Articles tagged with Sports
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.