sports medicine thesis topics

Explore your training options in 10 minutes Get Started

• Graduate Stories
• Partner Spotlights
• Bootcamp Prep
• Bootcamp Admissions
• University Bootcamps
• Coding Tools
• Software Engineering
• Web Development
• Data Science
• Tech Guides
• Tech Resources
• Career Advice
• Online Learning
• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Tech Salaries
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• University Admissions
• Best Schools
• Certifications
• Bootcamp Financing
• Higher Ed Financing
• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Best Coding Bootcamps
• Best Online Bootcamps
• Best Web Design Bootcamps
• Best Data Science Bootcamps
• Best Technology Sales Bootcamps
• Best Data Analytics Bootcamps
• Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
• Best Digital Marketing Bootcamps
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Browse All Locations
• Digital Marketing
• Machine Learning
• See All Subjects
• Bootcamps 101
• Full-Stack Development
• Career Changes
• View all Career Discussions
• Mobile App Development
• Cybersecurity
• Product Management
• UX/UI Design
• What is a Coding Bootcamp?
• Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?
• How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp
• Best Online Coding Bootcamps and Courses
• Best Free Bootcamps and Coding Training
• Coding Bootcamp vs. Community College
• Coding Bootcamp vs. Self-Learning
• Bootcamps vs. Certifications: Compared
• What Is a Coding Bootcamp Job Guarantee?
• How to Pay for Coding Bootcamp
• Ultimate Guide to Coding Bootcamp Loans
• Best Coding Bootcamp Scholarships and Grants
• Education Stipends for Coding Bootcamps
• Get Your Coding Bootcamp Sponsored by Your Employer
• GI Bill and Coding Bootcamps
• Tech Intevriews
• Our Enterprise Solution
• Connect With Us
• Publication
• Reskill America
• Partner With Us

• Resource Center
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree

The Top 10 Most Interesting Exercise Science Research Topics

The field of exercise science is rapidly growing as new technologies like computer visualization and biotracking deepen our understanding of human physiology. New technologies allow us to better prevent injuries, allowing athletes to push their limits beyond what we thought possible. Thanks to this, there is no shortage of exercise science research topics to write about.

In this article, we’ll show you 10 great examples of exercise science research topics. If you are pursuing a degree in this field, you’ll learn better ways of finding good exercise science research paper topics and how to develop stronger exercise science research questions for your projects.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong exercise science research topic.

Strong exercise science research topics are timely and relevant. Leading researchers and sports institutions should still be discussing them at the time you are writing your research paper. The Strength and Conditioning Journal is a great place to find some of the latest activity research topics including articles on different health benefits, health issues, preventive interventions, and rehabilitation after injury.

Your topic should be broad enough to find enough strong sources, but narrow enough to stand out. Controversial topics are acceptable if you have enough evidence to back up your research. If it’s your first paper, consider approaching a less complex topic. You can also ask your teacher for suggestions if you are struggling to find strong university-level topics. Remember to follow the guidelines for choosing a topic set by your institution.

Tips for Choosing an Exercise Science Research Topic

• Choose a topic that intrigues you. A personally interesting topic will motivate you during the research process. If you have a personal connection to what you are researching, you will have a much easier time writing about it.
• Narrow your topic. By picking a specific subject, you will have an easier time finding credible sources to support your research. By reducing the number of books and articles to read and only choosing literature that is immediately relevant to your topic idea, you also won’t have to spend as much effort before starting to write.
• Talk to your teacher or academic advisor. Your teachers are great resources you have at your disposal. They have experience choosing topics for college students and will most likely be able to help you pick a topic you’ll find engaging to research.
• Look through journals to find exciting topics. Review topics published in the journals like the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. These research journals publish the latest fitness research papers and can help you find a topic that interests you.
• Consider the research interests of your teacher. It’ll be convenient if your research topic matches their expertise, as they’ll be able to provide you with better feedback during your research process.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic is a specific area of study. Sprains in adult athletes or rehabilitation for brain injuries, for example, are research topics. A research question is a way to add new knowledge to that area of study. Examples of research questions would be “What is the role of nutrition in the recovery of sprains in athletes?” or “What is the effect of cardio exercises on adults with brain injuries?”

The goal of your research should be focused around answering the research question. Your answer will help you and others to understand the topic better. Research questions tend to be more specific than the research topics in exercise science.

How to Create Strong Exercise Science Research Questions

To create strong exercise science research questions, you should first become familiar with the topic the question concerns. The answer to your research question should be supported by previous studies done on the topic. Reading previously published studies will help you learn more while preventing you from doing any redundant research.

The scientific method helps exercise scientists better understand their field. Your question should start with how, why, when, or what questions. The scope of your question must be manageable in relation to how long you have to answer it.

Questions that require in-depth experiments may be beyond your reach if you only have a week. Before choosing the question that will lead your research, consider the time it will take you to answer it.

Top 10 Exercise Science Research Paper Topics

1. benefits of resistance training for reducing the negative consequences of aging.

Metabolic resistance training can counter the adverse effects of aging. According to a 2019 study by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, only nine percent of older adults in the United States practice any form of resistance or weight lifting exercises. Metabolic resistance training for elderly residents has become a recently popular topic, as it has been proven to increase muscle mass and muscle strength and relieve intervertebral joint pain.

2. Determining the Minimal Amount of Physical Exercise Required to Maintain Strength and Stamina

Long periods of physical inactivity harm physical fitness. Scientists want to know how much physical exercise can prevent the loss of muscle strength. The British Journal of Sports Medicine published an article that took an in-depth look into the negative effects of sedentary behavior . There are plenty of physiology research topics about improving daily life with an active lifestyle.

3. Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet on Body Mass on Olympic Weightlifting Athletes

Exercise scientists have realized the impact of nutrition on endurance, body composition, and recovery. This has led to theories being tested of controversial ideas in nutrition and measuring their effects on muscle strength. 

For example, a study by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research shows that ketogenic diets reduce mass without compromising performance . If you are interested in becoming a nutritionist , researching the role of nutrition in relation to physical activity could be beneficial for your future career.

4. The Effect of Exercise on the Gut Microbiome

The role of exercise on the gut microbiome is an exciting topic in exercise science. In 2019, researchers found some proof that regular exercise increased gut bacteria and contributed to the health of the gut microbiome, as mentioned in a study that was published in Exercises and Sport Science Reviews.

The gut microbiome produces a wide range of biomolecules, including neurotransmitters, that regulate mood and anxiety. Researchers believe that healthy gut bacteria can improve our mental fitness and health. Their research also leads them to believe that gut bacteria can improve the body’s ability to fight inflammatory illnesses and certain types of cancer.

5. Wearable Technology for Health Monitoring and Sport Performance

Smartwatches pack sensors that can track your movement patterns, heart rate, and oxygen levels. In recent years, these bio trackers have become increasingly affordable and easy to use. Researchers at the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan have used these sensors to track elderly patients and alert their caregivers in real-time.

In sports, kinesiologists use this technology to measure aerobic speed and the onset of fatigue. With a degree in kinesiology , you can work with elite athletes and improve their athletic performance using these technologies.

6. Optimizing Human Movement Potential for Elite Athletes

Exercise scientists study the biomechanics of human movement to improve the body’s longevity. Understanding the human body allows researchers to develop primary injury prevention methods.

Personal trainers help athletes achieve extraordinary performance without the risk of musculoskeletal injury. If you want to become a certified personal trainer , physiology research paper topics in relation to this topic may be of interest to you.

7. Equity in Sports

Exercise scientists are also concerned with the social aspects of sports. Many athletes live under adverse conditions and need to make extra efforts to match the achievements of others. Equity in sports is currently a very important exercise science topic. Researchers find solutions to increase access to professional sports by improving policies to prevent racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.

If you want to become a sports agent or an athletic director, look for physiology research topics in relation to equity in sports. Becoming a sports manager takes a certain level of education in the professional fitness industry, such as a graduate degree in sports management .

8. Effect of Bike Commuting on Insulin Sensitivity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Adipose Tissue

Exercise scientists look for solutions to public health problems like diabetes and obesity. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that commuting by bike has a significant impact on insulin sensitivity , improving cardiovascular fitness, and reducing belly fat.

With cardiometabolic health such as cardiovascular disease, being an urgent topic in the United States, considering the prevalence of obesity, there is plenty of research on the subject, making it a great initial topic.

9. Reducing Lower Back Pain by Increasing Physical Activity

With athletes having a high sports injury risk, and many injuries causing severe back pain, pain management has become an important topic in exercise science. Exercise scientists research ways to reduce pain using principles in kinesiology and found that increasing physical activity can reduce lower back pain , according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

10. Applications of Kinesiology in the Treatment of Movement Dysfunctions

Exercise scientists have been studying the relationship between movement and neuroplasticity for a long time. Physical activity during rehabilitation for stroke patients or patients with brain injuries has proven to reduce movement dysfunctions. Understanding the effects of exercise on neural networks is an important research topic in the field of rehabilitation.

Other Examples of Exercise Science Research Topics & Questions

Exercise science research topics.

• Assessment of the use of virtual reality rehabilitating brain-injured or stroke patients
• The role of caffeine as a sports performance enhancer for optimal performance
• Current and future perspectives on the effects of nutrition on physical exercise performance
• Hormonal responses in older men to metabolic resistance training
• Comparison of occupational physical activity and leisure physical activity on cardiovascular fitness

Exercise Science Research Questions

• What are the benefits of physical activity for cognitive health?
• What is the impact of VR training on human body composition testing?
• What are the advantages of wearing an elevation training mask during physical exercise?
• What are the physiological causes of mental fatigue on endurance performance?
• How does physical exercise improves mental health and academic performance in university students?

Choosing the Right Exercise Science Research Topic

When choosing the right exercise science research topic, consider researching topics that you are already familiar with, as your existing knowledge may help you with your research. You could also ask your academic advisor, other staff in the department of exercise science, or even physical therapy professionals about current trends in exercise science and injury recovery.

Physical fitness and training performance are common themes in exercise science research. Recent articles published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine or the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research are a great place to start. Make sure you choose a manageable research topic. Your teacher can help you make sure your research topic is relevant before you begin.

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Exercise Science Research Topics FAQ

Exercise science is important because it tries to find solutions to problems concerning the optimal performance of athletes and the general health of the human population. Exercise science also helps develop new rehabilitation methods for injury recovery and pain management.

Yes, kinesiology is a STEM discipline that studies exercise and movement. Breakthroughs in kinesiology come from scientific research and the use of the scientific method. It is a wing of the department of exercise science of many universities.

The average salary of an exercise physiologist is $50,280 per year, which is above the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About half of all exercise physiologists are self-employed, while others work in hospitals, spas, and physical therapy offices.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, you can get a job as a physical therapist or a fitness instructor. With a graduate degree in exercise science, you can become a sports agent or an athletic director.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

What's Next?

Get matched with top bootcamps

Ask a question to our community, take our careers quiz.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Privacy Policy

Buy Me a Coffee

Home » 500+ Sports Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

Sports research topics cover a vast array of areas in the world of athletics, from the physical and psychological impacts of sport on athletes to the social and cultural implications of sports on society. Sports research can include studies on training techniques, nutrition, injury prevention, performance enhancement, and much more. It can also explore the societal impact of sports, such as the role of sports in shaping national identities, gender roles, and cultural values. As a result, the field of sports research provides a unique lens through which to understand the complex relationship between sports and society, and offers insights that can benefit athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts alike. In this post, we will explore some of the most fascinating and important sports research topics that are currently being investigated.

Sports Research Topics

Sports Research Topics are as follows:

