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Quantitative study assesses how gender and race impact young athletes’ perceptions of their coaches

A recent study by UNC Greensboro's Dr. Tsz Lun Chu found that Black female athletes reported the most positive perceptions of coaching climates and satisfaction with psychological needs compared to other race by gender subgroups. Coaches can play a key role in supporting student-athletes' continued participation, and a nuanced approach...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalSport Exercise and Performance Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2024

Women kicking goals on the field but still tackling entrenched sexism

Recent studies by the University of South Australia reveal that women footballers in general face an uphill battle gaining widespread acceptance in Australia and overcoming entrenched sexism. The research found growing support for women's sport, but minimal coverage from commercial outlets limits opportunities to demonstrate their prow...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian Journal of Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2024

Study: Suicides among college athletes doubled in 20 years

A study found that the number of U.S. collegiate athletes who died by suicide doubled between 2002 and 2022, accounting for a greater portion of total deaths. Athletes' mental health issues were attributed to pressures such as school expectations, performance demands, and social media scrutiny.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

Eliminating socioeconomic disparities in youth physical activity can save over $15 billion

A new study shows that eliminating disparities in physical activity levels between low and higher socioeconomic groups could save over $6.93 billion in direct medical costs and $8.67 billion in productivity losses. The study suggests tailoring physical activity interventions towards lower income groups to maximize cost savings.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 15, 2024

Running performance helped by mathematical research

Researchers developed a mathematical model to optimize World-class 400m and 1500m running performances by considering variability of motor control, oxygen consumption, and energy expenditure. The study found that improving aerobic metabolism and maintaining optimal velocity are crucial for achieving top performance.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers·TypeCase study·DateMar 5, 2024

Parents, wealth, race drive girls’ chances to play sports

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that socioeconomic status consistently underlies other factors affecting opportunities for girls to participate in sports. Higher family socioeconomic status increased the likelihood of girls playing most sports, while lower-income schools had a negative impact on participation rates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSociological Focus·DateFeb 29, 2024

New study analyzes link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in footballers

A recent study by Swansea University analyzed the link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in professional football players. The research found that athletes with longer ring digits relative to their index fingers had more efficient oxygen metabolism, reaching high maximal oxygen consumption during a cardiopulmonary test.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2024

We must tackle female ageism in sport and exercise science, urge researchers

A lack of older women in sport and exercise science studies hinders understanding of perimenopause and postmenopause effects on physical activity, athletic performance, and overall health. Researchers call for improved data collection and methodology to support female athletes and patients across the lifespan.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 6, 2024

Contrasting characteristics and outcomes of sports-related and non–sports-related traumatic brain injury

This study found that sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result in higher rates of functional limitations six months after injury. In contrast, patients with non-sports related TBI exhibit better mental health and post-concussion symptom recovery. The findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of TBI outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 24, 2024

Physical exercise boosts motor learning – and remembering what one has learned

New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that physical exercise improves ability to learn and remember motor skills, such as riding a bike or driving a car. Exercise before or after practicing new skills can lead to up to 10% improvement in memory, with enhanced effects when done both times.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory·DateJan 18, 2024

KU study shows weightlifting before basketball practice does not affect shooting accuracy

A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that resistance training before basketball practice has minimal to no effect on shooting performance. In fact, the only scenario where accuracy decreased was after upper-body training, but this decrease disappeared 30 minutes post-exercise completion.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

A noninvasive method for assessing muscular health in an aging population

A noninvasive method for assessing muscular health in an aging population has been developed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The study found that the phase angle can estimate muscle contractile properties and is associated with better muscle function, making it a valuable tool for monitoring muscular health.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2024

A new method based on computational time series analysis allows the estimation of exercise thresholds

A new method allows for the estimation of exercise thresholds based on dynamical correlation properties of heart rate variability, optimizing athlete training and injury prevention. This method utilizes heartbeat interval measurements from sports watches and heart rate monitors, providing a reliable alternative to current methods.

SourceTampere University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJan 9, 2024

Fewer hospital admissions when people are fitter

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that maintaining aerobic fitness is linked to a 7-14% lower risk of hospitalizations for any reason. Increased fitness also reduces hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest potential benefits for individual health and healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 22, 2023

Do genes that code athletic heart enlargement carry a risk of future heart problems?

A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

A spinal muscle’s size and shape is linked to body fat, according to new Concordia research

A new study by Concordia researchers found a strong positive relationship between percentage body fat and echo intensity, indicating more fat within the muscle. The study also revealed differences in lumbar multifidus characteristics between male and female athletes, with females having larger LMs than males.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Musculoskeletal Disorders·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 13, 2023

Fascicle gearing dynamics: Unveiling 3D rotation effects in muscle elongation

Researchers at Waseda University used diffusion tensor imaging to reconstruct fascicles in three dimensions, finding that a gearing mechanism reduces individual fascicle elongation during stretching. This mechanism allows muscles to extend without significant fiber length changes, preventing overstretching and injury.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

High pressure competitive environment impacts performance of top esport players, new study shows

A recent study conducted by the University of Chichester examines the impact of high-pressure situations on esports players' performance, anxiety, and cognitive symptoms. The research found that university-level competitors performed worse under pressure, while elite players still experienced suboptimal performance and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·JournalSport Exercise and Performance Psychology·DateDec 5, 2023