Articles tagged with Sports
The International Olympic Committee recommends routine screening and monitoring of elite athletes' mental health, addressing contributory factors in training and competition. The statement also emphasizes the importance of organisational culture fostering good mental health and wellbeing.
Participation in community gathering places significantly reduces the risk of cognitive disability in older adults who don't regularly exercise. The study found that these groups had approximately half the risk of developing cognitive disability compared to non-participants.
Researchers found that live sporting events stimulate oxytocin dynamics, leading to increased heart-rate synchrony among casual spectators. This physiological response is linked to greater enjoyment, unity with players and spectators, immersion, and intention to reattend future events.
Research suggests that sports-based interventions may improve motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Martial arts and aquatic training demonstrated the most consistent benefits, particularly in balance and total motor skills. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that golf players spend approximately €330 million on golf annually, generating an estimated benefit to society almost twice as high. Golf promotes physical activity and generates €80 million in savings for society, with a Social Return on Investment (SROI) ratio of 1.9.
Researchers estimate that audience travel is responsible for most emissions at 'mega-events' like the World Cup. To reduce emissions, organisers should reward fans with discounts for using lower-carbon transport, rather than passing on costs.
A new study found that baseball players with high school track experience performed better at the professional level than those who specialized solely in baseball. The research suggests that track development skills like speed and explosiveness translate directly to success in baseball, particularly in base running and fielding.
A cohort study of nearly 20,000 NFL players revealed that players are dying of dementia and Parkinson’s disease at much higher rates than the general population. The study found a fourfold increase in neurodegenerative mortality among NFL players compared to the general population.
A study tracking 1,500 residents found that infrastructure within 500 meters of home encourages active transportation. The presence of bike lanes was a key factor in keeping people active and promoting cycling. The expansion of bike lanes and parks has encouraged physical activity and public health benefits in São Paulo.
A University of Otago study analyzing 15,000 head acceleration events from community rugby players found significant sex and size biases in injury risk predictions using a one-size-fits-all approach.
A new study challenges the common notion that sports are inherently good and finds a link between heavy-contact youth sports participation and acts of violence. Dropping out of organized youth sports is particularly associated with committing acts of violence over the life course.
The study found that during surprising events, the brain allocates more energy to sensory information, leading to better memory recall. In contrast, predictable situations stimulate faster responses but less detailed encoding.
A longitudinal study found modifiable factors like emotion regulation, social support, and sleep quality influence psychological resilience in female athletes. Greater resilience was linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and perceived stress.
The study uses smartwatch data to record how match events affect fans' heart rate and stress levels. Fans from Eastern and Southern Europe and Turkey are underrepresented, so the research team aims to include as many participants as possible.
Researchers at UC Riverside link immune signaling to disrupted brain function and cognition after concussion, finding a crucial link between TLR4 and MMP-9. Blocking these pathways may limit changes in brain circuits and improve long-term neurological outcomes.
Researchers analyzed high-speed camera footage of skilled soccer players performing the scissors feint, revealing distinct movement characteristics that differ from less-skilled players. These include active distance regulation, strategic modulation of relative speed and efficient feint execution.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that combining fractions with a basketball improves pupils' mathematical skills in primary school. Pupils who participated in an eight-week teaching programme performed 15% better in fractions tests compared to a control group.
A new study maps music and chanting at football stadiums in various countries, showing significant differences in sound and purpose. In England, spontaneous collective singing drives stadium sound, while in Germany, organized and sustained rhythms dominate the atmosphere.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that eight different skills in football are unrelated and require separate practice. The research involved 23 semi-professional players who underwent technical exercises to measure their skills in areas such as dribbling, passing, and shooting.
A study by Bielefeld University investigates how fans of different national teams physically respond to match events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Researchers aim to understand how football supporters around the world experience victories and defeats of their teams, using data from smartwatches.
A recent study using motion-capture and particle image velocimetry reveals that the flutter kick generates three-dimensional vortex structures contributing to forward propulsion. The alternating leg movements also produce asymmetric vortices, generating rolling and yaw moments that stabilize body posture during swimming.
Researchers found that a high arm slot and torso tilt put the most demand on the UCL, but make mechanical changes could help pitchers reduce injury risk. The study reveals that controlled pitching delivery can minimize elbow stress and produce lower speeds.
A study by EHU researchers found that exercising outdoors can help combat vitamin D deficiency and strengthen the immune system. The study suggests that taking vitamin D supplements has no direct effect on physical performance, contrary to popular belief.
Heriot-Watt University is collaborating with Falkirk FC on a £200k Knowledge Transfer Partnership to enhance the club's financial sustainability and ownership structure. The project will leverage academic expertise in data analysis, digital engagement, and supporter research to drive growth and long-term success.
A new study found that more than 91% of patients returned to their pre-injury activity levels after undergoing an advanced ACL reconstruction technique. The procedure, which combines biologic augmentation with internal stabilization, demonstrated low graft rerupture rates and strong functional outcomes.
Researchers studied barbell vibrations and found that the difference in sleeves has a larger effect than material on a lifter's performance. The study aims to answer questions about the impact of the barbell on lifting performance.
Acoustic analysis by Dan Russell from Pennsylvania State University shows that the torpedo bat shape affects the location of the sweet spot and how it feels, potentially impacting batted-ball speeds. Preliminary research suggests a possible advantage in extra miles per hour, but further testing is needed to confirm.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham found that advanced footwear technology improves running performance in elite distance runners, but also causes subtle changes in running mechanics linked to bone stress injuries. Rotating shoes and gradually adapting to AFT may help reduce potential injury risk while optimizing performance.
The partnership aims to bring academia and practice closer together, creating new momentum for research, teaching, and society. Researchers from Goethe University's Faculty of Sports Sciences are now based at Eintracht Frankfurt's Sportquartier im Stadtwald.
A new study found that Catholic men are the most likely group to engage in sports gambling in the US, contradicting the long-held assumption that religion discourages such behavior. Researchers also discovered that people who infrequently attend religious services are more likely to gamble on sports than those who attend regularly.
The new program addresses unique challenges faced by female athletes, including injury prevention, hormonal health, pelvic floor issues, and heart health. It offers coordinated care through a team of experts in orthopedic sports medicine, primary care, and other specialties.
A study analyzing VAR decisions across 1,520 English Premier League matches found that referees overturn their original calls 95% of the time after video review. However, these decisions were not statistically linked to factors such as crowd size, score, or quarter when the call was made.
During the Covid-19 crisis, small community sports clubs in Brazilian favelas adapted to meet urgent needs by distributing food parcels, sharing public health information, and transporting residents to vaccination centres. These efforts strengthened trust and cooperation with local communities.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that the torpedo bat and traditional bat perform equally well in hitting power, with only a slight difference in sweet spot location. The researchers discovered that the ideal spot to hit the ball is closer on a torpedo bat, resulting in slower ball speed and distance.
Professor Yannis Pitsiladis and Professor Fabio Pigozzi co-edit the 4th edition of Sports Physician Handbook, featuring contributions from world-leading physicians and scientists. The handbook covers key areas of sports medicine, including injury prevention, psychology of recovery, and care for young athletes.
A simple ECG test can identify racehorses at risk of cardiac arrhythmias during high-intensity exercise. The test uses short ECG recordings taken at rest or light exercise to distinguish horses likely to develop premature beats.
A UTEP study reveals that six weeks of boxing training can reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function in young adults with elevated blood pressure or Stage 1 hypertension. The results show significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to those achieved through medication.
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.
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.
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.
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.