Articles tagged with Sports
A study by University of Waterloo researchers identified areas such as player fatigue, mental stress, and peak performance conditions that require in-depth research to improve coaching and player performance. Professional esports players often practice for 12-14 hours a day, six days a week, leading to burnout and physical injuries.
Researchers found that fighters who rapidly cut weight before bouts are more likely to suffer concussions or be misdiagnosed with head trauma. The study also discovered that the practice may not offer a competitive advantage and can leave fighters at a disadvantage more often than not.
A new laboratory method uses a high-accuracy ball delivery device and speed measurement system to provide better clues on exactly how high and far baseballs will fly. The technique allows for more precision than traditional wind tunnel measurements by firing the baseballs through a line of sensors, measuring the change in speed as they...
A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a machine learning model that better measures baseball players' performance by analyzing game context. The model uses natural language processing and computer vision techniques to provide more nuanced descriptions of player impact on the game.
A study by TUM confirms that physically fit primary school pupils perform better in terms of concentration and health-related quality of life. The results show a positive correlation between physical fitness, concentration, and overall well-being.
A clinical study from Lund University found that athletes with prolonged concussion symptoms have damaged nerves in the inner ear, particularly the vestibular nerve. This impairment leads to balance problems, dizziness, and difficulty focusing, affecting daily life.
A new study found that Americans are deeply divided about whether youth tackle football is appropriate for kids. While 45% agree, 50% disagree, and the remainder are unsure. The study shows that factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, family history, and community background influence opinions on youth football.
Research suggests that physically active individuals experience a milder form of COVID-19, with a reduced risk of hospitalization and death. Studies have found that physical activity can prolong vaccine effectiveness and boost the immune response, offering promising avenues for future research.
Researchers found that opening stadiums to fans with safety protocols in place did not lead to an increase in local Covid case counts. The study used synthetic control method to analyze data from 16 stadiums, which mirrored the trajectory of surrounding counties without stadiums.
This cross-sectional study investigated the association between adverse childhood experiences and poor neuropsychiatric health in former NFL players. Football-related concussions were found to be significantly associated with increased risk of dementia and poor neuropsychiatric health among these athletes.
A study from the University of Georgia shows that exergaming can increase satisfaction and autonomy in exercise, leading to increased physical activity and motivation. The research followed participants who were randomly assigned to either exergame or traditional aerobics classes for six weeks.
A study by Czech researchers reveals that faults in elite show-jumping horses are more likely to occur at jumps featuring both water and fences. The findings suggest a pattern of predictable errors, potentially informing training strategies for improved performance.
Elite-level athletes face significant risks and challenges in eating disorder care, with up to 45% of female athletes and 19% of male athletes affected. Treatment must consider the athlete's sport context, including the role of coaches, sports psychologists, and teammates.
The National Athletic Trainers' Association has updated its position statement to reduce intentional head-first contact behavior in American football players. The new recommendations address education and administration, skill development and behavior modification, rules and regulations, and technology and scientific research.
A study of Finnish agility dogs reveals differences in training and competing between dog sizes and skill categories. Most dogs trained for under 20 minutes per week, but those at the highest level trained less to maintain their skills.
A study of 850 competing dogs found that most injuries were related to obstacle performance, particularly bar jump and tunnel obstacles. Many dogs experienced soft tissue injuries, lameness, and pain, but could recover in a few weeks.
A new study using blood samples from professional soccer players reveals that headers affect brain activity by altering microRNAs, which can serve as biomarkers for brain injury. The research also explores the effects of accidental head impacts and high-intensity exercise on microRNA levels.
A study by Stanford University found that NCAA D1 student athletes had similar SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rates as nonathletes, despite implemented transmission mitigation protocols. The research suggests that participation in intercollegiate athletics is not associated with increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
A new study published in NEJM Evidence reveals that exercise and patient education can provide similar results as surgery for young people with meniscal tears. The research compared surgical and non-surgical treatment options among 121 young individuals and found no significant difference in outcomes between the two groups.
A team of researchers has created a prototype 'smart saddle' that utilizes self-powered triboelectric nanogenerators to analyze equestrian biomechanics. The device can detect subtle cues from the rider's posture, seat, and legs, as well as alert others in case of a fall.
