there are reservations due to production impact and maintenance emissions that can be mitigated with electrified machinery.
Research reveals that threatened species are overrepresented in professional sports emblems, offering a powerful new avenue for biodiversity conservation partnerships. Fans' emotional connections with team mascots can mobilize audiences to support conservation initiatives.
A new international study reveals that nearly 25% of professional sports teams worldwide feature a wild animal in its name, logo, or fan identity, with over half of these teams using threatened species. The researchers argue that sport organisations could actively support conservation through awareness campaigns and partnerships.
Creating a safe space free from body shaming is key to minimising female athletes' future risks of injury and protecting their health. The FAIR Consensus Statement provides practical recommendations for promoting gender-specific supportive environments in sports.
Repeated head impacts in professional boxers and mixed martial artists can lead to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. The glymphatic system, responsible for clearing waste from the brain, is compromised in fighters with higher numbers of knockouts.
A new study found that most parents have realistic expectations of their children's future athletic achievement, but a minority believes their kids will beat the odds. Parents who think their child has a strong athletic identity are up to 80% more likely to believe they'll become a college athlete.
A study of over 27,000 collegiate athlete sleep records found that early morning team practices lead to reduced sleep time and lower sleep efficiency scores. Male athletes averaged 30 minutes less sleep, while female athletes averaged 20 minutes less, with both experiencing longer wake-up times and reduced sleep quality.
A Brazilian study established clear cutoff points for body fat measurements strongly associated with physical performance of male professional soccer players. Body fat percentage, abdominal skinfold thickness, and sum of three skinfolds were linked to aerobic endurance tests.
Research highlights the challenges of maintaining fat bike trails due to climate disruption and volunteer burnout. The study calls for seasonal strategies to distribute workload, create binational events, and implement recognition programs.
A new study led by Mass General Brigham researchers found that a home exercise program combined with standard or sham physical therapy improved knee pain for participants with osteoarthritis and meniscal tears. The addition of regular visits with a physical therapist resulted in slightly greater pain relief, suggesting the importance o...
Researchers developed a generative AI model, BIGE, to generate optimal motions for athletes to avoid injuries and aid in rehabilitation. The model can produce realistic videos of motions that athletes can mimic during training or execute while injured.
A new study by Binghamton University found that transformational leadership techniques can improve athletic performance by fostering self-determination and personal growth. Coaches can enhance mental toughness by focusing on team goals and individualized feedback, leading to stronger player-coach relationships.
Researchers found a significant link between foot/ankle injuries and osteoarthritis in retired pro soccer players. Players who received cortisosteroid injections for injuries were also more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Mike Leach, the mastermind of the air raid offense, will be recognized posthumously for his exceptional contributions to college football. The American Heart Association's Paul “Bear” Bryant Heart of a Champion Award honors Leach's larger-than-life impact on the game and communities he touched.
A significant increase in pickleball-related ocular injuries has been reported among patients presenting to emergency departments. Eye protection guidelines are not currently in place, highlighting the need for standardized measures to reduce the risk of such injuries.
A Simon Fraser University study confirms that women's running shoes are not designed for female runners, prioritizing comfort, fit, and injury prevention. Researchers found that shoe designs shift over time with age and pregnancy, and competitive runners seek performance-enhancing features without sacrificing comfort.
Community sporting clubs must prioritize personalized onboarding, clear communication, and recognition to foster stronger family connections. The study found that parents who feel supported by clubs are more likely to keep their children engaged in sport long-term.
The American Heart Association has released its 2025 Coach of the Year Award watch list, featuring 28 college football coaches. The award, presented annually, recognizes coaching excellence that promotes grit, integrity, and a winning approach to both on-field performance and off-field life.
A study finds that women runners prioritize comfort, injury prevention, and performance when choosing running shoes, highlighting a need for sex- and gender-specific designs that accommodate female foot morphology across the lifespan. The researchers recommend moving beyond scaling down men's shoes to fit women's feet.
Phillip Fulmer, legendary University of Tennessee football coach, is the recipient of the American Heart Association’s 2026 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor recognizes his outstanding career achievements and contributions to the sport.
Researchers found that time-restricted feeding can improve body composition, boost immunity and prevent metabolic disorders in high-performance athletes. Combining HIIT with time-restricted eating may yield greater improvements in performance without significant adverse effects.