• The psychological benefits of participating in team sports
• The impact of sports on academic achievement
• The role of sports in promoting physical health and fitness
• The impact of sports on mental health and well-being
• The benefits and drawbacks of early specialization in youth sports
• The relationship between sports and character development
• The role of sports in building social capital and community cohesion
• The impact of technology on sports training and performance
• The influence of gender on sports participation and achievement
• The impact of culture on sports participation and achievement
• The economics of professional sports: salaries, revenue, and team valuations
• The role of sports in promoting diversity and inclusion
• The impact of sports on political and social change
• The impact of sports sponsorship on consumer behavior
• The impact of doping in sports on athlete health and performance
• The role of nutrition in sports performance
• The impact of weather conditions on sports performance
• The influence of crowd behavior on sports performance and player behavior
• The impact of sports injuries on athlete health and career longevity
• The impact of sports on tourism and local economies
• The role of sports in promoting peace and conflict resolution
• The impact of globalization on sports and their respective cultures
• The impact of sports on national identity and patriotism
• The impact of sports media on fan behavior and athlete performance
• The impact of sports on the environment
• The influence of sports fans on team strategy and decision-making
• The impact of sports gambling on sports integrity and athlete health
• The impact of sports specialization on long-term athlete development
• The influence of sports referees and officials on game outcomes
• The role of technology in sports officiating and decision-making
• The impact of sports on youth development and socialization
• The role of sports in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment
• The impact of sports on personal identity and self-esteem
• The role of sports in promoting physical literacy and lifelong physical activity
• The impact of fan behavior on athlete mental health and well-being
• The influence of sports broadcasters on fan behavior and attitudes
• The role of sports in promoting healthy competition and fair play
• The impact of sports participation on academic performance in children
• The influence of social media on athlete behavior and fan engagement
• The impact of sports on international diplomacy and political relations
• The influence of coach behavior on athlete mental health and performance
• The role of sports in promoting cultural understanding and awareness
• The impact of sports science on athlete training and performance
• The impact of youth sports on parent-child relationships
• The influence of sports team culture on athlete behavior and performance
• The role of sports in promoting environmental sustainability
• The impact of sports on social mobility and economic inequality
• The influence of sports on global health issues
• The impact of sports on regional and national identity
• The role of sports in promoting positive youth development and resilience.
• The impact of technology on sports performance
• The effects of altitude on ball flight in sports like golf and tennis
• The effects of sports on stress management
• The impact of COVID-19 on the sports industry
• The impact of technology on sports officiating and rule enforcement
• The role of sports in promoting cultural heritage and preservation
• The impact of sports on mental toughness and resilience among athletes
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on sports injury rehabilitation
• The role of sports in promoting intergenerational connections and social capital
• The effects of different types of sports psychology interventions on team dynamics and performance in professional sports
• The role of sports in promoting peacebuilding and conflict resolution in divided societies
• The impact of sports on career development and job satisfaction among sports journalists
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on injury prevention and performance in powerlifting
• The role of sports in promoting social innovation and entrepreneurship among youth
• The impact of sports on social identity and community building among refugees and immigrants
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on brain health and cognitive function in older adults
• The role of sports in promoting sustainable urban development and active transportation
• The impact of sports on social capital and political engagement among LGBTQ+ athletes
• The effects of different types of training interventions on injury prevention and recovery in equestrian sports.
• The impact of sports on body image and self-esteem among female athletes
• The effects of different types of sports equipment on performance and injury risk in extreme sports
• The role of sports in promoting cultural diplomacy and international relations
• The impact of sports on emotional regulation and mental health among adolescent athletes
• The effects of different types of nutrition interventions on injury prevention and recovery in team sports
• The role of sports in promoting civic engagement and political participation among athletes
• The impact of sports on cognitive development and academic achievement in early childhood
• The effects of different types of sports psychology interventions on sports performance and mental health
• The role of sports in promoting environmental education and sustainability in schools
• The impact of sports on career development and employability among retired athletes
• The effects of different types of mindfulness interventions on sports performance and well-being
• The role of sports in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding
• The impact of sports on emotional intelligence and leadership development among coaches
• The effects of different types of sports supplements on performance and health outcomes
• The role of sports in promoting disaster risk reduction and resilience in coastal communities
• The impact of sports on social identity and group dynamics in fan communities
• The effects of different types of sports training on injury prevention and recovery in power sports
• The role of sports in promoting digital literacy and technological innovation in youth
• The impact of sports on social-emotional learning and character development in schools
• The effects of different types of nutrition interventions on sports performance and cognitive function in older adults
• The role of sports in promoting gender equity and empowerment in sports organizations
• The impact of sports on cultural identity and community building among Indigenous peoples
• The effects of different types of training interventions on injury prevention and recovery in para-athletes
• The role of sports in promoting global health and disease prevention
• The impact of sports on social support and mental health among parents of youth athletes
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on sports performance and injury prevention in master athletes
• The role of sports in promoting community-based health education and behavior change
• The impact of sports on identity development and socialization among adolescent girls
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on gut microbiota and health outcomes
• The role of sports in promoting intercultural communication and language learning
• The impact of sports on psychological well-being and job satisfaction among sports officials
• The effects of different types of mindfulness interventions on injury prevention and recovery in endurance sports
• The role of sports in promoting sustainable tourism and economic development in rural areas
• The impact of sports on social integration and inclusion among individuals with disabilities
• The effects of different types of sports equipment on biomechanics and performance in precision sports
• The role of sports in promoting community resilience and disaster risk reduction in urban areas
• The impact of sports on social-emotional development and academic achievement among at-risk youth
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on immune function and health outcomes
• The role of sports in promoting social justice and human rights in sport governance
• The impact of sports on community development and social capital in post-conflict areas
• The effects of different types of resistance training on injury prevention and recovery in endurance athletes
• The role of sports in promoting intergenerational relationships and aging well-being
• The impact of sports on social support and mental health among retired athletes
• The role of sports in promoting civic activism and social change
• The impact of sports on sleep quality and quantity in professional athletes
• The effects of different types of stretching on recovery and injury prevention
• The role of sports in promoting environmental justice and sustainability
• The impact of sports on emotional intelligence and social skills among youth athletes
• The effects of different types of resistance training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting peace and conflict resolution in divided societies
• The impact of sports on academic achievement and career success among athletes
• The effects of different types of endurance training on injury prevention and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion
• The impact of sports on team cohesion and communication
• The effects of different types of dietary interventions on sports performance and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting mental health and well-being in marginalized communities
• The impact of sports on cognitive function and academic achievement in children
• The effects of different types of cooling interventions on sports performance and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting community resilience and disaster preparedness
• The impact of sports on social capital and social mobility in low-income communities
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on bone health and injury prevention
• The role of sports in promoting global citizenship and intercultural competence
• The impact of sports on personal and professional development among athletes
• The effects of different types of training programs on sports performance and injury prevention in older adults
• The role of sports in promoting human rights and social justice
• The impact of sports on decision-making and risk-taking behavior in adolescents
• The effects of different types of aerobic exercise on cognitive function and brain health
• The role of sports in promoting sustainable development and social innovation
• The impact of sports on social integration and belonging among refugees and immigrants
• The effects of different types of sports equipment on injury risk and performance
• The role of sports in promoting gender equality and empowerment in developing countries
• The impact of sports on academic engagement and achievement among middle school students
• The effects of different types of hydration interventions on sports performance and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting community-based tourism and economic development
• The impact of sports on identity formation and self-concept among athletes
• The effects of different types of sports training on bone health and injury prevention in female athletes
• The role of sports in promoting environmental conservation and climate action
• The impact of sports on personal values and character development among athletes
• The effects of different types of sports nutrition interventions on cardiovascular health and performance
• The role of sports in promoting community-based disaster response and recovery
• The impact of sports on social support and well-being among LGBTQ+ athletes
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on injury rehabilitation and return to play in professional athletes
• The role of sports in promoting social entrepreneurship and innovation
• The impact of sports on moral reasoning and ethical decision-making among athletes
• The effects of different types of training programs on cognitive function and academic achievement in children
• The role of sports in promoting social inclusion and equality in urban settings
• The impact of sports on social identity and collective action among fans
• The effects of different types of recovery interventions on sports performance and injury prevention in adolescent athletes
• The effects of different types of recovery modalities on injury prevention in sports
• The role of sports in promoting cultural diplomacy
• The impact of sports participation on academic achievement among college students
• The effects of different types of hydration strategies on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting social cohesion and community building
• The impact of sports on physical and cognitive aging
• The effects of different types of warm-down on sports performance and injury prevention
• The role of sports in promoting positive youth development
• The impact of sports on crime and delinquency among youth
• The effects of different types of endurance training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting gender equity and empowerment
• The impact of sports on mental health among athletes
• The effects of different types of carbohydrate intake on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting international relations and diplomacy
• The impact of sports on body image and self-esteem among adolescents
• The effects of different types of sports drinks on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting environmental sustainability and conservation
• The impact of sports on cognitive function and brain health
• The effects of different types of sports psychology interventions on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting social justice and human rights
• The impact of sports on physical activity levels and sedentary behavior
• The effects of different types of pre-game nutrition on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting economic development and tourism
• The impact of sports on cultural and national identity
• The effects of different types of footwear on injury risk in sports
• The role of sports in promoting civic engagement and democracy
• The impact of sports on sleep quality and quantity
• The effects of different types of anaerobic training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting intergenerational relationships and socialization
• The impact of sports on body composition and weight management
• The effects of different types of sports psychology interventions on injury prevention and recovery
• The role of sports in promoting peacebuilding and conflict resolution
• The impact of sports on self-efficacy and self-esteem among athletes
• The effects of different types of protein intake on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities
• The impact of sports on social capital and community resilience
• The effects of different types of high-intensity interval training on sports performance
• The impact of sports on stress and stress-related disorders
• The effects of different types of dietary supplements on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting human development and well-being
• The impact of sports on emotional regulation and mental health
• The effects of different types of strength training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting social innovation and entrepreneurship
• The impact of sports on social identity and belonging
• The effects of different types of cognitive training on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting disaster resilience and preparedness
• The impact of sports on academic engagement and achievement among high school students
• The effects of different types of stretching on injury prevention and sports performance.
• The effects of different types of training on athletic performance
• The effectiveness of different coaching styles in sports
• The role of nutrition in athletic performance
• The psychology of injury rehabilitation in sports
• The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports
• The role of sports in promoting physical and mental health
• The impact of social media on sports marketing
• The effectiveness of sports marketing campaigns
• The effects of gender and ethnicity on sports participation and performance
• The impact of sports sponsorship on athlete performance
• The role of sports in promoting teamwork and leadership
• The effects of environmental conditions on sports performance
• The impact of sports on community development
• The psychology of winning and losing in sports
• The effects of sleep on sports performance
• The use of virtual reality in sports training
• The impact of sports injuries on athletes’ careers
• The effects of altitude on athletic performance
• The use of data analysis in sports performance assessment
• The role of sports in reducing stress and anxiety
• The impact of sports on academic performance
• The effects of different sports on cardiovascular health
• The use of cryotherapy in sports recovery
• The impact of social media on sports fans and fandom
• The effects of different types of footwear on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting physical activity among children and adolescents
• The effects of different types of stretching on sports performance
• The impact of sports on social and cultural values
• The effects of hydration on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting global understanding and diplomacy
• The effects of different types of surfaces on sports performance
• The impact of sports on economic development
• The impact of sports on mental toughness and resilience
• The effects of different types of recovery methods on sports performance
• The use of mindfulness in sports performance and injury recovery
• The impact of sports on environmental sustainability
• The effects of different types of warm-up on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting tourism and travel
• The impact of sports on crime reduction and community safety
• The effects of different types of sports equipment on performance
• The impact of sports on job creation and employment opportunities
• The effects of different types of physical activity on mental health
• The role of sports in promoting social mobility and equality
• The impact of sports on identity formation and socialization
• The effects of different types of pre-game rituals on sports performance.
• The role of sports in promoting healthy aging
• The impact of sports on conflict resolution among youth
• The effects of sports on job satisfaction and productivity
• The role of sports in promoting environmental conservation
• The impact of sports on language proficiency and communication skills
• The effects of sports on the development of social skills
• The role of sports in promoting peaceful coexistence and tolerance
• The impact of sports on community building and cohesion
• The effects of different types of sports on hand-eye coordination
• The impact of sports on personal growth and self-discovery
• The effects of sports on cultural competency
• The role of sports in promoting social and emotional learning
• The impact of sports on community health
• The effects of different types of sports on reaction time
• The role of sports in promoting social justice and equity
• The impact of sports on academic motivation and achievement
• The effects of sports on the development of grit and resilience
• The role of sports in promoting civic engagement and social responsibility.
• The impact of sports on tourism
• The role of sports in promoting physical activity
• The effects of playing sports on cognitive development
• The impact of sports on political identity
• The effects of sports on self-esteem and body image
• The role of sports in promoting teamwork and collaboration
• The effects of different coaching styles on athlete performance
• The impact of sports on national security
• The role of sports in promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy
• The effects of sports on language acquisition
• The impact of sports on family dynamics
• The role of sports in promoting conflict resolution
• The impact of sports on social mobility
• The effects of different types of training on injury prevention
• The role of sports in promoting global health
• The effects of sports on decision-making and risk-taking behavior
• The role of sports in promoting physical and mental well-being
• The impact of sports on social justice
• The effects of sports on academic achievement among at-risk youth
• The role of sports in promoting cultural heritage
• The impact of sports on personal identity
• The effects of sports on emotional intelligence and empathy
• The role of sports in promoting gender equality
• The impact of sports on identity formation
• The effects of different types of sports on balance and coordination
• The role of sports in promoting social capital
• The impact of sports on social integration and inclusion
• The effects of training at high altitudes on athletic performance
• The psychological factors that contribute to athlete burnout
• The relationship between sleep and athletic performance
• The effects of music on sports performance
• The effects of caffeine on sports performance
• The impact of climate on sports performance
• The use of supplements in sports performance
• The role of genetics in sports performance
• The effects of aging on sports performance
• The impact of sports injuries on athlete’s careers
• The relationship between sports and mental health
• The effects of gender on sports performance
• The impact of social media on sports
• The effects of sports fandom on mental health
• The use of technology in sports coaching
• The impact of team culture on sports performance
• The effects of sports specialization on athlete development
• The role of sports psychology in athlete performance
• The effects of plyometric training on athletic performance
• The impact of climate change on outdoor sports
• The effects of team dynamics on sports performance
• The impact of sports participation on academic achievement
• The effects of sports sponsorship on athlete performance
• The role of biomechanics in sports performance
• The effects of stretching on sports performance
• The impact of sports equipment on performance
• The effects of altitude training on endurance sports performance
• The effects of different types of training on sports performance
• The role of nutrition in injury prevention
• The effects of mental preparation on sports performance
• The effects of climate on indoor sports performance
• The role of sports in cultural identity
• The impact of sports participation on youth development
• The effects of strength training on sports performance
• The role of coaches in athlete development
• The impact of sports on national identity
• The effects of different playing surfaces on sports performance
• The role of recovery in sports performance
• The impact of sports on local economies
• The impact of sports on gender and racial equality
• The effects of team size on sports performance
• The role of sports in promoting social inclusion
• The effects of sports on personal development
• The impact of sports on conflict resolution
• The effects of sports on leadership development

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

200+ Funny Research Topics

300+ American History Research Paper Topics

500+ Cyber Security Research Topics

500+ Environmental Research Topics

500+ Economics Research Topics

500+ Physics Research Topics

Questions? Call us: 

Email: 

• How it works
• Testimonials

Essay Writing

• Essay service
• Essay writers
• College essay service
• Write my essay
• Pay for essay
• Essay topics

Term Paper Writing

• Term paper service
• Buy term papers
• Term paper help
• Term paper writers
• College term papers
• Write my term paper
• Pay for term paper
• Term paper topic

Research Paper Writing

• Research paper service
• Buy research paper
• Research paper help
• Research paper writers
• College research papers
• Write my research paper
• Pay for research paper
• Research paper topics

Dissertation Writing

• Dissertation service
• Buy dissertation
• Dissertation help
• Dissertation writers
• College thesis
• Write my dissertation
• Pay for dissertation
• Dissertation topics

Other Services

• Custom writing services
• Speech writing service
• Movie review writing
• Editing service
• Assignment writing
• Article writing service
• Book report writing
• Book review writing

Popular request:

Top 100 sports research paper topics.

November 19, 2020

More often than not, students invite the opportunity to create their own sports research paper topics when their teachers set simple parameters and give students a wealth of freedom. The irony, however, is that a lot of students freeze up when trying to develop a topic about sports that pushes the envelope while staying manageable given time restraints and availability of resources.

We have a group of expert academics that work around the clock to create fresh lists of sports topics. Since the world of sports changes constantly across several areas, we make sure we have the latest sports research paper topic ideas for students to choose from. Check out our list below or take a look at social issues topics :

Simple Sports Essay Topics for Any Level

• Can Tiger Woods win another major considering the field of competition?
• Why isn’t professional soccer considered a major sport in the United States?
• Should championship wins during the global pandemic come with asterisks?
• Should high school players bypass college to join an AAU league?
• Should baseball get rid of the Designated Hitter Rule in the American League?

Hot Topics in Sports for Any Educational Level

• How effective are the current methods to find instances of PED use in sports?
• Should players have the right to protest peacefully by taking a knee?
• Should the NCAA get rid of the collegiate one-and-done rule?
• Has LeBron James surpassed Michael Jordan as the Greatest of All Time?
• Who has been a more dominant professional hockey player? Crosby or Ovechkin?

Controversial Sports Topics for College Students

• Should professional athletes use their platform to talk about social issues?
• Is the NFL over protecting offenses because of the risks of head trauma?
• Should the current College Football Playoff format expand to include more teams?
• What is the major league record to be less likely to be broken across all sports?
• Should we remove instant replay from professional sports?

Sports Management Topics for Graduate Students

• How should sports agents approach negotiations for clients that decided to skip playing in 2020?
• Should agents be allowed to talk to other teams while their players are under contract?
• How can Canadian taxes be used to fund professional teams in the NHL?
• What does it mean for sports as more female coaches are hired to professional male teams?
• What risk issues must general managers consider when signing older athletes?

Argumentative Topics Sports for High School Courses

• Should parents allow their children to play in high-impact sports?
• What are the most effective leadership approaches for high school coaches?
• What impact do violent sports have on the psychological development of teenagers?
• Should professional female athletes be paid the same as their male counterparts?
• Is it better to win an Olympic Gold Medal in a team sport or a professional league’s championship in that same sport?

Sports Sociology Topics for High School Courses

• How do team sports create a sense of community among high school athletes?
• Do young adults reveal a part of human instincts by playing in organized sports?
• Do males and females perceive sports differently?
• Is it reasonable to encourage young athletes to pursue professional sports careers?
• Are young student-athletes at greater risk of performing poorly at school?

