Article Text
PDF
Statistics from Altmetric.com
Welcome to the annual Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM) themed edition of BJSM. As Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) physicians, it is incumbent on us to not only investigate and manage the impact of injury and illness on athletes, but also to research, promote and implement the beneficial effects of exercise and activity in the prevention, treatment and recovery of illness and injury in the general population.
An integral element of the foundation of sports medicine is the intricate connection between the brain and the body. American author Napoleon Hill aptly captured this when he wrote ‘the body achieves what the mind believes’. Athletes embody a symphonic coordination of brain and body function as they engage in envisioning, planning and engaging in physical activity. In this edition, Zou and colleagues highlight the importance of even passive exercise in brain health (see page 143) , while Xu and colleagues examine the relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness in alleviating genetic risk for dementia (see page 150) .
Canadian colleagues are highlighted in this edition as well. Matthew Burke continues to expand our knowledge of the impacts and understanding of concussion and sequelae (see page 145) . In keeping with our theme on the impact of exercise on all populations, Margie Davenport provides new insights into an often overlooked area in her work on the impact of high intensity resistance exercise during pregnancy (see page 159) . Jane Thornton and Dawn Richards, along with Canadian Olympians and Paralympians, explore the value of having athletes’ voices incorporated into SEM organisations (see page 148) , and our Service Spotlight highlights Darrell Menard, soon-to-be the first ever Indigenous CASEM President (see page 201) .
Physical activity, fitness and exercise are more than sports. The WHO defines physical activity as any bodily movement facilitated by the musculoskeletal system that requires energy expenditure.1 The benefits of physical activity are multifold and apply to all age groups and global communities. According to the WHO, nearly one-third of the world’s adult population,2 and more than 80% of adolescents,3 do not engage in sufficient physical activity.
CASEM recognises the costs of physical inactivity, including significant consequences for public health, the economy and the environment. We have prioritised key initiatives, partnerships and campaigns to elevate awareness of the importance of physical activity and advocate for a comprehensive, national approach to improve the health and well-being of Canadians through increased physical activity.4
As discussed above the impact and influence of physical activity on various aspects of physical and brain health are explored in many of the articles selected for this special CASEM issue.
Annual CASEM symposium
The upcoming CASEM annual symposium in Prince Edward Island (7–10 May 2025) is set to be an exceptional event, highlighting the latest advancements in sport medicine. Held in one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces, the conference will feature a diverse range of topics focused on both emerging trends and established practices aimed at promoting excellence in the field.
Bringing together experts, practitioners and researchers from across the country, the event will explore a variety of critical issues, including topics such as the influence of the Indigenous games on Indigenous youth sport, athlete resilience in overcoming challenges and the integration of technology and artificial intelligence in sport medicine. Key discussions will also address mental health, injury management and safe sport practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops, insightful panel discussions and networking sessions designed to enhance their expertise and professional development.
Renowned for its commitment to evidence-based practices and advancing the understanding of sport medicine, the CASEM conference serves as a key platform for professionals to collaborate, share knowledge and engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in the field.
This event provides a unique opportunity to stay informed on the latest trends in sport medicine, while connecting with leaders who are shaping the future of the profession. Don’t miss out on this invaluable experience!
Looking beyond CASEM 2025
CASEM continues to grow in membership and capacity. With over 1100 diverse member physicians, CASEM will continue to expand our knowledge and understanding of the impact of activity, exercise and inactivity on the health and well-being of all members of our communities. We trust you will find this issue informative and look forward to many years of expanding our understanding of the health benefits of all forms of activity and exercise in the future.
Ethics statements
Patient consent for publication
Ethics approval
Not applicable.
Acknowledgments
Ms Helen Haworth (Director of Corporate Affairs, CASEM) provided the details about the CASEM Symposium as well as the organisation’s future projection beyond 2025.
Footnotes
X @Edwards10Carla
Contributors CE and MW equally wrote, reviewed and approved the final version. CE is the guarantor.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.