Researchers found that successful coaches engage in post-season introspection, focus on creating a good team culture, and involve athletes in finding solutions. By practicing critical self-reflection and learning from failure, coaches can sustain success in the long term.
Fitter individuals have lower resting heart rates and use fewer total heartbeats per day compared to sedentary people. Regular exercise can improve heart function and reduce long-term cardiovascular risk, according to new Australian research.
The SCoRE method assesses key football-related skills such as game overview, creativity, and passing in game-like scenarios, finding agility to be a central role. Developed by University of Würzburg researchers, the diagnostic tool is valid, reliable, and objective, providing actionable feedback for coaches.
A recent study reveals that private club and travel teams in youth sports have surged, with kids from high-educated parents and affluent backgrounds more likely to participate. The shift towards elite sports positions has led to increased costs and commitments for families, exacerbating social inequalities.
A large-scale study of over 17,000 pupils and 2,300 teachers found dramatic differences in physical activity levels across England, with some schools achieving double or triple the levels of others. The research highlights growing evidence that children in deprived areas face bigger barriers to physical activity, even during school hours.
A study published in Neurology found that amateur soccer players who frequently head the ball experience changes within the folds of their brain, including disruptions in a specific layer of white matter. This association was linked to poorer performance on thinking and memory tests.
A groundbreaking study challenges conventional wisdom on NIL policies in college football, demonstrating they enhance competitive balance and broaden opportunities for athletes. The research shows that NIL has led to a wider distribution of talent across college programs, directly benefiting athletes seeking to maximize their brands an...
Researchers developed novel biomisic fiber/sodium alginate aerogels for flexible pressure sensors, mimicking cat vibrissae and FSCs to achieve excellent sensitivity, durability, and rapid response. The sensors demonstrated promising applications in human physiological monitoring, motion analysis, and sports analytics.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that sucrose monolaurate preserves enzyme activity in sweat by forming a protective barrier. This study paves the way for more durable and reliable lactic acid sweat sensors, enabling real-time health monitoring.
A study by Waseda University researchers found that cultural cognitive biases impact the explicit aspects of visuomotor adaptations, influencing motor learning outcomes. The findings suggest that verbal reports used in rehabilitation and sports training may be misinterpreted due to cultural prejudices.
Researchers developed a novel method to precisely measure tissue deformation, providing highly accurate measurements to enhance compression-based apparel. The approach minimizes motion artifacts, offering actionable insights on material properties and garment design.
Research reveals Major League Baseball teams prioritize player health differently depending on contract status, with temporary players missing fewer games due to injury. This suggests teams may invest less in the long-term health of non-permanent players.
The Journal of Applied Sports Sciences has transitioned to the ARPHA platform, enhancing accessibility and visibility of research in sports sciences. The journal operates under a Diamond Open Access model, allowing for free access to all research outputs without article processing charges.
Using 3D computational fluid dynamics simulations, researchers explored the impact of pre-spin on shuttlecock trajectories during spin serves. They found that pre-spin can prolong the oscillation phase and affect the stability of the serve, offering insights for players to refine their serving skills.
Participation in Finnish youth sports clubs has significantly increased since the 1980s, particularly among girls. However, rural areas and low-income families continue to face significant barriers to accessing sports opportunities due to rising costs and limited accessibility.
New research by the University of South Australia highlights the positive impacts of women's sporting events on host communities, including tourism growth and economic benefits. The study found that residents support these events for promoting women's sports, improving gender equality, and boosting national image.
The award is part of EA SPORTS College Football 26's Dynasty Mode and allows players to compete for the honor. The partnership with American Heart Association aims to promote heart health in college football.
Research by sports scientists reveals that high-performance athletes face unique mental health challenges despite the well-established benefits of physical activity for depression prevention and treatment. The study highlights specific pressures faced by elite athletes, including performance nerves, injury concerns, and identity crises.
A study by the University of Jyväskylä reveals an intergenerational link between parents' and their children's school commuting habits. Parents' own experiences and attitudes towards walking or cycling to school influence how they support and enable their children's physically active commuting.
The University of Bath conducted the largest growth and maturation study in world football, evaluating over 1,000 academy players in Scotland. The study found a strong bias toward early-developing players, raising questions about current selection and development practices.
Researchers analyzed 180-degree directional changes in soccer ball-trapping to identify key factors influencing performance. Advanced players executed trapping actions with greater accuracy, absorbing momentum more effectively and rotating their bodies towards intended movement directions.