Sports Law Topics for Graduate Students

• Should players that decide to not play during the pandemic get paid?
• Should student-athletes maintain all rights to their likenesses and profit from them?
• In what way have American Disability Laws been applied to sports programs?
• What responsibilities does the training staff have to warn players of injury risk?
• Are professional athletes permitted from seeking independent medical advice?

Sports Medicine Topics for College Students

• Does yoga measurably impact a player’s flexibility and performance?
• What are the positive and negative effects of drinking caffeine while exercising?
• How do different assessments of heart rates influence training programs?
• How are injuries different for bodybuilders, powerlifters, and weightlifters?
• Why are turf-related injury rates increasing for collegiate and professional football players?

Sports Debate Topics for High School Students

• What are the major arguments against return-to-play rules in the NCAA?
• Is it legal to test athletes for drug use randomly?
• What have been the most significant acts of retaliation towards Title IX complaints?
• What is better for performance training? Short intervals or long intervals?
• Should coaches work closely with medical staff to ensure player safety?

Topics in Sports Psychology for College Students

• How did playing in the NBA bubble during the Covide-19 pandemic affect athletes?
• How do athletes in shooting sports improve their abilities to concentrate?
• Do professional athletes raise their children differently?
• How do athletes recover psychology after experiencing physical or mental trauma?
• How different are the psychological needs of women in professional female sports?

Sports Persuasive Essay Topics for College Students

• Do you think colleges that do not regulate student-athlete activities should be penalized?
• Should more females be encouraged to take up a sport in high school and college?
• Should females be allowed to head refereeing staff if they have the qualifications?
• Do you think it is okay to require student-athletes to submit to weekly drug tests?
• Should more women be featured on sports magazine covers without posing for sexual attention?

Good Sports Research Topics for a Quick Project

• Are the Summer Olympics better than the Winter Olympics?
• How important are the Olympics for a nation’s economy?
• What steps will the International Olympic Committee take to prevent Covid-19 spread if no vaccine is widely available?
• Should the U.S. look towards the NBA’s Bubble as a framework to hold future seasons in other sports?
• How important is the 2020 Presidential Election to the future of sports in the United States?

Sports Nutrition Topics for College Students

• How can athletes boost performance by adopting the right nutrition for their bodies?
• Is sports nutrition a veritable and reputable sub-field in the area of healthy eating?
• Should non-athletes adopt sports nutrition as a way to gain muscle and lose weight?
• What have been the most effective sports nutrition strategies in the last 20 years?
• Should sports nutrition be taught at the high school level?

Sports Speech Topics for a Presentation

• How important are cardio activities like cycling and jogging to weight loss?
• Should athletes aim to build more lean muscle to prevent injuries?
• Why is it important that coaches nurture a relationship with their athletes?
• What are the most important skills for a hockey head coach to have?
• Should e-sports be considered a professional sport or stay a video game competition?

Sports Informative Speech Topics

• Should paintball be considered a hunting sport or is it just a recreational activity?
• What impact did the Korean Baseball Organization have on U.S. sports?
• What are the best systems for developing custom training programs for runners?
• Should head coaches listen to scientists more when working on training programs?
• Does our method for testing athletes PED catch all those who are guilty?

Great Sports Ethics Topics for College

• Is it ethical to use PEDs if others in the league use them?
• Is the training staff ethically obliged to report players that violate PED use?
• Is it ethical to prevent foreign players from joining their teams in international competition?
• Is it ethical to gamble on sporting events while one is still an active player or coach?
• Should cultural sports that harm animals (e.g., bullfighting) be banned?

More Controversial Topics in Sports

• What led to the Bulls’ 90s success and Lakers’ 2000s success? Was it coaching or playing?
• Who is considered the biggest “bust” in NBA sports history?
• How should the media handle steroid use by players up for the HOF induction?
• Do the rules of soccer need to be changed to attract more fans in the U.S.?
• Can the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team win the World Cup within the next 2 decades?

More Sports Psychology Topics

• What role does self-motivation play in an athlete’s performance?
• What methods do professional players follow to maintain calm during pressure situations?
• How important is it for professional athletes to regularly see psychologists?
• What can coaches do to develop self-confidence in his or her players?
• What does good sportsmanship do for a player’s self-esteem?

More Sports Psychology Research Topics

• What role does meditation play in achieving success in sports?
• How has Covid-19 affected athletes’ mental health?
• What does increased wealth do a player’s personality?
• What effect does losing have on a player’s psychology?
• How does the media change the way players act on camera?

More Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

• Should female coaches be paid the same amount of money as their male counterparts?
• How can students receive compensation for suffering a sports-related injury?
• Should universities raise educational requirements for student-athletes on scholarships?
• Should universities provide basic injury insurance for their student-athletes?
• Should colleges and universities make cheerleading uniforms less revealing?

Creating great sports research paper topics is not a skill that comes easily to every student. That’s why we’ve created this blog to assist students to develop top-notch sports research topics that generate readers’ interests and earn the highest grades in class. If you need custom-made sports argument essay topics that cover areas we have not included in this list, you can always contact customer support and get research paper help in no time. Sports topics to write about isn’t the only discipline with which we can help. Let us know what you need and we’ll do the rest.

Take a break from writing.

Top academic experts are here for you.

• How To Write An Autobiography Guideline And Useful Advice
• 182 Best Classification Essay Topics To Learn And Write About
• How To Manage Stress In College: Top Practical Tips  
• How To Write A Narrative Essay: Definition, Tips, And A Step-by-Step Guide
• How To Write Article Review Like Professional
• Great Problem Solution Essay Topics
• Creating Best Stanford Roommate Essay
• Costco Essay – Best Writing Guide
• How To Quote A Dialogue
• Wonderful Expository Essay Topics
• Research Paper Topics For 2020
• Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics

• Vision, Mission and Purpose
• Focus & Scope
• Editorial Info
• Open Access Policy
• Editing Services
• Article Outreach
• Why with us
• Focused Topics
• Manuscript Guidelines
• Ethics & Disclosures
• What happens next to your Submission
• Submission Link
• Special Issues
• Latest Articles
• All Articles
• FOCUSED RESEARCH TOPICS

Home > Communities > College of Health Sciences > Exercise and Sport Science > ESS_ETD

Exercise and Sport Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

A Quantification Of The Metabolic Demand Wrought By Explosive Ordinance Disposal Load Carriage , Gage Cousineau

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

The Effects Of External Load And Body Composition On The Sebt In Marching Band Performers , Alexander Alvarez

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Comparing Shoulder Manual Muscle Testing With Scapular Retraction And Core Activation , Kyrsten Henry

Efficacy of pain scales in athletic populations and paired with aglometric measurements , Elisabeth Anne Ohrnberger

Body Composition Assessment Results And Predicting Injury Patterns In Collegiate Musicians , Ellen Reinhold

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Athletic Identity, Need Satisfaction, and Burnout in Collegiate Athletes , Rachel Brooke Daniels

The Effects Of A 40-Minute Bout Of Aerobic Exercise On State Anxiety In College Age Individuals , Rachael Dozier

Effects Of Alpha-GPC and Huperzine-A On Short Term Memory, Anaerobic Power Output, Post Exhaustion Compared To Caffeine And Placebo In Healthy College Age Students , John P. Isaacs

The Small-Town NFL Player , BoDene Blare Pinz

Post Surgical Outcomes Following Limited-Open Carpal Tunnel Release or Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release , Keeley Shaye Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Acute Effects Of Alpha-Gpc On Hand Grip Strength, Jump Height, Power Output, Mood, And Reaction-Time In Recreationally Trained, College-Aged Individuals , Josey Lucas Cruse

Use Of Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Measurements To Evaluate Total Body Volume When Compared To Air Displacement Plethysmography For Evaluating Body Composition In A Four Compartment Model , Lee Doernte

The Link between Overweight, Obesity, and Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers among College Students , Alexandra Szarabajko

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Effects Of Depth Jump Implementation Of Sprint Performance In Collegiate And Club Sport Athletes , Ryan Bean

The Effects Of Caffeine Supplementation When Manipulating The Time Of Ingestion Prior To Simulated Rugby Union Activity , Zachary William Bell

Locomotor Skill Development in Response to an Electronic Visual Exercise System in Children with Sensory Impairments , Sara Johnson

The Effect Of Practical Blood Flow Restriction Training On Body Composition And Muscular Strength In College-Aged Individuals , Zachary R. Salyers

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

The Relationship Between Personality Type And Exercise Motivation , Kayla Michelle Bowman

The relationship between coaching environment and athlete attributional style , Una Britton

The Effects on Acute Power Production Enhancement and Maintenance due to Pre-workout Supplementation in Recreationally trained College Aged Males. , Mark Travis Byrd

Educational Professionals' Current Knowledge of Concussions And Return To Learn Implementation Practice , Michelle Kuzma

Effects Of A Six-Week Functional Training Program On Fitness And Body Composition Of Fire Science Majors , Kristen Anne LeBrun

Sedentary Behaviors and Physical Activity in Relation to Class Standing in University Students , Codie Monhollen

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The Effects of Active Recovery during High Intensity Resistance Training on Lactate Clearance in Collegiate Athletes , Christopher Alexander Perry

Physical, Emotional, and Competitive Aggression Tendencies in Contact and Non-Contact Collegiate Athletes , Samyra Rose Safraoui

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Relationship Between Personality And Exercise Motivation In Weight Loss , Leanna Beth Bowles

The Effects of Fatigue on a Dual-Task Postural Control Measure , Allisha R. Guzdial

Relationship Between a Proxy of Prenatal Testosterone (2D:4D) and Determinants of Endurance Running Performance , Simon D. Holzapfel

Perceptions Of Athletic Training Services Of Japanese Collegiate Student Athletes , Jun Matsuno

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

An Eccentric Intervention of the Flexor-Pronator Mass To Impact Overhead Throwing Distance and Velocity , Ricker Stanton Adkins

• Collections
• Disciplines

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS

Author Corner

• Author Rights/Copyright
• Department of Exercise and Sports Science

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

Sports Dissertation Topics

Sport and Exercise offers a variety of areas to explore due to the variety of research topics and disciplines that can be investigated. This can include using your dissertation to research areas such as nutrition, performance enhancement, psychology, biomechanical adaptions of performance and physiology. If you’re composing a dissertation in Sport & Exercise Science, whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate, but are unsure of the route you wish to explore, some of the examples below can give you some ideas of what areas are trending in the literature and original areas for you to explore to help with an original piece of work or to extend recent research in new directions.

Sports Nutrition

Sport psychology, biomechanics.

Understanding how to enhance athletic performance has long been a topic of interest in the literature due to its ability to enhance – or in some case decrease – sporting performance. Many nutrition dissertations tend to focus on various diets, supplements or the impact of nutrition and training and the outcome this has for an athlete. Studies can take the form of primary or secondary – also known as experimental or review studies – which can provide lots of great investigations. It’s important to be specific in the type of athlete or population you want to investigate – such as a powerlifter, football player or gymnast – so you can collect relevant evidence for your athlete and utilise guidelines for their nutritional needs. Here are some example titles if you’re interested in investigating Sports Nutrition for your dissertation topic:

• Is caffeine beneficial for use as a pre-workout agent in weight and powerlifters?
• Investigating the impact of protein supplementation intake on muscle growth and repair in trained athletes.
• What is the impact of CLA supplementation on reducing body fat in trained male participants?
• How does caffeine intake impact aerobic performance?
• Are fat burners effective in supporting trained athletes in reducing body fat percentage?
• Is eating a balanced diet enough to improve performance in team sport athletes?

Sport psychology opens a wealth of different avenues for exploration; whether it’s relating to imagery, choking or mental health in athletes. We are currently living in a world that has a large focus on encouraging positive mental health and ways to improve performance by improving ‘mental toughness’ in athletes. As such, here are some ideas of the different areas that you can investigate:

• Investigating the association between long-term sports injury and depression in semi-professional team sport athletes.
• What influence does racism in professional sport have on professional BAME athletes?
• ‘The Pressure Shot’: Examining pressure and choking in trained golf athletes in a tournament setting.
• Performance-enhancing drugs and Olympic-level athletes: Is the use of PEDs worth a shot at the grand stage?
• Homosexuality in professional sport: Understanding the experiences and thoughts of homosexuality in male and female athletes.
• What is the impact of repeated sports injury on mental wellbeing in professional athletes?
• Living sporting dreams through children: how parents utilise their children to relive their sporting dreams.
• Drug and alcohol abuse in semi-professional sport.
• ‘Strong is the new Sexy’: Understanding the shifting focus from diet to strong in female active participants.
• How does mental wellbeing influence performance amongst elite athletes?
• Understanding the association between culture and racial perceptions in football fans in England.
• Differences in quality of life amongst semi-professional team sport athletes.

Physiology dissertations can provide opportunities to understand how the body reacts to exercise as well as a way of understanding short- and long-term effects. However, physiology can allow a range of topics to be used in collaboration with other subjects such as psychology and nutrition. Below are some examples of some physiology specific and physiology combined topics that you could investigate as a dissertation topic:

• Exercise, muscle strength and triathlon: Investigating the effects of ultra-marathon exercise on professional triathlon athletes.
• Investigating the impact of ageing on muscular degeneration.
• Does biological age impact the likelihood of becoming a professional athlete?
• Muscular strength and gender: How does muscle transformation different in male and female athletes.
• Understanding the impact of asthma on trained endurance athletes.
• Achieving optimal performance through metabolic training.
• The impact of high-altitude training on aerobic capacity.
• How does music tempo impact physiological responses to exercise?
• What is the impact of smoking and vaping on recreational athlete performance?

Biomechanics can open up many avenues for investigation whether it’s relating to optimal movement in 100m sprint performance, or the use of prosthetic limbs to support Olympic level improve performance. It’s important to make sure you have an interest in biomechanics and are aware of some of the key data that can help you shape your topic. However, some of the most interesting parts of biomechanics topics are due to the potential repercussions that your research can have. Here are some potential topics that you might be interested in:

• Investigating the different types of prosthetics on sprint performance in Paralympians.
• Investigating differences in gait movement between barefoot and different forms of footwear.
• How can biomechanics facilitate improvements in Paralympic Sport?
• Understanding the role between sports biomechanics and sports injury prevention.
• Examining ACL injury differences between male and female professional football players.
• The role of artificial intelligence in sports biomechanics.
• How does VAR impact movement patterns in professional soccer players?
• Biomechanics of fencing: an investigatory review of techniques and injury preventative strategies.

You may also like

• Frontiers in Immunology
• Systems Immunology
• Research Topics

Sports Medicine and Immunization

Total Downloads

Total Views and Downloads

About this Research Topic

Systemic immunity, sports medicine, and exercise-induced immunomodulation are actively studied research areas that have a significant impact on health, fitness, longevity, and overall wellness. Exercise-induced immunomodulation may mediate some of the beneficial effects of regular exercise on health and disease resistance. Regular exercise also leads to more durable changes in immunity, characterized by enhanced resistance to infection through higher levels of antibodies and other effector molecules produced by B lymphocytes, as well as increased numbers or activity of natural killer cells. The mechanism leading to these changes mainly includes the change of cytokine production pattern, especially the increase of IL-6, IL-1β and TNFα, chemokines such as CXCL8/IL-8; Growth factors such as GM-CSF; Adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte migration, such as ICAM-1; Reactive oxygen species (ROS) -induced oxidative stress response during exercise; Epigenetic modification caused by DNA methylation at specific sites in gene promoter regions; the immune response caused by injured tissue microenvironment, implant or postoperative complications. So it makes sense to explore the evolution of molecular and osteocyte circuits in order to better understand their relationship with systemic immunity and immune homeostasis through quantitative dynamic modeling. For this topic, we will explore the new mechanisms by which different types of exercise affect evolutionary systems immunology, the new effects of different modes and intensities on immune cell populations, and the new findings of epigenetics in regulating the immune response induced by exercise, injured tissue microenvironment, implant or postoperative complications. We encourage researchers to submit high-quality observational, experimental, and review studies that provide evidence on biomechanics, physiology, and the underlying mechanisms of movement and tissue microenvironment. High-quality RCTS investigating the effects of exercise on immune regulation are particularly welcome. We are also interested in literature reviews, longitudinal cohort studies, or systematic reviews with meta-analyses.

