AHP Resources - Physical Training
Welcome to the Sport PEI Athlete Health and Wellness Program’s Resource Library. Our goal is to provide developing athletes, their parents, and their coaches with current, evidence based resources on a range of topics in sports medicine and performance. When possible we will provide links to resource sources that are national or international organizations that work to continue to provide the most current evidence available (eg. CCES for current prohibited drug listings).
As always, we recommend that you seek out qualified medical and sport science personnel when you are injured and need help. These resources are meant to provide education but never replace the importance of seeking expert help when you are injured, or need training or performance advice.
We will be adding resources as quickly as possible, so check back regularly, and also send any questions you would like answered or resources you are looking for to Sport PEI at SportPEIAHP@gmail.com.
Strength Training for Youth Athletes
As young athletes embark on their sporting journeys, the focus naturally gravitates towards skill development, tactical understanding, and competition readiness. However, one critical aspect that remains underemphasized at early stages in sport is strength training.
Implementing a structured strength training program at an early age can not only enhance athletic performance but also significantly reduce injury risk and promote long-term success in life and sports.
One of the challenges of successful multisport athletes - especially in an area such as PEI where athletes may participate competitively in more than one or two sports - is fatigue.
Sport PEI supports the importance of multisport participation in developing athletes, but it is also important to monitor training load to ensure the athletes are healthy and able to compete to their best ability.
While both athlete fatigue and burnout involve exhaustion, fatigue refers to a temporary physical tiredness often resulting from intense training and physical and mental load over a period of weeks.
Concerning Sale of Smelling Salts on PEI
It has recently been brought to our attention from parents, as well as a recent CBC story, that smelling salts (ammonia inhalants) are being sold in vending machines at arenas, and available for sale in other locations on PEI. This is a concern that parents should be aware of. Smelling salts or Ammonia Inhalants were initially designed for waking up someone who fainted or had a concussion, back in the 70’s and 80’s.
Wearable Technology & Athletic Performance
In a time where technology continually reshapes our lives, wearable technology has emerged as a game changer in the realms of health and sport. From fitness trackers that monitor every step taken to smartwatches that provide real-time performance metrics, these devices are revolutionizing how athletes train and how individuals manage their well-being. As wearables become increasingly sophisticated, they offer unparalleled insights into physical performance and health, driving new levels of efficiency, precision, and motivation. Wearable technology has transformed athletic training and health management, and this digital evolution comes with its benefits and challenges.
What is Long Term Athlete Development? (LTAD)
Did you know that there is actually science behind how to develop children physically to become athletic? For 25 years science, research and experience all point to the same thing: kids and adults will get active, stay active, and even reach the greatest heights of sport achievement if they do the right things at the right times.
The Importance of Sleep in Performance
Great champions realize in their journey that the balance of training and rest is essential to good performance. In fact, 5-time Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser states “Rest is a weapon”, when it comes to performing well.
One of the best parts about being an athlete is getting to travel and represent their Province, Territory or Nation. However, travel especially across multiple time zones can present its challenges as you need to plan for the time difference and how it affects you.
Warm-ups have been a part of the sports world for a long time because it helps athletes to prepare physically, mentally, prevent injuries, and enhance performance. It wakes up the body's communication system between the nervous system and muscular system to ready the body for activity and gets the athlete on the road to success.
What is Athletic Fitness Testing and Why is it done?
As sport and exercise professionals we often get asked by parents and athletes why fitness testing is performed and what is it used for? Physical testing has many functions, and is essential for training and developing athletes. We will discuss the reasons to test, as well as some of the common tests implemented in sport development programs.
Cooling down after your workout lets your heart rate and blood pressure slowly recover to pre-exercise levels. It helps your body effective recover from exercise. The by- products in muscles from exercise create delayed onset muscle soreness, fatigue, and even potentially overuse injuries.