A novel technique transplants patient fat into the sole to reduce plantar fasciitis symptoms, improving quality of life and sports activities. The study laid groundwork for a larger clinical trial with promising results.
A Children's Hospital Colorado study explores a neuromuscular training intervention to reduce injury risk in athletes returning from sports-related concussions. The research found that athletes who completed the 8-week training program had a significantly lower risk of time-loss injuries compared to those who did not participate.
A study of UK football fan message boards found openly misogynistic attitudes towards women's sport, despite progressive attitudes also being present. The researchers suggest that the dominant negative attitudes may be a response to advances in gender equality.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to improve spatial memory and visual memory, lower brain inflammation indices, and cause less neuronal death in individuals with traumatic brain injuries. The diet may also slow down the rate of cellular aging, offering hope for those suffering from this condition.
Researchers have discovered two proteins, IGF-1 and IGFBP5, in urine samples that are significantly lower after a concussion. These biomarkers could help diagnose concussion and monitor recovery. The study suggests that urine testing could be an early and inexpensive way to detect concussions.
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that amputee sprinters using prostheses have no clear competitive advantage at the 400-meter distance compared to non-amputees. In fact, they appear to have a significant disadvantage at the start, with athletes using prosthetic legs being 40% slower out of the starting blocks a...
Researchers found that training at low intensity can be just as effective as high-intensity training in improving endurance and technique. Elite male cross-country skiers trained for several hours, with the majority of their sessions taking place at low intensity.
Researchers link wu-wei, a practice of non-doing or non-striving, to improved focus and flow states in athletes. By adopting wu-wei, athletes can achieve extraordinary performance without feeling like they're exerting effort.
A new national survey of over 2,800 women found that most American women are 'moderate' sports fans, watching or following one or more sports over the past year. Women attended about three sporting events over the previous year, with a modest link between fan identification and consumption.
Professional footballers took penalty kicks under low and high-pressure conditions, revealing the impact of cognitive and somatic anxiety on performance. The study aimed to create a pressure protocol for penalty taking, assessing its effect on psychological and psychophysical responses.
Researchers discovered that appealing to athletes' sense of 'future guilt' through psychological intervention was a more powerful initial reaction than education programmes highlighting the risks of doping. The study also found that receiving useful information about doping strengthened athletes' confidence to resist temptation.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that only half of Americans surveyed believe sports teach love of country, while men, heterosexuals, Christians and Republicans were more likely to agree. Surprisingly, some lower-status groups were also more likely to recognize these messages.
The study found that indoor bars, private parties, and nightclubs were high-risk places for transmitting the Delta variant, with men being more susceptible. Previous infection conferred a 95% protective effect, while two doses of mRNA vaccines provided 67% protection against symptomatic infection.
A new study reveals a link between brain lesions and long-term harm from repetitive head impacts. White matter hyperintensities, seen on brain scans, were associated with neuropathological changes, dementia, and CTE.
Research led by Durham University found former pro rugby players more likely to show signs of depression, anxiety, and irritability after retirement. Players with multiple concussions were almost twice as likely to report these symptoms.
A new study by Ritsumeikan University reveals that whole-body dynamic balance training increases brain connectivity and improves motor learning. The research found significant changes in brain activity associated with offline learning, opening up new avenues for studying neural networks during natural tasks.
A new study from the University of South Australia is investigating the benefits of a unique sport called RaceRunning for children with cerebral palsy. The research aims to assess the impact on physical, social, and mental health, finding improvements in muscle strength, mobility, and participation in sporting activities.
A study published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues found that NFL players who committed general violence received shorter suspensions than those who committed violence against women. The league punished players for drug offenses twice as much as those for general violent behavior, according to researchers.
A new study found that preadolescent endurance runners who experience weight loss, have a history of bone stress injury, or follow a vegetarian diet are more likely to use dietary supplements. The study discovered that supplement use was associated with lower food intake and energy deficiency.
Concordia researcher Seth Wynes estimates that permanent adoption of lockdown-era schedules could cut carbon dioxide emissions from team travel by 22%, reducing overall annual emissions. Implementing these changes could also have co-benefits, such as reduced injuries and improved player rest.