Keywords : • Sports medicine, Exercise training, Immune modulation, Osteoimmunology, Osteoclast, Osteoblast, Osteocyte, Cytokines, Growth factors, Chemokines, Adhesion molecules, Epigenetic modification, Reactive oxygen species

Important Note : All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Topic Editors

Topic coordinators, submission deadlines, participating journals.

Manuscripts can be submitted to this Research Topic via the following journals:

total views

• Demographics

No records found

total views article views downloads topic views

Top countries

Top referring sites, about frontiers research topics.

With their unique mixes of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author.

• Access Member Benefits
• Exercise is Medicine

In This Section:

• ceOnline FAQs
• Approved Providers
• Current Sports Medicine Reports
• Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
• Exercise, Sport, and Movement
• Health & Fitness Journal
• Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
• Translational Journal
• Paper of the Year Awards
• ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
• ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer
• ACSM's Resources for the Exercise Physiologist
• ACSM's Clinical Exercise Physiology
• ACSM's Resources for the Group Exercise Instructor
• ACSM's Certification Review
• ACSM's Foundations of Strength Training and Conditioning
• ACSM's Nutrition Exercise Science
• ACSM's Essentials of Youth Fitness
• ACSM's Introduction to Exercise Science
• ACSM's Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines
• ACSM’s Body Composition Assessment
• ACSM's Complete Guide to Fitness and Health
• Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) Monograph, 5th Edition
• ACSM's Fitness Assessment Manual
• ACSMs Exercise Testing and Prescription
• Textbook Adoption
• Translated Position Stands
• ACSM Official Statements
• Team Physician Consensus Statements
• Resource Library
• Fitness Faceoff
• Autism and Exercise
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• Mental Health
• Physical Activity Guidelines
• Reducing Sedentary Behavior
• Faculty Resources
• EIM Clinical Resources
• Black History Month
• COVID-19 Reopening and Return to Play Resources
• Staying Active at Home
• ACSM's Brown Bag Series (archived)
• Sex Differences
• ACSM Podcast
• Emerging Physician Leaders Pilot Program

Trending Topics | Resource Pages

ACSM's Resource Library

From handouts to infographics, and tips to reduce high blood pressure to exercise recommendations for pregnant women, the Resource Library houses all free resources and is searchable by topic, format and audience.  Access Resource Library

Access resources categorized by topic:

ACSM Fitness Trends Autism and Exercise Black History Month Exercise Professional Resources Faculty/ Educator Resources Heart Health Mental Health Nutrition Physical Activity Guidelines Reducing Sedentary Behavior

ACSM's From Around the Field Webinar Series

ACSM’s From Around the Field science series gives students and professionals a chance to learn more about the diverse science ACSM members conduct. The informal discussions highlight what ACSM members study, the general research methodology they use and some of the interesting results their research generates.

Watch Presentations

• 2024 Election Results
• News Archive
• Certification Task Force
• Advertise with ACSM
• Current Partners
• Partner Development
• American Fitness Index
• National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute
• Historical Timeline
• Annual Report 2022
• Annual Report 2023
• Honor & Citation Awards
• Student Membership
• Alliance Membership
• Professional-in-Training Membership
• Professional Membership
• Renew Membership
• Regional Chapter Challenge
• Member Code of Ethics
• Group Exercise Instructor
• ACSM Personal Trainer Prep
• ACSM Exercise Physiologist Prep
• ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist Prep
• Beijing Institute of Sports Medicine
• Wellness Academy
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recertification FAQs
• Find an ACSM Certified Professional
• Certified Professional of the Year
• Wellcoaches
• Certified Professional Discounts
• Hire ACSM Certified Professionals
• Specialty Certificate Programs
• Annual Meeting
• IDEA & ACSM Health & Fitness Summit
• Advanced Team Physician Course
• Sports Medicine Essentials
• Integrative Physiology of Exercise Conference
• ACSM World Heart Games
• International Team Physician Course
• Regional Chapter Meetings
• Meeting Exhibits and Sponsors
• Research & Program Grants
• Howard G. "Skip" Knuttgen Scholar Award
• Travel and Research Awards
• ACSM Research Grant Recipients
• Dedicated Endowments & Funds
• Planned Giving / Discovery Society

• Bibliography
• More Referencing guides Blog Automated transliteration Relevant bibliographies by topics
• Automated transliteration
• Relevant bibliographies by topics
• Referencing guides

Sport and Exercise Psychology Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Living Your Best Life: The Mindful Pursuit of Student-Athlete Thriving , Andrew Augustus

Working with Community Partners in WV: Learning How to Frame Health Equity in Physical Activity Interventions , Karly Marie Casanave-Phillips

How do college student-athletes’ understanding and expectations of mindfulness and self-compassion change through an intervention? , Blake Costalupes

“Building the Roots”: A Delphi Study Examining the Aims of a Multicultural Competency Graduate Course in Sport and Exercise Psychology , Matthew Paul Gonzalez

Exploring the Conceptualizations and Utilizations of Learning Theories in Sport Settings , Kevin R. Lou

Drivers of Change in Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Interventions with Athletes: Investigating the Influence of Dosage, Readiness, and Attitudes , Thomas O. Minkler

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Short-Term International Sport for Development and Peace Programs: A Retrospective Analysis and Critique Informed by Stakeholders’ Perspectives in a Two-Year Follow-Up , Adam Hansell

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

'Deporte y Cambio Social': Women's Empowerment SDP Program in Mexico , Sofia Espana Perez

A Qualitative Study of College Athletes’ Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic , Carra Johnson

Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Student-Athletes: A Descriptive Study of Practitioners and their Perspectives , William C. Way III

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Phenomenological Photovoice Exploration of Female Exercisers’ Experiences of their Body in Fitness Center Environments , Katherine E. Fairhurst

Exploring the Relationship Between Hardiness and Performance in Collegiate Baseball Players , Kevin R. Lou

Using the social ecological model to build a path analysis model of physical activity in a sample of active US college students , Jonathan J. Stewart

"Yo, I Like Your Walk-Up Song": Music Integration in Professional Baseball Gamedays , Seth Swary

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Stigma, Attitudes, and Intentions to Seek Mental Health Services in College Student-Athletes , Robert C. Hilliard M.S.

Supporting The Injured Athlete: Coaches’ Perspectives On Providing Social Support , Stefanee Opal Maurice

Being Mindful of Perfectionism and Performance Among Athletes in a Judged Sport , Erika D. Van Dyke

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Competitive Aggressiveness, Anger, and the Experience of Provocation in Collegiate Athletes , Michael E. Berrebi

Functional Movement Screen Composite Scores for Collegiate Field Club Sport Athletes at One University , Daniel Camillone

Exploring the Use of Sport as a Platform for Health Promotion with Youth in Africa: A Scoping Review. , Adam H. Hansell

Use of Four Predictive Screening Variables for Determination of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction in Adolescent Soccer Athletes , Brian Hanson

Coaching life skills through sport: An application of the teaching personal and social responsibility model to youth sport in eSwatini , Zenzi Huysmans

Psychosocial Development of Junior Hockey Players , Alexander John Sturges

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Players' Responses to and Primary Caregivers' Perceptions of Authoritarian and Authoritative Coaching in the Inner-City , Renee Brown

Examining the Impact of a Short-Term Psychological Skills Training Program on Dancers' Coping Skills, Pain Appraisals, and Injuries , Leigh A. Bryant

Changes in Athletes' Anxiety, Anger, and Impulsiveness following Concussion , Megan Byrd

Development of Ethics Education Guidelines for Undergraduate Athletic Training Education Programs , Kaitlynn Cullen

Using a Multi-Omic Approach to Investigate a Diet Intervention in Young Adults at Risk of Disease , Oluremi Ariel Famodu

Approaches to Supervision in Sport Psychology and their Influences on Initial Supervisees' Professional Development , Janaina Lima Fogaca

High School Coaches' Experiences with Openly Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Athletes , Meghan K. Halbrook

#Physical Activity: Influencing Parent Behavior Change Through Social Media , Adam Keath

The Effects of an Exercise and Kinesiotape Intervention on Forward HeadRounded Shoulder Posture and Scapular Dyskinesis , Lucas Klawiter

Student-Athletes' Experiences with Racial Microaggressions in Sport: A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis , Sae-Mi Lee

The Effects of a Six Week Lumbopelvic Control and Balance Training Program in High School Basketball Players , Margaret Long

Thrombospondin-1 and Cd47 Mediate Peripheral Microvascular Dysfunction Following Pulmonary Exposure to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes , W. Kyle Mandler

The Investigation of Motor Primitives During Human Reaching Movements and the Quantification of Post-Stroke Motor Impairment , Erienne Virginia Olesh

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Effect of Lower Extremity Asymmetries on Low Back and Lower Extremity Pain with Pregnancy , Erica Casto

Do Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors, and Nutrition Affect Healthy Weight in Middle School Students in an Appalachian Community? Children's Health Opportunities Involving Coordinated Efforts in Schools (CHOICES) Project , Kibum Cho

How Far is Too Far? Understanding Identity and Overconformity in Collegiate Wrestlers , Ashley M. Coker-Cranney

An Examination of Collegiate Athletes', Undergraduate Sport Science Majors', and Athlete Majors' Intent to Pursue Collegiate Coaching as a Career , Lauren Deckelbaum

A preliminary exploration of the application of self-compassion within the context of sport injury , Zenzi Huysmans

Psychosocial Predictors of Resilience in a Military Sample , Anna-Marie C. Jaeschke

Evaluating the Efficacy of Various Modalities to Improve Arterial Stiffness , Corey Moore

The Influence Over Time of Abdominal Strength Changes on Gluteus Maximus Strength , Taylor M. Opperhauser

Use of a Functional Movement Screening Tool to Determine Injury Risk in Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Athletes , Sara E. Spencer

Adherence to Sport Rehabilitation , Kjersti A. Traaen

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Surgery and Rehabilitation Treatment Options for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Elbow for Baseball Athletes: A Systematic Review , Amanda M. Damm

What elite men's collegiate tennis coaches look for in recruits and how they assess preferred player characteristics , Brandyn H. Fisher

The Influences of Participation in an Elite Paralympic Military Program on the Self-Identity of Active Duty Service Members with Acquired Disabilities , Lindsay M. Hammond

The Influence of Physical Activity on International Students' Cross-Cultural Adjustment: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study , Shuang Li

Becoming a Mindful Sport Psychology Consultant: Defining, Developing, and Integrating Mindfulness into Practice , Michelle M. McAlarnen

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Certified Athletic Trainers' Abilities to Identify and Refer Athletes with Psychological Symptoms , Marc L. Cormier

Usage of Evidence Based Medicine Resources in Clinically Practicing Athletic Trainers , Kenneth G. Faldetta

Division I College Student-Athlete Career Situation and Attitudes toward Career Counseling , Adrian J. Ferrera

An Evaluation of State Employees' Preferences for Worksite-based Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Stress Management Programs , Peter Kadushin

The use of joint mobilization on mechanical instability deficits for a lateral ankle sprain: A Systematic Review , Kathleen M. Kerecman

The Effect of a Six Week Functional Training Program on Performance Outcomes in Softball , Zachary M. Mohondro

Sport Psychology "App"lication: NCAA Coaches' Preferences for a Mental Training Mobile App , Raymond F. Prior

"It's not just your dad and it's not just your coach..." The dual-role relationship in female tennis players , Olivier N. Schmid

Stoking the Flames of Wellness: An Exploration of Factors that Influence West Virginia Firefighters' Health Behaviors , Chelsea B. Wooding

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Influence of Gender on the Peer Leadership-Cohesion Relationship , Michael E. Berrebi

Stressors and Coping Behaviors of Female Peer Leaders Participating in College Club Sports , Leigh A. Bryant

An Exploration of Master's Degree Field Study and Teacher and Student Behavior in P.E , William J. Davis

An Exploratory Investigation of Baseball Coaches' Attitudes and Experiences With Sport Psychology , Jesse D. Michel

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Using Concept Mapping to Identify Action Steps for Physical Activity Promotion in Cancer Treatment , Sean J. Fitzpatrick

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

At-Risk Student-Athletes and Academic Achievement: Experiences of Successful and Unsuccessful First Year Collegiate Football Players , Samantha J. Monda

A Survey of Bariatric Surgical Patients' Experiences with Behavioral and Psychological Services , Jessica C. Peacock

A tailored wellness intervention for college students using internet-based technology , Alessandro Quartiroli

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The effects of a walking intervention on self-efficacy for coping with cancer and quality of life among cancer patients during treatment , Sean J. Fitzpatrick

Validity and reliability of accelerometers for examining vertical jump performance , Ryan M. Ruben

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

The evaluation of a nutrition education and fitness program with a contest component among college students using the RE-AIM framework , Michelle L. Bartlett

An individualized multimodal mental skills intervention for college athletes undergoing injury rehabilitation , Jamie L. Shapiro

The role of emotional intelligence on coach-athlete relationships and motivational climate , Eric E. Steege

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Effectiveness of an educational intervention on the attitudes toward sport psychology of athletic training students , Damien Clement

Impact of a physical activity intervention for weight loss: A qualitative analysis of participant perceptions and expectations , Jessica Anne Creasy

Leadership and organizational culture transformation in professional sport , Joe Frontiera

Motivation in sport: Bridging historical and contemporary theory through a qualitative approach , Daniel J. Leidl

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Impact of a tailored intervention on coaches' attitudes and use of sport psychology services , Rebecca Zakrajsek

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Does physical disability truly create impairment in adjustment to college life? , Jennifer R. Hurst

The transtheoretical model and psychological skills training: Application and implications with elite female athletes , Linda Ann Keeler

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The role of apoptosis in muscle remodeling , Parco Ming-fai Siu

• Collections
• Disciplines
• WVU Libraries
• WVU Research Office
• WVU Research Commons
• Open Access @ WVU
• Digital Publishing Institute

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS

Author Corner

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

Education Related Topics

Research Topics on Sports Medicine

Research Topics on Sports Medicine: Here are some research topics on sports medicine that you can explore:

The effectiveness of different injury prevention strategies in specific sports.

The effectiveness of sports-specific rehabilitation programs in returning athletes to play safely and efficiently.

The effects of different warm-up and cool-down protocols on injury prevention and performance enhancement.

The efficacy of various rehabilitation protocols for specific sports injuries, such as ACL tears or shoulder dislocations.

The impact of different playing surfaces on injury rates and performance in sports.

