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From puck drop to brain pop

Researchers found that passionate fans show more activity in the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex during offensive faceoff opportunities, indicating emotional involvement and evaluative thinking. The study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to track brain activity in 20 participants watching a professional European ice hockey game.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2025

The heart of female elite athletes adapts differently than those of male elite athletes

Research led by Amsterdam UMC reveals the hearts of female elite athletes have different characteristics compared to their male counterparts. Female athletes exhibit dilation of the heart chambers, whereas males show thickening in combination with a dilation of the heart muscle. This finding can aid doctors in identifying possible hear...

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2025

Young people sport less when they get their first job, but social support helps

Research by sociologist Sara Wiertsema found that young adults tend to exercise less after starting their first job. However, an activating social and work environment can help them maintain physical activity levels. Young people are more likely to continue exercising if they receive social support from colleagues or friends.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalInternational Review for the Sociology of Sport·DateMay 26, 2025

Energy deficiency impacts collegiate running performance

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that chronic energy deficiency in collegiate female endurance runners negatively impacts their performance and training benefits. Runners with insufficient energy intake had slower race times and reduced training benefits, but these effects can be reversed by increasing calories.

SourcePenn State·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2025

Age, previous sports experience, stronger predictors of performance in children than previous concussions, York U study finds

A new study from York University finds that age and previous sports experience are more significant factors in cognitive-motor integration than a history of multiple concussions. Researchers tested participants with a history of concussion on complex eye-hand coordination tasks, revealing neuroprotective benefits from sports experience.

SourceYork University·JournalConcussion·DateApr 29, 2025

Alternative to hip replacement keeps aging athletes in the game

A surgical procedure called Birmingham hip resurfacing enables aging athletes to remain highly active, even many years after the procedure. Studies have shown that patients who underwent this procedure were able to return to high-impact sports and maintain their activity levels for an average of 14 years after surgery.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·TypeCase study·DateApr 10, 2025

High prevalence of tooth and gum issues in teenage professional footballers in England

A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found that nearly 3 out of 4 teenage professional footballers in England have inflamed gums or periodontitis, with many experiencing tooth wear and breakage. The researchers emphasize the importance of good oral health for overall wellbeing and sporting performance.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2025

Genetic predisposition to sedentary behavior increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases

A new study found that genetic predisposition to sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of developing the most common cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with the highest genetic predisposition accumulated more daily sedentary time and had a 20% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 8, 2025

Older adults experience similar or even less muscle damage than young adults after exercise

A recent study published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity found that older adults exhibit similar or even less muscle damage than young adults after exercise. Muscle soreness was consistently lower in older adults, with reductions of around 34% at 48 hours and 62% at 72 hours compared to younger individuals.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 2, 2025

How family background can help lead to athletic success

A new study suggests that family background, including socioeconomic status, has a profound impact on athletic success. Research found that students from high SES families were more likely to play sports and achieve success, while those from low SES families faced barriers to participation. The study's findings challenge the common not...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2025

Sports cardiologists call for patient-centered approach to optimizing cardiovascular health through regular and high-level physical activity

A new theme issue in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of personalized heart health advice considering individual differences. The issue highlights disparities in sports participation and related health outcomes between males and females as well as socioeconomic disparities, with women showing a lower risk of...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMar 17, 2025

GIFs helping footballers to sleep better

A recent study by the University of Kent found that short animations known as GIFs can improve the sleep of professional female footballers. The researchers designed bespoke GIF messages with sleep hygiene tips and implemented them across a two-week period, leading to significant improvements in sleep quality, even during mid-season.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025

Nearly 4 of 10 Americans report sports-related mistreatment

A new study found that nearly 40% of adult Americans report experiencing some form of sport-related mistreatment, with psychological and emotional abuse leading the way. The study also revealed that weight issues were a common reason for mistreatment, cited by 52% of respondents.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of the Sociology of Leisure·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Taking sports science in her stride: How Dr. Nerea Casal García aims to maximize performance on the track

Dr. Casal García's work has revealed a significant shift in stride patterns of female elite athletes during 400 meter hurdle competitions, leading to improved performances. Her research aims to tailor athlete training based on individual characteristics, bridging the gap between academia and practical application.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2025