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Neurodegenerative disease risk more than doubled among former Scottish international rugby union players

Research has found that former Scottish international rugby union players are at a significantly increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor neurone disease. The study's findings suggest that strategies to reduce head impact and traumatic brain injury in all sports are necessary.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Transgender women’s heart-lung capacity and strength exceed those of cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy

A study of 15 transgender women found they exceeded the cardiopulmonary capacity and muscle strength of their cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy. However, their performance was lower than that of cisgender men. The findings could inform policy on transgender women's sports participation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

What is the best way to group students?

A new mathematical approach to grouping theory uses math to determine the most effective way to organize individuals to maximize learning. The research found that like-skilled tiered grouping is better than cross-sectional or random grouping, when the end goal is improving learning for all individuals.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalEducational Practice and Theory·DateSep 7, 2022

Study shows how Black male teacher-coaches illustrate civic-focused education

A study by University of Kansas faculty member Daniel Thomas III founds Black male teacher-coaches in predominantly white private schools employ unique civic-oriented practices to counter historical anti-Blackness. They engage students and athletes in social activism, community service, and critical civic engagement.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTheory & Research in Social Education·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 2022

Recreational runners benefit from adjusting their training based on recovery status

A study at University of Jyväskylä found that recreational runners who trained based on their recovery status improved their 10 km running time by twice as much as those in a traditional program. This approach reduced the risk of low training response and showed better performance outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateAug 18, 2022

Exercise answer: Research shows it’s how often you do it, not how much

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that exercising six times a day for five days can increase muscle strength by over 10% and improve muscle thickness. The research suggests that daily exercise is more beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and strength, rather than infrequent, longer workouts.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 14, 2022

Muscle mechanics: Improving sports performance with muscle mechanical properties

A recent study investigated the relationship between passive muscle mechanical properties and dynamic performance in athletes. The research found a positive correlation between the shear modulus of the vastus lateralis muscle and performance outcomes during high-speed activities, suggesting that passive muscle properties are essential ...

SourceShizuoka Sangyo University - Iwata Campus·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2022

Professional athletes perform better against former clubs, according to research

Research found professional athletes show better individual attacking performance in matches against their former clubs. Emotions, rather than knowledge of opponents' tactics, contribute significantly to their success. Coaches and sports managers can benefit from this understanding, while bookmakers may adjust betting odds.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateJul 20, 2022

Consumer product-related traumatic brain injury in children has increased significantly since 2000

A major public health concern, consumer product-related traumatic brain injuries have increased significantly in school-aged children, peaking in 2012 and declining in boys but increasing substantially among girls. The study highlights the need for awareness and training on screening and treatment of TBI in children.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

“Punch-drunk slugnuts” and the language of violence: Tracing the impact of sports slang on modern perceptions of neurodegenerative disease

A study by Stephen T. Casper examines how sports slang, such as 'punch-drunk,' influenced the conceptualization and treatment of brain injuries. The research reveals a culture that stigmatized sufferers and normalized male violence, making it difficult for medical professionals to diagnose and treat neurodegenerative disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalIsis·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

Bodychecking experience does not lower risk of injury for teen hockey players

A new study published in CMAJ found that youth hockey players with more years of bodychecking experience had a significantly higher risk of concussion than those with less experience. The researchers collected data on 941 players aged 15-17 and found that concussion was the most common injury, making up over one-third of all injuries.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 2022

Team sports linked to fewer mental health difficulties for kids

A large-scale study found that team sport participation is associated with lower mental health difficulties in children and adolescents. In contrast, exclusive individual sport participation may lead to greater mental health issues. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 US kids and adolescents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2022

The mindful way to manage stress among elite athletes

A new study from the University of South Australia found that dispositional mindfulness can significantly reduce and protect elite athletes from stress. Athletes who demonstrated greater mindfulness had lower levels of stress, both immediately after a COVID-19-related shutdown and at the end of their competitive season.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

Breathing to win: Scientists show importance of screening breathing patterns in athletic populations

A recent study reveals that 91% of athletes display dysfunctional breathing patterns, which can lead to increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The study emphasizes the importance of screening and addressing these patterns through targeted interventions and breathing training protocols.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

NBA sees rise in acts of symbolic violence

A new analysis reveals a decline in physical violence and a rise in symbolic violence among NBA players. Symbolic violence is framed as harmless by commentators, contributing to its increasing prevalence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2022

One-sport high school athletes prone to injury, burnout

New research from the University of Georgia suggests that high school students who focus on one sport are more likely to get injured or suffer from burnout. The study found that over 42% of athletes reported a small level of specialization in one sport, while nearly one in five reported a high level of specialization.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 2, 2022

Lighting up artificial neural networks

Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed an 'optomemristor' device that facilitates three-factor learning and emulation of biological computations, making it possible to perform complex machine learning tasks. The device uses both light and electrical signals to interact and consume very little energy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

Passion has its rewards

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that passion is a crucial factor in determining success among top football players. The study, which compared elite and regional players, revealed that burning passion for the sport was the key differentiator.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNew Ideas in Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2022

Obsession with failure and hunt for perfection linked to burnout, sports study uncovers

A University of Essex-led study found that athletes who fixate on their mistakes and strive for perfection are at risk of psychological difficulty. The research suggests that perfectionistic concerns can lead to athlete burnout, causing them to view achievements as inadequate and create a self-fulfilling performance prophecy.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 22, 2022