The impact of different training methods on performance and injury risk in athletes.

The impact of gender-specific factors on sports injuries, including injury patterns and response to treatment.

The influence of environmental factors, such as temperature or altitude, on athletic performance and injury risk.

The long-term effects of sports-related concussions on cognitive function and mental health.

The psychological factors influencing injury occurrence and rehabilitation outcomes in athletes.

The role of genetics in athletic performance and injury susceptibility.

The role of nutrition and supplementation in optimizing athletic performance and recovery.

The role of wearable technologies in monitoring and preventing sports injuries.

The use of advanced imaging techniques in the diagnosis and management of sports-related injuries.

The use of regenerative medicine techniques, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell therapy, in sports-related injuries.

Remember to refine your research topic based on your interests, available resources, and the current gaps in knowledge within the field of sports medicine.

Steve George is Blogger, a marketer and content writer. He has B.A. in Economics from the University of Washington. Read more about Mzuri Mag .

• Research Paper Topics on Sports Injuries
• Research Topics on Sports Science
• Sports Research Topics
• Sport Psychology Topics
• Sports Nutrition Topics for Research
• Sports Doping Research Topics

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• v.39(2); 2022 Mar

Guidelines for performing systematic reviews in sports science

Markel rico-gonzález.

1 Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

José Pino-Ortega

2 Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain

Filipe Manuel Clemente

3 Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal

4 Instituto de Telecomunicações, Delegação da Covilhã, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal

Asier Los Arcos

5 Society, Sports and Physical Exercise Research Group (GIKAFIT). Department of Physical Education and Sport. Faculty of Education and Sport. University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

Most of the reviews carried out in sports science have used the general items suggested by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). Due to the specific requirements of each knowledge area, several modifications of the PRISMA are necessary to optimize the process of the systematic reviews and, in consequence, the quality of the conclusions provided in this type of study. Therefore, this work aimed to adapt PRISMA to provide specific guidelines to carry out systematic reviews in sports science. The methodology criteria (search strategy, databases, and eligibility) and the results section (flow diagrams and study contents) were adapted based on previous studies, and several new considerations were added to design the new guidelines. We compiled 28 items suggested by sports science researchers and included two new items: (i) population/problem (i.e., age, level, and country) and (ii) the entire training process, which is monitored and compared between groups (e.g., total training load). To maximize the benefit of this document, we encourage people to read it in conjunction with the PRISMA statement. The main differences between PRISMA and the PRISMA adapted to sports science were related to registration, search strategy, flow diagrams, and results. Application of the new guidelines could improve the information provided to readers and make it easier to generalize and compare the results in sports science.

INTRODUCTION

Mixed methods research is defined as research in which the investigator collects and analyses data, integrates the findings, and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative approaches or methods in a single study or programme of inquiry [ 1 ]. An example of this type of research is the systematic review. Systematic reviews arise from a field of the literature that contains hundreds of thousands of studies for people involved in providing care to identify and consider when making decisions [ 2 ]. In addition, the conclusions of a systematic review could suppose the justification for further research [ 3 ]. So, the collection, analysis, integration, and concluding remarks will be of interest to all researchers and others involved in this field.

The value of a systematic review depends on what was done, what was found, and the clarity of reporting [ 3 ]. Thus, although the reporting quality of the review paper depends on the authors’ ability to conduct the review, reporting items for systematic reviews have to warrant that the methodology is suitable and, subsequently, that the data are reliable. To date, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) (formerly, QUOROM) [ 3 – 6 ], with the terminology used by the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines [ 7 ], is a widely used set of guidelines for performing systematic reviews. Realizing these issues, an international group that included 29 experienced authors, methodologists, clinicians, medical editors, and consumers developed PRISMA as an evolution of the original QUOROM guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of evaluations of health care interventions [ 8 ].

Due to the specific requirements of each knowledge area, several modifications (e.g., the number of groups in the search strategy or the quality checklist) were made to meet the requirements of each research field. Even though the researchers of sports performance areas did not follow the PRISMA guidelines [ 9 , 10 ] or any section of it [ 11 ], most of the reviews have used the general items suggested by PRISMA [ 3 ]. So, it seems pertinent that specific guidelines for sports science adapt and summarize several aspects, such as a quality assessment checklist or flowchart standards on different systematic reviews. This could help sports science researchers to optimize the process of systematic reviews and, in consequence, improve the quality of conclusions provided in this type of study [ 2 ]. This work aimed to adapt PRISMA to provide specific guidelines for carrying out systematic reviews in sports science.

GUIDELINES FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS IN SPORTS SCIENCE

Methodology, identification.

The importance of reporting a clear objective for conducting the project is crucial due to its likely influence on the methodology. Once this is done, locating and retrieving the relevant literature is challenging yet crucial to the success of a systematic review [ 2 ]. In this regard, the material sources or databases provide the articles and information from which evidence, conclusions, and future considerations are drawn [ 2 , 8 ]. However, the literature may appear overwhelming [ 3 ], given the vast amount of material to study. Therefore, a systematic strategy is necessary before starting the search process. This strategy should address the problem that the authors want to summarize. In a systematic review of individual studies, the database selection and search strategy should be as varied as possible to maximize the likelihood of capturing all relevant data and minimizing the effects of reporting biases [ 2 ].

According to recently updated guidance, a search of a minimum number (not just at least one database) of electronic databases is recommended [ 6 ]. However, they should be chosen according to the topic of interest. In sports science, a wide range of databases has been used ( Table 1 ). Although it does not seem that each author uses the same databases, PubMed and Web of Sciences (WoS) appear to be the most commonly used in sports settings ( Table 1 ). Beyond this selection, each database has several criteria to limit the search. In this sense, applying period or language restrictions is not recommended, although if there is a lack of access to translation services, the research is usually limited to English articles [ 2 ]. This fact has been named LOTE (not including languages other than English), and although it often seems the most feasible option, it introduces the risk of ignoring key data, introducing bias (referred to as language bias), as well as missing important cultural contexts, which may limit the review’s findings and usefulness [ 12 ]. So, the period restriction could be recommended only for some specific cases, while the language restriction could be limited more often to English because most of the high impact journals publish their articles in this language, although it should be used only when language resources are unavailable (e.g. professional translators). When it is applied, it should be appropriately justified with consideration of the potential consequences of language restriction in the discussion, which aligns with the PRISMA Statement (Item 6: Eligibility criteria, and Item 25: Limitations of the review process) [ 12 ].

Methodology specification in sport systematic reviews.

Note = WoK = Web of Science or Web of Knowledge. *The study selection was made randomized between recently published articles in high impact sport journals.

In Table 1 , thirty systematic review examples were randomly chosen as proof of concept, highlighting the considered checklist, guidelines, search strategy, and databases.

Step number four of PRISMA’s checklist explains that the authors should provide an explicit statement of questions being addressed concerning participants, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study design (PICOS). Issues relating to PICOS impact several PRISMA items (i.e., items 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 18) [ 8 ]. This approach suggests a division of the search strategy in different groups linked with a Boolean search (e.g., “AND”, “OR”, “NOT”), which has become an essential and suitable method. “AND” has commonly been used to link the different groups, and “OR” to link a word into each word cluster; both have become the most popular Boolean words. Researchers should also consider NOT excluding some specific words from the search. However, the use of more than three groups is not widespread in sports science ( Table 1 ), although in many studies, PICOS has been used to compute five inclusion/exclusion criteria [ 32 ]. In sports science, the use of Population (means = population, sport, or a problem) is recommended as a pivotal research word group. This group may be combined with: (1) the Intervention group (if the research question highlights the consequences of this programme); (2) with Outcomes arising (if the research question enhances the Intervention programme used for specific outcomes); or, (3) with both groups (if the systematic review aims to summarize a topic about, specifically, Population , Intervention programme, and Outcomes ). As in other knowledge areas, to minimize the risk of missing relevant articles, checking a reference list of articles captured by the initial search to ensure that keywords of the search strategy are commonly used in the titles and abstracts is recommended.

A review team should be established before commencing the screening phase in which individual analysis will be made. The review team should include at least one person with methodological expertise in conducting systematic reviews and at least one person with expertise on the topic under review [ 2 ]. This group should define databases, search strategies, and inclusion/exclusion criteria.

When the referred authors complete the search, and avoiding manual search processes in order to encourage researchers to perform a more efficient process, they automatically download the main data from the articles (title, authors, date, and database) to an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft, Redmond, USA). For example, the steps to automatically download data in some databases in sports science are as follows:

PubMed: This includes the following steps: (1) send to; (2) file; (3) format: CSV; (4) create file; (5) open an Excel document; (6) select “import”; (7) “delimited by”: select the characters that separate title, authors, journal name and year of publication, and the information will be provided in columns (in PubMed: comma).

Web of Sciences: (1) export; (2) other file format; (3) select the number of files that can be downloaded (clusters of 500 documents if the search is up to 500 files); (4) tab delimited format; (5) send; (6) open an Excel document; (7) select “import”; (8) “delimited by”: select the characters that separate title, authors, journal name and year of publication, and the information will be provided in columns (in WoS: tab).

SPORTDiscus: (1) select for each page 100 files; (2) results (1–100); (3) folder view; (4) export; (5) CSV. In SPORTDiscus, the authors should download characteristics of papers in clusters of 100 articles; (6) open an Excel document; (7) select “import”; (8) “delimited by”: select the characters that separate title, authors, journal name and year of publication, and the information will be provided in columns.

Cochrane Library: (1) select all; (2) export references; (3) download; (6) open an Excel document; (7) select “import”; (8) “delimited by”: select the characters that separate title, authors, journal name and year of publication, and the information will be provided in columns (in Cochrane: comma-separated).

Eligibility

When the articles are downloaded, all of them should appear in an Excel page in five columns: (1) database; (2) authors; (3) title; (4) source; and (5) year. Selecting the first file (with these five nouns), the authors should choose “filter”. Then, two authors should order the columns of titles in alphabetic order and remove the duplicate records, using the first white column with a numeric code (e.g., 1 for original articles; 2 for duplicates). In the second column, each author should attribute to each paper a number code according to the hierarchical inclusion/exclusion criteria (e.g., 1 = included; 2 = other population; 3 = other intervention programmes). When both authors finish the selection phase, they then compare their results to ensure that the same number of articles was found. Any disagreements regarding the final inclusion/exclusion status should be resolved through a discussion between the reference authors.

Quality assessment

A PRISMA checklist is not a quality assessment instrument intended to gauge the worth of a systematic review [ 3 ]. In the articles, an additional assessment checklist is presented. Due to the qualitative and quantitative studies that can be used, the quality assessment is not mandatory for all articles. Specifically, studies based on a recognized classification method as the nature of the search are descriptive [ 15 , 31 , 43 ]. In this regard, Colomer et al. [ 31 ] suggested a table for suitability and evaluation by a panel of authors before inclusion. All studies had to meet every item on the criteria list to be included in the analysis [ 31 ].

However, to report a quantitative result and conclusion, the individual assessment of the studies is a mandatory step in conducting systematic reviews. In this regard, several checklists have been proposed for health care (i.e., the Downs and Black scale [ 30 ], PEDro scale [ 50 ], Newcastle-Ottawa (NOS) [ 39 ], a Cochrane Collaboration tool (RoB 2) [ 29 , 51 ], and CASP [ 52 ]), for nutrition and dietetics [ 36 ], as well as for physiotherapy/rehabilitation [ 35 ]. In addition, two protocols (STROBE [ 42 ]) and GREOM [ 21 ]) have been proposed for conducting analyses with an observational methodology. In the sports science area, several authors have chosen and adapted these scales to their articles [ 14 , 23 , 44 ]. For example, Sarmento et al. [ 14 , 23 ] and Cummins et al. [ 44 ] modified the Downs and Black (1998) proposal. Other studies propose the use of ad hoc tools to assess the studies included in the systematic review [ 16 , 19 , 46 ].

The development of the technology applied in sports science has contributed to the exponential growth of published papers. Today, technology is used in most quantitative articles. However, none of the aforementioned checklists assessed the use of such technology. Altmann et al. [ 48 ] published a quality checklist about the use of technology, and Adessida et al. [ 53 ] proposed a checklist for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Recently, Rico-González et al. [ 54 ] published an article on specific instruments to assess the use of radio-frequency technology and MEMS and evaluated the quality of the studies individually. In addition to the previous guidelines, we have used these technology surveys and suggested new items to summarize a checklist to assess the quality of the research in sports science ( Table 2 ).

A standardization proposal of a quality assessment checklist in sports science.

NOS = Newcastle–Ottawa Scale [ 39 ]; GPS = Global Positioning Systems; LPS = Local Positioning Systems; VID = semi-automatic multi-camera based systems

As in other fields of knowledge, in sports science, report summary tables and figures help in presenting results in a structured and clear format. In this sense, the results section should include the conclusions about the articles found using a flow diagram ( Figure 1 ), the results of the quality assessment, and a second section in which the study content is explained.

Flow diagram of the studies.

Flow diagram

A PRISMA statement consists of a 27-item checklist and a four-phase flow diagram (i.e., identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion) [ 3 ]. Unlike PRISMA, studies using additional sources should place them after the inclusion/exclusion section while using defined criteria for two main reasons: (1) the included articles are not duplicated and (2) it is common that these articles have been mainly identified through bibliography checking. Therefore, these articles should be included after duplicate identification and after paper checking in the inclusion/exclusion section.

Study content

When the results of a systematic review are presented, they should give the reader the significant conclusions of the review through the provision of answers to the research question, as well as the evidence on which these conclusions are based and an assessment of the quality of the evidence supporting each conclusion [ 2 ]. Presenting the results in this way reduces the workload by limiting data extraction to only relevant information. As is common in sports science, the results should be presented in a structured table. However, it cannot provide a standard due to the many research methods in sport settings. The results of the studies may be clustered in groups meeting the research objective/problem. In any study, this brief abstract is added after the “included articles” section in the flow chart [ 27 ].

CONCLUSIONS

Recently, sports science has had an exponential growth of systematic reviews due to the increase of papers published. In order to optimize the assessment of sports research, this work aimed to adapt PRISMA [ 3 ] to provide specific guidelines for systematic reviews in this field of study. In addition to the suggestions of previous studies, two new items were added: (i) population/problem (i.e., age, level, and country); and (ii) the entire training process, which is monitored and compared between groups (e.g., total training load). These two new items are specific to sports science and help readers to fully understand the context of data collection and make better comparisons between studies. The current purpose is to establish support for sport scientists to improve the information provided to readers and make it easier to generalize and compare results.

Practical application

To maximize the benefit of this document, we encourage people to read it in conjunction with the PRISMA statement [ 3 ], PRISMA’s latest extension [ 5 ], and update [ 6 ]. The main differences between PRISMA and the PRISMA adapted to sports science can be found in Table 3 .

Differing items between PRISMA and PRISMA applied in sports science.

Despite the similarities between health care and sports science, some specificities must be considered, specifically regarding some methodological options. In sports science, the range of experiments is extremely large in that some studies are experimental (e.g., randomized controlled trials, parallel group, or crossover), and many of them are observational analyses (cohorts, cross-sectional and, case-control). This is one of the questions that must be considered during the selection of a risk of bias instrument or protocol register. The register of systematic reviews or meta-analysis in sports science cannot always be accomplished due to the nature of the research question and paper organization. Possibly, studies conducted on non-related health topics may be dismissed from the protocol register in PROSPERO.

