Research

Sport participation improves adult mental health, with team sports offering added social benefits like increased self-esteem, life satisfaction, and connection. The study introduced a ‘Mental Health through Sport’ model showing how physical activity and social interaction support wellbeing, though elite athletes may face greater psychological stress. Australian universities could use these findings to promote inclusive […]

Participation in sports significantly boosts the sense of community and psychological wellbeing among immigrant youth, making it a powerful tool for social integration. As immigrant and international students often face challenges with belonging and mental health, Australian universities could benefit from promoting inclusive, low-barrier sports programs that foster social connections and support networks. Integrating sport […]

Research on campus green spaces emphasises their important role in supporting student health and well-being. These spaces provide restorative benefits, offering students a chance to disconnect from academic pressures, recover from mental fatigue, reduce stress, and improve concentration. Access to nature helps maintain a balanced lifestyle by supporting both physical and mental well-being. Additionally, green […]

Sedentary behaviour among university students, linked to health risks from prolonged sitting and lack of physical activity, has raised increasing concern. This research examines how campus environments influence students’ activity levels. Utilising photovoice, students captured photos to identify movement barriers and opportunities. This study, conducted at two German universities, reported that underused green spaces, inadequate […]

Research shows that university students who have access to green spaces and sustainable transport options are more likely to engage in physical activity. Exercising outdoors, particularly in green areas or near water, enhances enjoyment and encourages regular movement. Many students are also motivated by the environmental benefits of active transport, such as walking or cycling, […]

Competitive sport versus social-cultural clubs in campus life. Research indicates that students’ participation in university-based extracurricular activities contributes to their graduate attributes such as leadership, teamwork, communication and resilience. However, it has yet to be determined which types of extracurricular activities are more impactful. Carmel Foley, Simon Darcy, Anja Hergesell, Barbara Almond, Matthew McDonald, Lan […]

As traditional sport participation stagnates or declines, flexible informal sporting forms are increasingly a focus for those with a vested interest in maximising participation in sport and physical activity. This study critiques existing definitions of informal sport as overly binary, largely unhelpful, and conceptually diffuse. We propose a more nuanced understanding of informal sport that […]

University student mental health is of an increasing concern Physical activity interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing in university students in the UK: A service mapping study  Malagodi, F., Dommett, E.J., Findon, J.L., Gardner, B., Physical activity interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing in university students in the UK: A service mapping study, […]

Universities’ higher elite athlete program investment sees student athletes’ Olympic performance soar. By Don Knapp Australian University Sport began tracking the performance of student-athletes at Olympic Games in preparation for its Winning Edge funding submission to the Australian Sports Commission in 2012. At the 2004 Athens Games, 104 student-athletes were selected in the Australian Olympic […]

A report on the support and services provided to elite student-athletes by Australian universities. Research has revealed that elite athletes have the capacity to achieve simultaneous sporting and academic success (Henry, 2013; Wylleman, 2017). The 2008, 2012 and 2016 Australia Olympic team confirmed this with over 50% of medallists being current or former elite student-athletes […]