A new research study reveals the emotional responses and coping strategies employed by family members of former athletes living with neurodegenerative disease. The study sheds light on the challenges faced by these families, who are often under immense strain, and calls for further support and care.
A large study of collegiate athletes reveals persistent COVID-19 symptoms are rare, but exertional chest pain warrants further clinical evaluation. The study used the Outcomes Registry for Cardiac Conditions in Athletes and found low prevalence of exertional symptoms upon return to exercise.
Research from the University of Vienna found that athletes with a pre-performance routine outperform those without, regardless of sport task complexity or athlete age/gender. A meta-analysis of 800 athletes across 15 sports revealed significant performance improvements after learning and applying a PPR.
A study by the Universities of Basel and Saarland found almost no risk of coronavirus infection in football players, contradicting previous assumptions about team contact risks. The research team collected data from over 1,300 cases and concluded that outdoor sports with minimal physical contact pose a very low risk of infection.
A new study published in Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found that playing high school football is not associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation or depression in young adulthood. In contrast, mental health difficulties in adolescence were strongly related to suicidality in young adulthood.
Lactate sensors in wearables aim to monitor athletes' exertion levels, but the connection between sweat and blood lactate remains unclear. Researchers propose improvements to electrochemical sensors and develop an epidermal patch containing a lactate biosensor.
A recent study reveals that social gatherings among unvaccinated students during the 2021 NCAA March Madness basketball tournament led to increased COVID-19 infections in a university community. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that these gatherings occurred eight days after the final game.
Researchers developed a new statistical engine to evaluate gymnastics judges' accuracy and fairness. The study found that some judges are significantly better than others at judging, with the best-trained judges being only two to three times more accurate than their peers.
A new study found that retired male elite rugby union players aged 50+ who suffered three or more rugby-related concussions during their career have no worse average cognitive function than those with no, one, or two concussions. However, over-75s with a history of multiple concussions showed significantly worse cognitive function on a...
A new study identifies 13 genes as key factors in shaping physical fitness through various forms of exercise. Genetic differences account for up to 72% of the variation in muscle strength improvements.
The CARE Consortium has received $42.65 million in new funding to follow athletes for up to 10 years after concussive injury, examining the impacts of head injuries on brain health. The study aims to validate advanced biomarkers and identify neurobiological pathways contributing to long-term negative consequences.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed AI technology that can identify players by their jersey numbers in hockey videos with high accuracy. The system uses multi-task learning and a large dataset of over 54,000 images from NHL games to recognize sweater numbers.
Research reveals that restrictive eating and eating disorders are associated with a higher risk of injuries in female athletes, particularly those participating in lean sports. Menstrual dysfunction also plays a role, with athletes reporting missed training days due to injuries.
A new study found that para-athletes have lower nutritional knowledge compared to university student athletes, with 40% needing help with meal procurement and cooking. This highlights the need for targeted nutrition support and education for para-athletes.
A new UNSW Sydney-led study suggests that strength training can lead to significant weight loss, with participants losing an average of 1.4% of their total body fat after a five-month program. The study analyzed existing evidence and found that this level of fat loss is comparable to cardio-based exercise.
Researchers developed a customisable time tool, the Goldilocks Day calculator, to help parents allocate hours and activities for optimal health outcomes. The tool considers physical health, cognitive abilities, and mental wellbeing, allowing parents to adjust daily schedules based on their child's needs.
A new study found that U.S. high-school athletes from higher-income families with well-educated parents were more likely to play sports in college. The research contradicts the traditional story of how sports often help underprivileged kids succeed in American society. Athletic merit was still a strong predictor of participating in col...
A new study published in the Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity found that functional imagery training (FIT) significantly reinforced a person's motivation to complete a challenging goal. FIT, developed at the University of Plymouth, teaches people new ways of thinking about their immediate future to help them s...
A study found that girls in secondary school are less motivated by traditional fitness tests, which often involve running and measuring heart and lung performance. To address this issue, experts recommend new teaching strategies and online interventions like exergames to promote healthy lifestyle habits.