In sports science, considering the specificity of study characteristics, it is usually important to use standard procedures to determine the cases of experimental studies (e.g., training interventions) or to better describe the nature of the study (e.g., in the case of crosssectional studies as in match analysis). We recommend in experimental studies that the number of weeks, sessions/week, work volume per session, intensity, work-to-rest ratio, exercises, repetitions, sets, rest between repetitions, and rest between sets be described appropriately. In addition, we suggest the quantification of the external and/or internal training load (TL) of the entire training session to compare with the total TL accumulated during the intervention between intervention groups. In the case of the nature of the study, it is important to describe the context of data collection, the type of samples, a brief characterization of the competitive level of the athletes (if applicable), the type of outcomes collected and their validity and reliability, and the tests used to determine the outcome.

Acknowledgement

Markel Rico-González and Asier Los Arcos: The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of a Spanish government subproject Integration ways between qualitative and quantitative data, multiple case development, and synthesis review as main axis for an innovative future in physical activity and sports research [PGC2018-098742-B-C31] (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Programa Estatal de Generación de Conocimiento y Fortalecimiento Científico y Tecnológico del Sistema I + D + i), that is part of the coordinated project New approach of research in physical activity and sport from mixed methods perspective (NARPAS_MM) [SPGC201800X-098742CV0].

Filipe Manuel Clemente: The author gratefully acknowledge the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior through national funds and when applicable co-funded EU funds under the project UIDB/50008/2020.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

The authors received no potential support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

TheScholarsRepository@LLU: Digital Archive of Research, Scholarship & Creative Works

Home > SAHP > PT > ETD-PT

Theses, Dissertations and Projects - Physical Therapy

Theses/dissertations from 2022 2022.

High-Intensity Interval Training and Biological Age , Trevor Lohman

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

The Impact of Intraneural Facilitation Therapy on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy , Kyan Zhra-Sahba Alnajafi

The Influence of Strength and Mobility on Lumbar Biomechanics During Lifting , Christopher S. Patterson

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Spine Kinematics and Muscle Activities in Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain Subgroups in Sitting , Mansoor Ahmed Alameri

Relationship between Balance and Physical Activity in Subjects with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain , Muhsen B. Alsufiany

Does self-evaluation and education in students change attitudes and beliefs towards Weight Stigma? , Henry A. Garcia

Effects of Head Motion on Balance in Middle-Aged and Young Adults with Chronic Motion Sensitivity , Ammar E. Hafiz

Effect of Pediatric Ear Infections on Postural Stability , Ohud A. Sabir

Biomechanics and Postural Control Characteristics in Low Back Pain Subgroups During Dynamic Task , Amjad Shallan

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Effect of Adding Stretching Techniques to Standardized Intervention on Nonspecific Mechanical Neck Pain , Saad S. Alfawaz

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Effects of Head Motion on Postural Stability in Participants with Chronic Motion Sensitivity , Abdulaziz A. Albalwi

Relationship between Vestibular System, Vision, Anxiety, and Chronic Motion Sensitivity , Ahmad A. Alharbi

The Effects of Frequent Smartphone Use on Children’s Upper Posture and Pulmonary Function , Asma Alonazi

The Effects of Wearing Headscarves on Cervical Spine Proprioception and Range of Motion , Samiah Alqabbani

A Comparison of Neuromuscular Control between Subjects with and without Chronic Ankle Instability , Hatem Jaber

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Effects of Adjustments to Wheelchair Seat to Back Support Angle on Head, Neck, and Shoulder Postures , Afnan M. Alkhateeb

Effect of Jet Lag on Postural Stability , Faisal M. Al Mubarak

Effect of Heavy Lifting with a Head Strap on the Pelvic Floor across the Menstrual Cycle , Yvonne Biswokarma

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Physical Therapy after Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries and Ulnar Wrist Pain , Mohamed A. Abdelmegeed

The Effect of Cervical Muscle Fatigue on Postural Stability during Immersion Virtual Reality , Mazen M. Alqahtani

The Effects of a Novel Therapeutic Intervention in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients , Adel M. Alshahrani

Cross-cultural Adaption and Psychometric Properties Testing of The Arabic Anterior Knee Pain Scale , Abdullah S. Alshehri

Effect of Tai Chi Exercise Combined with Mental Imagery in Improving Balance , Abdulrahman Alsubiheen

Effect of Vestibular Adaptation Exercises on Chronic Motion Sensitivity , Danah Alyahya

Muscle Dynamics as the Result of Whole Body Vibration and Plyometrics , Richard Jeremy Hubbard

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Effect of Monophasic Pulsed Current on the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis , Abdullah Alotaibi

Screening for Torticollis and Plagiocephaly: The Role of the Pediatrician , Lisa Ann Change-Yee Hwang

Effect of 17β Estradiol & Foot Strike Patterns on Physiological & Biomechanical Changes in Runners , Iman Akef Khowailed

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Inter-rater Reliability of Lumbar Segmental Instability Tests and the Subclassification , Faisal Mohammad Alyazedi

Sleep-wake Cycle Assessment in Type 2 Diabetes and Salivary Melatonin Correlates , Paula Regina Aguiar Cavalcanti

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Elasticity and Force for Knee Flexion during the Menstrual Cycle in Women , Haneul Lee

Effect of Passive Vibration on Skin Blood Flow in Good Glycemic Control and Poor Glycemic Control Type 2 Diabetics , Kanikkai Steni Balan Sackiriyas

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Co-diagnosis Frequency of Peripheral Vestibular Disorders and Physical Therapy , Summer M. San Lucas

Postural Sway, EEG and EMG Analysis of Hip and Ankle Muscles during Eight Balance Training Tasks , Yuen Yi Florence Tse

Effect of a Single High-Fat Meal and Vitamins on the Circulatory Response to Local Heat in Koreans and Caucasians , JongEun Yim

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Virtual Reality Gaming as a Tool for Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy , Abel A. Rendon

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Aerobic Exercise and Bone Turnover in Trained and Untrained Premenopausal Women , Michelle Prowse

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Effect of 3-Electrode Electrical Stimulation on Current Delivery and Healing in Chronic Wounds , HyeJin Suh

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Is Electrical Stimulation a Predictive Tool for Autonomic Dysfunction in Males with Diabetes? , Susan Dorothy Rand

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The Effect of Posterior Versus Anterior Glide Joint Mobilization on External Rotation Range of Motion of Patients with Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis , Andrea J. Johnson

The Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Blood Flow in Chronic Wounds in Patients with and without Diabetes , Daryl J. Lawson

Isokinetic Knee Strength in Females with Fibromyalgia , Flora F. Shafiee

Difference in Transverse Plane Scapular Position of Professional Baseball Players Relative to Baseball Field Position , James M. Syms

The Effect of Positioning on Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity as Evaluated with Surface Electromyography in Normals , Karen R. Whitter-Brandon

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Orthopedic Treatment Outcomes and Physical Therapists' Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Status , Karin Granberg

The Effectiveness of a Physical Therapy Intervention for Children with Hypotonia and Flatfeet , Charmayne G. Ross

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

The Role of Health Promotion in Physical Therapy , Brenda L. Rea

Predicting Sacroiliac Syndrome: The Association Between Noninvasive Sacroiliac Joint Tests and Sacroiliac Joint Injections , Lorraine D. Webb

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Prevalence of various Upper Extremity Disorders in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome versus Patients without Carpal Tunnel Syndrome , Daniel C. Buda

Effect of Electrode Size, Shape, and Placement on Electrical Current and Subject Comfort During Electrical Stimulation , Bonnie J. Forrester

Patterns of Scholarly Productivity in Physical Therapy Faculty , Ardith L. Williams-Meyer

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

The Effects of Education on Fear-Avoidance Behavior of Subjects with Work-Related Low Back Pain , Marie A. Anger

Toward the Optimal Waveform for Electrical Stimulation , Scott Douglas Bennie

Factors in Predicting the Number of Home Care Physical Visits , Bruce D. Bradley

A Practice Analysis Survey: Defining the Clinical Practice of Primary Care Physical Therapy , Edsen Bermudez Donato

Disability Self-Assessment and Upper Quarter Muscle Balance in Females , Eric Glenn Johnson

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

Comparison of Elderly Non-Fallers and Fallers on Performance Measures of Functional Reach, Sensory Organizations, and Limits of Stability , Harvey W. Wallmann

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

Patient participation in physical therapy goal-setting , Susan M. Baker

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

Prediction of Discharge Destination from Initial Physical Therapy Assessment using the Physical Assessment Key (PAK) , Wendy L. Chung and Kimberly A. Vieten

Does the Oswestry or SF-36 Help a Therapist to Predict Treatment Classification , Amy Crawford and Denese D. Kaufeldt-Soliz

Reliability and Validity of Assessing Student Performance of Psychomotor Skills in Entry Level Physical Therapy Curricula , Nancy Sue Darr

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

Reference Serum Chemistry and Hematological Values for Spinal Cord Injured Patients , Michael S. Laymon and Antone L. Davis II

Discharge Outcomes : An Evaluation of a Functional Index of Physical Assistance , Jan R. Snell

Theses/Dissertations from 1985 1985

A Comparison of Strength Improvement on Free Weights and the Universal Centurion , David J. Davies

Theses/Dissertations from 1984 1984

The effect of dextrose ingestion on cardiovascular endurance , Judith M. Axford

Theses/Dissertations from 1980 1980

The Ingestion of Garlic and its Effect on Cardiovascular Endurance , Thomas G. Blackwelder

• Collections
• Disciplines

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS

Author Corner

• Faculty Research (Pure)

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

Advertisement

Performance-Enhancing Substances in Sports: A Review of the Literature

• Review Article
• Published: 08 February 2015
• Volume 45 , pages 517–531, ( 2015 )

Cite this article

• Amit Momaya 1 ,
• Marc Fawal 1 &
• Reed Estes 1  

17k Accesses

83 Citations

53 Altmetric

Explore all metrics

Performance-enhancing substances (PESs) have unfortunately become ubiquitous in numerous sports, often tarnishing the spirit of competition. Reported rates of PES use among athletes are variable and range from 5 to 31 %. More importantly, some of these substances pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of athletes. Common PESs include anabolic–androgenic steroids, human growth hormone, creatine, erythropoietin and blood doping, amphetamines and stimulants, and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate. With recent advances in technology, gene doping is also becoming more conceivable. Sports medicine physicians are often unfamiliar with these substances and thus do not routinely broach the topic of PESs with their patients. However, to effect positive change in the sports community, physicians must educate themselves about the physiology, performance benefits, adverse effects, and testing methods. In turn, physicians can then educate athletes at all levels and prevent the use of potentially dangerous PESs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price includes VAT (Russian Federation)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Rent this article via DeepDyve

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

The Evolution of Performance-Enhancing Drug Use in Sport

Review of WADA Prohibited Substances: Limited Evidence for Performance-Enhancing Effects

Jules A. A. C. Heuberger & Adam F. Cohen

Doping in Sports

Botre F, Pavan A. Enhancement drugs and the athlete. Neurol Clin. 2008;26:149–67.

PubMed   Google Scholar  

De Rose EH. Doping in athletes: an update. Clin Sports Med. 2008;27:107–30.

WADA. World anti-doping code (online). 2015. https://wada-main-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/resources/files/wada-2015-world-anti-doping-code.pdf . Accessed 11 Aug 2014.

Mitchell G. Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an independent investigation into the illegal use of steroids and other performance enhancing substances by players in Major League Baseball (online). http://files.mlb.com/mitchrpt.pdf . Accessed 11 Aug 2014.

Nilsson S. Androgenic anabolic steroid use among male adolescents in Falkenberg. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1995;48:9–11.

CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Korkia P, Stinson GV. Indication of prevalence, practice and effects of anabolic steroid use in Great Britain. Int J Sports Med. 1997;18:557–62.

Simon P, Striegel H, Aust F, et al. Doping in fitness sports: estimated number of unreported cases and individual probability of doping. Addiction. 2006;101:1640–4.

Striegel H, Simon P, Frisch S, et al. Anabolic ergogenic substance users in fitness-sports: a distinct group supported by the health care system. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2006;81:11–9.

Kanayama G, Gruber AJ, Pope HG Jr, et al. Over-the-counter drug use in gymnasiums: an unrecognized substance abuse problem? Psychother Psychosom. 2001;70:137–40.

Buckman JF, Yusko DA, White HR, et al. Risk profile of male college athletes who use performance-enhancing substances. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2009;70:919–23.

PubMed Central   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Dietz P, Ulrich R, Dalaker R, et al. Associations between physical and cognitive doping: a cross-sectional study in 2,997 triathletes. PLoS ONE. 2013;8:e78702.

Striegel H, Ulrich R, Simon P. Randomized response estimates for doping and illicit drug use in elite athletes. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2010;106:230–2.

Rexroat M. NCAA national study of substance use habits of college student-athletes (online). http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Substance%20Use%20Final%20Report_FINAL.pdf . Accessed 11 Aug 2014.

Sagoe D, Molde H, Andreassen CS, et al. The global epidemiology of anabolic-androgenic steroid use: a meta analysis and meta-regression analysis. Ann Epidemiol. 2014;24:383–98.

Gregory AJ, Fitch RW. Sports medicine: performance-enhancing drugs. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2007;54:797–806.

Pereira HM, Padilha MC, Neto FR. Tetrahydrogestrinone analysis and designer steroids revisited. Bioanalysis. 2009;1:1475–89.

Teale P, Scarth J, Hudson S. Impact of the emergence of designer drugs upon sports doping testing. Bioanalysis. 2012;4:71–88.

Tokish JM, Kocher MS, Hawkins RJ. Ergogenic aids: a review of basic science, performance, side effects, and status in sports. Am J Sports Med. 2004;32:1543–53.

Evans N. Current concepts in anabolic-androgenic steroids. Am J Sports Med. 2004;32:534–42.

Bhasin S, Storer TW, Berman N, et al. The effects of supraphysiologic doses of testosterone on muscle size and strength in normal men. N Engl J Med. 1996;335:1–7.

Forbes GB, Porta CR, Herr BE, et al. Sequence of changes in body composition induced by testosterone and reversal of changes after drug is stopped. JAMA. 1992;267:397–9.

Giorgi A, Weatherby RP, Murphy PW. Muscular strength, body composition and health responses to the use of testosterone enanthate: a double blind study. J Sci Med Sport. 1999;2:341–55.

Duntas LH, Popovic V. Hormones as doping in sports. Endocrine. 2013;43:303–13.

Broeder CE, Quindry J, Brittingham K, et al. The Andro Project: physiological and hormonal influences of androstenedione supplementation in men 35 to 65 years old participating in a high-intensity resistance training program. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:3093–104.

King DS, Sharp RL, Vukovich MD, et al. Effect of oral androstenedione on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 1999;281:2020–8.

Wallace MB, Lim J, Cutler A, et al. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone vs androstenedione supplementation in men. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;31:1788–92.

Liddle DG, Connor DJ. Nutritional supplements and ergogenic AIDS. Prim Care. 2013;40:487–505.

Bahrke MS, Yesalis CE. Abuse of anabolic steroids and related substances in sport and exercise. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2004;4:614–20.

Kanayama G, Kean J, Hudson JJ, et al. Cognitive deficits in long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid users. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2013;130:208–14.

PubMed Central   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Geyer H, Schanzer W, Thevis M. Anabolic agents: recent strategies for their detection and protection from inadvertent doping. Br J Sports Med. 2014;48:820–6.

Brudnak MA. Creatine: are the benefits worth the risk? Toxicol Lett. 2004;150:123–30.

Eichner ER. Ergogenic aids: what athletes are using and why. Phys Sportsmed. 1997;25:70–83.

Greydanus DE, Patel DR. Sports doping in the adolescent athlete the hope, hype, and hyperbole. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2002;49:829–55.

Balsom PD, Soderlund K, Sjodin B, et al. Skeletal muscle metabolism during short duration high-intensity exercise: influence of creatine supplementation. Acta Physiol Scand. 1995;154:303–10.

Birch R, Noble D, Greenhaff PL. The influence of dietary creatine supplementation on performance during repeated bouts of maximal isokinetic cycling in man. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1994;69:268–76.

Dawson B, Cutler M, Moody A, et al. Effects of oral creatine loading on single and repeated maximal short sprints. Aust J Sci Med Sport. 1995;27:56–61.

Oliver JM, Joubert DP, Martin SE, et al. Oral creatine supplementation’s decrease of blood lactate during exhaustive, incremental cycling. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013;23:252–8.

Earnest CP, Snell PG, Rodriguez R, et al. The effect of creatine monohydrate ingestion on anaerobic power indices, muscular strength and body composition. Acta Physiol Scand. 1995;153:207–9.

Stone MH, Sanborn K, Smith LL, et al. Effects of in-season (5 weeks) creatine and pyruvate supplementation on anaerobic performance and body composition in American football players. Int J Sport Nutr. 1999;9:146–65.

Aaserud R, Gramyik P, Olsen SR, et al. Creatine supplementation delays onset of fatigue during repeated bouts of sprint running. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 1998;8:247–51.

Mujika I, Chatard JC, Lacoste L, et al. Creatine supplementation does not improve sprint performance in competitive swimmers. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996;28:1435–41.

Balsom PD, Ekbolm B, Soderlund K, et al. Creatine supplementation and dynamic high-intensity intermittent exercise. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 1993;3:143–9.

Google Scholar  

Balsom PD, Soderlund K, Ekblom B. Creatine in humans with special reference to creatine supplementation. Sports Med. 1994;18:268–80.

Claudino JG, Mezencio B, Amaral S, et al. Creatine monohydrate supplementation on lower-limb muscle power in Brazilian elite soccer players. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014;11:e1–6.

Lemon PW. Dietary creatine supplementation and exercise performance: why inconsistent results? Can J Appl Physiol. 2002;27:663–81.

Dawson B, Vladich T, Blanksby BA. Effects of 4 weeks of creatine supplementation in junior swimmers on freestyle sprint and swim bench performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2002;16:485–90.

Bailes JE, Cantu RC, Day AL. The neurosurgeon in sport: awareness of the risks of heatstroke and dietary supplements. Neurosurgery. 2002;51:283–6.

Wen TC, Hae Tha M, Joo Ng H. Creatine supplementation and venous thrombotic events. Am J Med. 2014; 127;e7–e8.

Poortmans JR, Francaux M. Long term oral creatine supplementation does not impair renal function in healthy athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;31:1108–10.

NCAA Academic and Membership Affairs Staff. NCAA 2014-2014 division I manual (online). http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/D114.pdf . Accessed 11 Aug 2014.

Rickert VI, Pawlak-Morello C, Sheppard V, et al. Human growth hormone: a new substance of abuse among adolescents? Clin Pediatr. 1992;31:723–6.

CAS   Google Scholar  

Liu H, Bravata DM, Olkin I, et al. Systematic review: the effects of growth hormone on athletic performance. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148:747–58.

Baumann GP. Growth hormone doping in sports: a critical review of use and detection strategies. Endocr Rev. 2012;33:155–86.

Deyssig R, Frisch H, Blum WF, et al. Effect of growth hormone treatment on hormonal parameters, body composition and strength in athletes. Acta Endocrinol. 1993;128:313–8.

Yarasheski KE, Campbell JA, Smith K, et al. Effect of growth hormone and resistance exercise on muscle growth in young men. Am J Physiol. 1992;262:e261–7.

Rennie MJ. Claims for the anabolic effects of growth hormone: a case of the emperor’s new clothes? Br J Sports Med. 2003;37:100–5.

Saugy M, Robinson N, Saudan C, et al. Human growth hormone doping in sport. Br J Sports Med. 2006;40:i35–9.

Hanley J, Saarela O, Stephens D, et al. hGH isoform differential immunoassays applied to blood samples from athletes: decision limits for anti-doping testing. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2014;24:205–15.

Veliz P, Boyd C, McCabe SE. Adolescent athletic participation and nonmedical Adderall use: an exploratory analysis of a performance-enhancing drug. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2013;74:714–9.

Ebert MH, Kammen DP, Murphy DL. Plasma levels of amphetamine and behavioral response. In: Gottschalk LA, Merlis S, editors. Pharmacokinetics of psychoactive drugs: blood levels and clinical response. New York: Wiley; 1976. p. 157–69.

Statland BE, Demas TJ. Serum caffeine half-lives: healthy subjects vs. patients having alcohol hepatic disease. Am J Clin Pathol. 1980;73:390–3.

Haller CA, Jacob P III, Benowitz N. Pharmacology of ephedra alkaloids and caffeine after single-dose dietary supplement use. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2002;71:421–32.

Pentel P. Toxicity of over-the-counter stimulants. JAMA. 1984;252:1898–903.

Chandler JV, Blair SN. The effect of amphetamines on selected physiological components related to athletic success. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1980;12:65–9.

Gill ND, Shield A, Blazevich AJ, et al. Muscular and cardiorespiratory effects of pseudoephedrine in human athletes. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2000;50:205–13.

Bell DG, Jacobs I. Combined caffeine and ephedrine ingestion improves run times of Canadian Forces Warrior Test. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1999;70:325–9.

Bell DG, McLellan TM, Sabiston CM. Effect of ingesting caffeine and ephedrine on 10-km run performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;34:344–9.

Santos VG, Santos VR, Felippe LJ, et al. Caffeine reduces reaction time and improves performance in simulated-contest of taekwondo. Nutrients. 2014;6:637–49.

Hodgson AB, Randell RK, Jeukendrup AE. The metabolic and performance effects of caffeine compared to coffee during endurance exercise. PLoS One. 2013;8:e1–10.

Stadheim HK, Kvamme B, Olsen R, et al. Caffeine increases performance in cross-country double-poling time trial exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2013;45:2175–83.

Lee CL, Cheng CF, Astorino TA, et al. Effects of carbohydrate combined with caffeine on repeated sprint cycling and agility performance in female athletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014;11:e1–12.

Reyner LA, Horne JA. Sleep restriction and serving accuracy in performance tennis players and effects of caffeine. Physiol Behav. 2013;120:93–6.

Lattavo A, Kopperud A, Rogers PD. Creatine and other supplements. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2007;54:735–60.

Shekelle PG, Hardy ML, Morton SC, et al. Efficacy and safety of ephedra and ephedrine for weight loss and athletic performance: a meta analysis. JAMA. 2003;289:1537–45.

McDuff DR, Baron D. Substance use in athletics: a sports psychiatry perspective. Clin Sports Med. 2005;24:885–97.

Greydanus DE, Patel DR. Sports doping in the adolescent: the Faustian conundrum of Hors de Combat. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2010;57:729–50.

Spriet LL, Graham TE. Caffeine and exercise performance (online). http://www.acsm.org/docs/current-comments/caffeineandexercise.pdf . Accessed 22 Nov 2014.

McLean BD, Gore CJ, Kemp J. Application of ‘live low-train high’ for enhancing normoxic exercise performance in team sport athletes. Sports Med. 2014;44:1275–87.

Morkeberg J. Blood manipulation: current challenges from an anti-doping perspective. Hematol Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2013;2013:627–31.

Citartan M, Gopinath SC, Chen Y, et al. Monitoring recombinant human erythropoietin abuse among athletes. Biosens Bioelectron. 2014;63:86–98.

Robertson RJ, Gilcher R, Metz KF, et al. Effect of induced erythrocythemia on hypoxia tolerance during physical exercise. J Appl Physiol Respir Environ Exerc Physiol. 1982;53:490–5.

Berglund B, Hemmingson P. Effect of reinfusion of autologous blood exercise performance in cross-country skiers. Int J Sports Med. 1987;8:231–3.

Brien AJ, Simon TL. The effects of red blood cell infusion on 10-km race time. JAMA. 1987;257:2761–5.

Birkeland KI, Stray-Gundersen J, Hemmerbach P, et al. Effect of rhEPO administration on serum levels of s TfR and cycling performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;32:1238–43.

Berglund B, Ekblom B. Effect of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment on blood pressure and some haematological parameters in healthy men. J Intern Med. 1991;229:125–30.

Leigh-Smith S. Blood boosting. Br J Sports Med. 2004;38:99–101.

Morkeberg J. Detection of autologous blood transfusions in athletes: a historical perspective. Transfus Med Rev. 2012;26:199–208.

Palisin T, Stacy JJ. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate and its use in athletics. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2005;4:220–3.

Pimentel GD, Rosa JC, Lira FS, et al. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation stimulants skeletal muscle hypertrophy in rats via the mTOR pathway. Nutr Metab. 2011;8:e1–7.

Smith HJ, Mukerji P, Tisdale MJ. Attenuation of proteasome-induced proteolysis in skeletal muscle by beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate in cancer-induced muscle loss. Cancer Res. 2005;65:277–83.

Wilson JM, Kim J, Lee SR, et al. Acute and time effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on indirect markers of skeletal muscle damage. Nutr Metab. 2009;6:e1–8.

Knitter AE, Panton I, Rathmacher JA, et al. Effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on muscle damage after a prolonged run. J Appl Physiol. 2000;89:1340–4.

Kraemer WJ, Hatfield DL, Volek JS, et al. Effects of amino acids supplement on physiological adaptations to resistance training. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41:1111–21.

Nissen SI, Sharp RL. Effect of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: a meta-analysis. J Appl Physiol. 2003;94:651–9.

Hoffman JR, Copper J, Wendell M, et al. Effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on power performance and indices of muscle damage and stress during high-intensity training. J Strength Cond Res. 2004;18:747–52.

Kreider RB, Ferreira M, Greenwood M, et al. Effects of calcium b-HMB supplementation during training on markers of body composition, strength, and spring performance. J Exerc Physiology-online. 2000;3:48–59.

Wilson JM, Fitschen PJ, Campbell B, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10:e1–14.

Gallagher PM, Carrithers JA, Godard MP, et al. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate ingestion, part I: effects on strength and fat free mass. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;32:2109–15.

Nissen S, Sharp RL, Panton L, et al. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation in humans is safe and may decrease cardiovascular risk factors. J Nutr. 2000;130:1937–45.

Van der Gronde T, de Hon O, Haisma HJ, et al. Gene doping: an overview and current implications for athletes. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47:670–8.

Fischetto G, Bermon S. From gene engineering to gene modulation and manipulation: can we prevent or detect gene doping in sports? Sports Med. 2013;43:965–77.

Brill-Almon E, Stern B, Afik D, et al. Ex vivo transduction of human dermal tissue structures for autologous implantation production and delivery of therapeutic proteins. Mol Ther. 2005;12:274–82.

Wang W, Li W, Ma N, et al. Non-viral gene delivery methods. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2013;14:46–60.

Sinn PL, Sauter SL, McCray PB Jr. Gene therapy progress and prospects: development of improved lentiviral and retroviral vectors—design, biosafety, and production. Gene Ther. 2005;12:1089–98.

WADA. Therapeutic use exemptions (online). 2015. https://wada-main-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/resources/files/WADA-2015-ISTUE-Final-EN.pdf . Accessed 22 Nov 2014.

Vernec A. Therapeutic use exemptions: principles and practice (online). https://wada-main-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/resources/files/01-_vernec_alan_-_tue_symposium_paris_vernec_october_23_2014.pdf . Accessed 22 Nov 2014.

Little JC, Perry DR, Volpe SL. Effect of nutrition supplement education on nutrition supplement knowledge among high school students from a low-income community. J Community Health. 2002;27:433–50.

Whitaker L, Backhouse SH, Long J. Reporting doping in sport: national level athletes’ perceptions of their role in doping prevention. Scan J Med Sci Sports. 2014;24(6):e515–21.

Harcourt PR, Unglik H, Cook JL. Strategy to reduce illicit drug use is effective in elite Australian football. Br J Sports Med. 2012;46:943–5.

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Florence Lee, MD and Li-yuan Yu-Lee, PhD for their assistance with the preparation of figures for this manuscript. The authors have no potential conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review. No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1313 13th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA

Amit Momaya, Marc Fawal & Reed Estes

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amit Momaya .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Momaya, A., Fawal, M. & Estes, R. Performance-Enhancing Substances in Sports: A Review of the Literature. Sports Med 45 , 517–531 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0308-9

Download citation

Published : 08 February 2015

Issue Date : April 2015

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0308-9

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Amphetamine
• Creatine Supplementation
• National Collegiate Athletic Association
• Major League Baseball
• Sprint Performance
• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research

Free Sports Science Essay Examples & Topics

It is tempting to limit the scope of sports science down to the idea of physical exercise and training. Yet, there is so much more that this field entails.

Sports science does involve the study of physical education but also of body and exercise psychology. It is about the understanding of people in sports and the role that it plays in our society.

There are many branches of sports science, and they go in every direction. Some might be concerned with athletes’ health and the medical side of exercise. Others can go into the political implications of worldwide games championships. The key areas of study are concerned with physiological and psychological aspects of sports science. It includes biometrics and motor learning as well.

You may find yourself that you are at a loss for what to write about in sports. This is precisely why our team has gathered sports science research topics for you to explore. You will also discover how to write the best academic paper on the subject. Under the article, find free essays about sports science to browse through.

15 Sports Science Research Topics

Many essays and research papers suffer from the wrong choice of a sports science topic. The key is that the focus must be on two areas of study. In your essay, you should explore the connection between sports and other fields.

Here, we came up with 15 sports science research topics that will inspire new ideas:

• How are new kinesiology techniques developed and used in monitoring athletes’ health?
• Sport management in world championships – how attitudes change when greater risks are involved.
• The benefits of early physical education for children in schools.
• Comparison of the nutrition and dietary needs of male and female professional athletes.
• The psychology behind extreme sports: why some people are drawn to danger.
• The anatomy behind athletic varicose disease and methods of prevention.
• An analysis and breakdown of fitness routines for the elderly.
• Is it possible for athletic success to be inherited through genetics?
• Big money in sports: political and socioeconomic concerns behind large monetary prizes for world championships.
• What is the process of athlete rehabilitation in professional basketball?
• Orthorexia and excessive exercise – how the obsessive desire for a “healthy lifestyle” can be harmful in the long term.
• Movement analysis in male and female gymnastics routines.
• What impacts the average lifespan of a professional athlete?
• Biomechanics of athletes’ bodies during American football matches.
• The physiology and psychology behind taking enhancing drugs in the Olympics.

For more ideas, try out our topic generator . It will automatically come up with things to write about.

Essay about Sports: 7 Tips

Essays on sports science rarely venture outside the typical academic paper format. In other words, if you are familiar with academic writing, you probably know the next step to take. You will find yourself coming up with a thesis and an outline sooner than later. Yet, if you are at a loss, you just might discover some useful advice below:

• Select a topic that suits your knowledge and task. Your essay writing process begins with what you know. Choosing a topic that you find interesting is guaranteed to cut your workload in half. Double-check the assessment criteria to make sure your idea is appropriate to the task at hand.
• Try to start early and plan ahead. This advice, perhaps, is overused, but it stands to reason. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to work out any difficulties you might encounter. Remember that your professors are always there to assist you.
• Research before and after you’ve picked your topic. Beginning your research before deciding on an idea can help in its formulation. Narrow down your focus on a particular area. Otherwise, your research will take you all over the place. At the same time, also double-check that you have enough resources available./li>
• Collect sources for your reference list. Make sure to use first-hand or second-hand resources for your paper. Note them down as you go along. It will make creating a bibliography in the future easier.
• Work hard on your thesis and topic sentences. Your thesis statement is the heart of your essay. It is the summary of all your research and its analysis. Similarly, your topic sentences serve the same purpose for your body paragraphs – formulate them with care. You can use our thesis generator for this task.
• Stay relevant and on point. In a field of study as diverse as sports science, it is easy to get carried away and get off track. Refer back to your thesis in every other paragraph. Check if what you are writing still connects with the main focus.
• Don’t forget to edit and proofread. Again, you will hear this advice constantly – but there is a reason for that. Editing and proofreading are what differentiates between a good essay and an excellent one. Read over your paper at least once before handing it in. Thus, you will have a better chance of success.

We hope that you found our advice and topics useful. You can now read through these sports science essays written by other students like you. Doing so will help you work out your paper structure, thesis, and argumentation.

Thank you for reading!

150 Best Essay Examples on Sports Science

The cost of running a nba basketball team.

• Words: 1032

Violence in Sports: History and Causes

• Words: 3034

The Effects of Sports on Life

• Words: 2483

Sport Advantages, Disadvantages and Morality

The commercialization of sport from the sociocultural perspective.

• Words: 4517

Summary of “Children Need to Play, Not Compete”

Sports medicine.

• Words: 1382

Coaching Experience in Sport

• Words: 2294

Sporting Activities in High Schools and Society

• Words: 2676

Barriers to Physical Activity and Theories of Behavior Change

Buffalo bisons: a sports sales plan, running is bad for your health.

• Words: 1418

Sports and Religion

• Words: 1260

Grass roots Vs. Elite Sports

• Words: 1942

Do Sports Build Character?

Baseball career personal experiences.

• Words: 1363

12-Week Basketball Training Plan for Male Players

• Words: 2049

Risk Management in Outdoor and Adventure Programs

• Words: 1979

Sports Performance in Society

• Words: 1447

The Sports Betting Issue: An Editorial

Goal setting in sport psychology: enhancing athletes’ performance and building new skills, the use of technology in soccer.

• Words: 1940

How governments and global processes influence football

• Words: 2261

Quality of Customer Experience in Football

• Words: 2096

Strategies of Sport: Different Kinds Analysis

Football and media in the uae.

• Words: 2487

The Role of Sport Management Curricula and Industry Collaboration

Physical fitness training programs for athletes, the important role of sport in character building, support for the use of sports massage, critical appraisal of the use of sports massage.

• Words: 1486

Is Headgear Necessary in Football?

Athlete development: early and late specialization, the principle of specificity in sports, detrimental effects of skateboarding ban, juggling: the 4-week motor learning intervention.

• Words: 2400

Personal Leadership Philosophy in the Sports Industry

• Words: 1292

The Case of Gregg Popovich Analysis

The pandemic impact on sport in new zealand.

• Words: 1157

Sports Facilities in New Zealand: Pandemic Perspectives

The article “the transgender threat to women’s sports” by abigail shrier, coaching sports: five core competencies.

• Words: 1658

Commercial and Recreational Sports

Hmb metabolic supplementation and athletic performance, social analysis of sports in the digital era.

• Words: 27613

Heart Work in Oxidative Process and Exercise Training

• Words: 3407

Inter Families’ Football Competition Event

Sport management: analysis of roy keane – football player.

• Words: 1107

Sports Chapel Building Strategy

• Words: 1364

E-Sports and Its Strategic Direction

• Words: 9199

Doping in Sport: Bad or Good?

Kinesiology taping in coaching.

• Words: 1939

Aspects of Ministry of African Sports

The christian sports international organization, team sport: who is accountable, school sports director’s challenges and commitments, sport funding: sponsorship and member contributions, summary of making of the meaning, importance of nutrition and rest in young athletes, commercialization of college football in the united kingdom.

• Words: 3365

Power and Politics in Sport Organization

Boston red sox and new york yankees campaigns, female athletes’ perceptions of menstrual cycle and training, effects of menstrual cycle on athletes’ physical performance, strategies of football and tennis coaches in the uk.

• Words: 3619

Annotated Bibliography: Sport Cycling

Woodridge athletic recreation center’s sport facility operations management, consuming sports by spectators.

• Words: 1349

Plyometric Training for Female Soccer Players

• Words: 1663

Sport Injuries and Eccentric-Based Exercises

• Words: 1795

Sport and Law: An Article and Case Analysis

Athletes adaptation to hot environmental conditions, effects of music on muscle performance.

• Words: 1930

Coaching Session Plan For 11 Year Old’s

• Words: 1389

Causes of Lactic Acid and Strategies for Cessation of Build-Up

• Words: 1432

Psychological Aspects of Weightlifting

Plyometric training effects on jumping performance in junior basketball players, how sports can save you and the planet, the tracking device for bea19 technologies ltd: opportunities, klitschko and haye: the game theory.

• Words: 1343

Coaching. Filling the Emotional Tank of Your Player

Organized sports and keeping teens safe, role of sports in determining social status among children, genetic difference in explaining athletic performance, motor skill acquisition and motor development in relation to coaching golf.

• Words: 2030

The Use of Steroids in Baseball

• Words: 1476

Movement: Warming Up and Cooling Down Process

• Words: 1993

Aerobic and Anaerobic Workouts Comparison

Sport-themed video games’ positive effects.

• Words: 1180

Attention Focusing in Sport Analysis

• Words: 2352

Sports Demands and Stress Management in Athletics

Motor learning: control concepts and applications, professional trainer interview.

• Words: 2191

Sports Performance: Athlete’s Actions

• Words: 1504

Barefoot Running: Source Comparison

Barefoot running survey: evidence from the field, “barefoot running strikes back” by w. jungers, burnout in sports among young female gymnasts.

• Words: 2217

Repeated High-Intensity Exercise and Recovery

“how to make your exercise high last” by s. angle, science principles in exercising, sports science principles in melbourne football club.

• Words: 3345

Sports-Related Injuries Prevention in High School

• Words: 4248

Sports Franchises and Stadium Investments

Sustainability in sports fields.

• Words: 3025

Federation International Football Association Management

• Words: 2777

Sports Role in the Imperialism and Nationalism Development

Race, gender, and sexuality issues in sports, billie jean king and her achievements, physical activity influences on the human brain, steroid impact on baseball game and players.

• Words: 2201

Sports Facilities’ Availability and Standards

• Words: 1158

National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Rewards

Baseball in sociological research and its features, sponsorship and advertising in sports.

• Words: 1233

Sports Wearable Biosensor for Athletes

• Words: 2740

Biosensor Tools in Sports Training

• Words: 1354

Biosensors in Soccer Players’ Preparation

• Words: 2992

Are High Salaries Detrimental to Sports?

The north melbourne kangaroos: sport club analysis.

• Words: 2230

Log in using your username and password

• Search More Search for this keyword Advanced search
• Latest content
• Current issue
• For authors
• New editors
• BMJ Journals More You are viewing from: Google Indexer

You are here

• Volume 47, Issue 1
• What's hot today? Current topics in sports and exercise medicine
• Article Text
• Article info
• Citation Tools
• Rapid Responses
• Article metrics

• David J Berkoff , MD
• UNC Department of Orthopaedics and Emergency Medicine , UNC School of Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill, North Carolina , USA
• Correspondence to Dr David J Berkoff, 3142 bioinformatics bldg. CB 7055, UNC Dept of Orthopaedics, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; david_berkoff{at}med.unc.edu

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2012-091965

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request permissions.

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.

• Exercise rehabilitation
• Sports rehabilitation programs

This American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM)-shaped issue of BJSM highlights ‘hot topics’ in sports medicine. The Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines ‘hot’ as: of intense and immediate interest. I used this simple definition to guide AMSSM's selection of articles for this issue. This issue's selections are clearly ‘hot topics’ but to whom are they considered ‘hot?’

Hot for whom?

What defines a sport and exercise medicine practitioner? Is it the team physician who cares for the professional or elite athlete? Is it the paediatrician who encourages the obese adolescent to put down the Wii controller and get outside? Or is it the cardiologist who dedicates herself to getting a heart failure patient back to tolerating light exercise? How does someone best describe what we do for our patients? We as ‘sports and exercise medicine’ providers have a unique role that encompasses multiple specialties, age groups and patient populations. We are tasked with prescreening athletes prior to activity, preventing and treating all manners of sporting injury. We care for the elderly, the young and those with chronic illness. We follow patients after injuries and are often the experts consulted with difficult and challenging medical cases that are both medical and sports related. We are a diverse group and we meet a wide range of needs. Thus, choosing what is ‘hot’ and relevant to everyone reading this AMSSM-shaped issue was challenging.

The power of placebo

The emerging treatments such as PRP, orthokine and stem cell therapy are not directly represented in this issue. Whereas novel treatments are receiving increased attention in many sports medicine journals, I instead chose to review the power of placebo ( http://dx.doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091472 http://dx.doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091472). The placebo effect and the need for the double-blind placebo-controlled trial was first described in 1955 by Henry Beecher. 1 This was elaborated on by Shapiro et al 2 and has since become the standard to which we compare all new interventions. A PubMed search today results in 4311 citations highlighted using the search term ‘placebo effect.’ To understand the value of a novel treatment we need to know how these therapies stack up to this powerful standard. Before we adopt a new treatment, we need to understand the influence of what we do and how we measure the persuasive power of placebo in affecting positive change.

The team physician: it only gets more complicated

At the 2012 AMSSM national conference in Atlanta, the presentation by Dr Tracey Viola was a highlight. Team physicians travel around the US providing care to athletes and staff. 3–5 Surely, intranational travel does not involve licensing and malpractice risks. To the surprise, and consternation, of many of us, Dr Viola outlined major licensure and malpractice coverage gaps ( see page 60 ). Having to worry about how to legally perform our duties in other states makes our jobs more difficult. In addition, increasingly difficult is the complicated duty of the team physician to communicate confidential medical information. We are now fully immersed in the social media blogosphere. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and a plethora of other often anonymous sources often leak medical information about our athletes. How do we control this flow of information? What happened to confidentiality and the doctor–patient relationship? Who is leaking these details and who is ultimately responsible for it? The article by Ribbans et al ( see page 40 ) looks at what kind of information is making it to the media, and how this is potentially putting the treating practitioner at risk.

As I continued to narrow down the list of ‘hot topics’, I was left with three topics that were the most pervasive in the past issues: concussion, cardiology and physical activity and health. Each has a uniqueness to it and an international impact that cannot be ignored.

Concussion—an evolution in understanding

The AMSSM has spent the last year collaborating to assemble a society position paper ( http://dx.doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091941 ). This document is an outstanding compilation of prior concussion data and research. The clinical experts involved have synthesised reams of information and created this exceptional position statement for our members and clinicians involved in concussion care. This paper will be an influential reference for practitioners worldwide. Equally important is the timing of this concussion statement with the recent 4th Zurich consensus meeting and its consensus paper being published in BJSM 's Concussion Themed Injury Prevention and athlete's Health Protection issue in March 2013. We are confident that the AMSSM position paper will stand along side the 2013 consensus statement as a reference for sports medicine practitioners everywhere.

Long QT syndrome: which athletes are really at risk?

The high-impact research into sudden cardiac death and preparticipation screening by Dr Jonathan Drezner and his colleagues has brought a new level of attention to the quality and breath of research performed by the members of AMSSM. ECG screening is a hot topic worldwide, 6 – 8 and there exists significant debate regarding the precise protocol for preparticipation cardiovascular risk assessment. Dr Michael Ackerman, one of the world's leading experts in long QT syndrome (LQTS), has been studying this high-risk group of athletes for many years. 9 His manuscript published in this issue is truly eye opening ( http://dx.doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091751 ). We gather information, do our best to interpret the results, but are we really saving lives or are we merely needlessly excluding young athletes from participation? Dr Ackerman's manuscript sheds new light on this regarding LQTS and restriction from participation. On the subject of sports cardiology, do not forget the special BJSM supplement on this topic in November 2012, 10 and next month's BJSM will have even more on this topic. It is hot and BJSM is the leading sports and exercise medicine journal for sports cardiology.

Physical inactivity is the #4 risk factor for mortality worldwide. What are we doing to change this?

Physical activity saves lives! Physical activity and health is a BJSM focus as evidenced by the volume of articles that are published related to physical activity (PA) and obesity, youth, the elderly and much more. 11 – 14 Salt Lake City sports physician Dr Joy details how we take the next step from identifying physical inactivity as a problem to implementing solutions ( http://dx.doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091620 ). Complementing that paper, we have selected an article highlighting a simple single-question method for evaluating PA. If the process of determining PA is onerous, practitioners will not do it. Dr Milton et al ( see page 44 ) show that a single question can be sufficient to determine if a patient's activity level is sufficient to benefit their health.

AMSSM is committed to clinical research and the education of sports medicine providers and has assembled one of the most exciting line ups ever for their upcoming National conference. We invite you to attend the 22nd AMSSM Annual Meeting from 17 to 21 April in sunny San Diego, California. We will highlight hot topics, clinically relevant content and original research submissions. Find out more at www.amssm.org . Also check the BJSM podcast where we discuss this special AMSSM issue and preview the conference in more detail.

See you in San Diego—register today!

• ↵ Shapiro AK. Etiological factors in the placebo effect. JAMA 1964;187:712–4 .
• Whiteside J ,
• Sahebzamani F ,
• Pfister GC ,
• Puffer JC ,
• Johnson JN ,
• Ackerman MJ
• Bennett K ,
• Kujala UM ,
• Andersen LB ,
• McLaughlin D ,

Funding None.

Competing interests None.

Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.

Linked Articles

• Original articles Can a single question provide an accurate measure of physical activity? Karen Milton Stacy Clemes Fiona Bull British Journal of Sports Medicine 2012; 47 44-48 Published Online First: 20 Apr 2012. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2011-090899
• Short report A survey of state medical licensing boards: can the travelling team physician practice in your state? Tracey Viola Chad Carlson Thomas H Trojian Jeffrey Anderson British Journal of Sports Medicine 2012; 47 60-62 Published Online First: 04 Oct 2012. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091460
• Original articles Sports medicine, confidentiality and the press Bill Ribbans Hannah Ribbans Craig Nightingale Michael McNamee British Journal of Sports Medicine 2012; 47 40-43 Published Online First: 18 Sep 2012. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2011-090439

Read the full text or download the PDF: