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Open research questions in Sports Performance and Training

643 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 3,505 Sports Performance and Training papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • The study identifies a gap in understanding the implications of raw versus body-weight–normalized McGill core endurance composite scores for strength and functional performance. The research aims to address this gap by evaluating the correlations between composite scores and strength and functional performance measures.

    Evaluating raw versus body-weight–normalized McGill core endurance composite scores in recreational weightlifters: implications for strength and functional performance · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies a gap in the understanding of how different interval training components affect physiological responses. The study notes that previous research has not directly compared the effects of manipulating interval training components on physiological responses. The study highlights the need for further research on the effects of interval training on athletic performance.

    Acute Physiological Responses to Different Load Components During Interval Training · 2026 · DOI

  • The study had a small sample size (n = 9), - The sample was not randomly selected, - The study had limited ability to detect moderate or smaller associations, - The results should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size

    Coordination abilities and movement organization during the fencing lunge in youth foil fencers: an exploratory biomechanical study · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigate the relationship between field-based coordination abilities and lunge kinematics in larger samples, - Examine the effects of changes in target distance and joint coordination on lunge kinematics, - Explore the relationship between adaptation ability and movement coupling with defensive movement time

    Coordination abilities and movement organization during the fencing lunge in youth foil fencers: an exploratory biomechanical study · 2026 · DOI

  • Developing training interventions aiming to accelerate skill acquisition and enhance performance - Longitudinal observations of novice shooters to study the influence of training on brain activity

    Physiological mechanisms and adaptation in high-performance shooting: a biomarker review · 2026 · DOI

  • Most studies examine individual parameters in isolation. There is a need to identify biomarkers that distinguish successful from unsuccessful performance in shooting sports. The paper highlights the gap in understanding the coordinated interaction of multiple physiological systems in precision shooting performance.

    Physiological mechanisms and adaptation in high-performance shooting: a biomarker review · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigate the effects of CCT on functional cognitive load, - Examine neurophysiological responses to CCT, - Assess in-game performance indicators after CCT

    Cognitive-coordination training: impact on sport-specific physical fitness and technical skill of adolescent basketball athletes · 2026 · DOI

  • One challenge is the limited diversity of participants in existing research, with a focus on children aged 6 to 9 years. Another challenge is the need for further research on the effects of scaled equipment on psychological and emotional variables. A third challenge is the importance of considering the perspectives of coaches and experts in the development of equipment modifications.

    Exploring the impact of equipment modifications on novice tennis players: a scoping review · 2025 · DOI

  • explore psychological and emotional variables more thoroughly across diverse player populations, - investigate the interplay between psychological and physiological variables, - conduct detailed psychological and biomechanical assessments to further optimize player progression

    Exploring the impact of equipment modifications on novice tennis players: a scoping review · 2025 · DOI

  • A significant gap remains in the evaluation of the direct impact of 3D-printed wearable sensors on decision-making processes in coaching, mental resilience, and long-term psychological adaptation in athletes. The existing research primarily focuses on sensor fabrication and data acquisition.

    Transdisciplinary Innovations in Athlete Health: 3D-Printable Wearable Sensors for Health Monitoring and Sports Psychology · 2025 · DOI

  • There is a lack of understanding of the relationships between psychological factors and resistance training outcomes. Prior studies have typically only assessed single joint exercises, single sessions, machine-based RT exercises, or competitive athletes. There is a need for multidisciplinary studies assessing the relationship between RT and psychological factors.

    Psychological needs, self-efficacy, motivation, and resistance training outcomes in a 16-week barbell training program for adults · 2024 · DOI

  • small sample size, - limited to male physical-education students, - participants had no prior structured interval-training experience

    Acute Physiological Responses to Different Load Components During Interval Training · 2026 · DOI

  • longitudinal studies, - athlete-centered validation, - interdisciplinary collaborations

    Transdisciplinary Innovations in Athlete Health: 3D-Printable Wearable Sensors for Health Monitoring and Sports Psychology · 2025 · DOI

  • Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between psychological factors and resistance training, - Studies should examine the effects of different types of resistance training programs on psychological factors, - Research should investigate the role of psychological interventions in enhancing the benefits of resistance training

    Psychological needs, self-efficacy, motivation, and resistance training outcomes in a 16-week barbell training program for adults · 2024 · DOI

  • PURPOSE: While running economy can be improved following plyometric training, the factors associated with running economy improvements remain unclear, particularly in master endurance runners.

    Exploring Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Factors Associated with Improvements in Running Economy Following Plyometric Training in Male Master Endurance Runners · 2026 · DOI

  • Previous studies have usually examined CMJ and IMTP variables separately, leaving limited evidence on whether these measures can be integrated to explain sport-specific performance in youth weightlifters.

    An integrated force–time regression model for explaining weightlifting performance in youth weightlifters · 2026 · DOI

  • On the contrary, the traditional approach lacks data dependency and struggles to provide actionable recommendations.

    A novel reinforcement learning approach for athlete training optimization using DQ-NAS · 2026 · DOI

  • CrossFit® requires the integration of strength, power, and cardiorespiratory fitness, although sex-related differences across these physical fitness components remain poorly characterized in recreational participants.

    Sex Differences in Physical Fitness in Recreational CrossFit® Participants · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies with larger sample sizes and controlled study designs are warranted to better characterize physiological adaptations associated with intensive conditioning programs in national-level modern pentathlon athletes.

    Pre–Post Changes in Isokinetic Muscle Function and Anaerobic Performance Following a 12-Week Conditioning Program in National-Team Modern Pentathlon Athletes · 2026 · DOI

  • However, it is not clearly understood if concurrent physical and cognitive effort may exaggerate the negative carryover effects on physical task performance when compared to cognitive or physical exertion alone.

    Examining the Independent and Interactive Carryover Effects of Cognitive and Physical Exertions on Physical Performance · 2024 · DOI

  • While it is established that the anaerobic alactic (ATP-PC) and anaerobic lactic systems are pivotal for high-intensity training sessions typical in combat sports, the precise contribution of these systems, particularly in varied training modalities such as single (SMT) and intermittent (IST) forms of the 30-second Wingate test, remains inadequately explored.

    The contribution of energy systems during 30-second lower body Wingate anaerobic test in combat sports athletes: Intermittent versus single forms and gender comparison · 2024 · DOI

  • Limited data exist on fluid balance responses in varying climates, sexes, and ages.

    Analysis of Fluid Balance and Urine Values in Elite Soccer Players: Impact of Different Environments, Playing Positions, Sexes, and Competitive Levels · 2024 · DOI

  • Which sports bra provides the best defense against motion-related breast discomfort and potential in jury? The answer to this question de pends on severa! variables, on which we base the following recommendations: Cup Size. Large-breasted women, who gener ally require more support to control motion, should select a more rigidly constructed bra than small-breasted women, who may find a stretchy bra adequately supportive and more comfortable. Sport of Choice. Different sports often require varying amounts of arm involvement and range of motion. For sports requiring significant amounts of overhead reaching, bra straps must stretch so asto prevent riding up of the bra over the breast. Sports requiring leg action and jog ging without significant overhead reaching are weil served by a bra with frrm, nonstretch straps connected directly or almost directly to a non elastic eup. Fabric Preferences and Sensitivities. Sports bras are made in a wide variety of fi bers, fa bric weights, and firmness of construction. Choice should depend on intensity of activity, support needs, sensitivity to fiber, and climatic and sea sonal conditions. Protection Needs. A breast protector (a pad that can be inserted into the bra eup) may be de sirable for women who participate in contact sports. Quality of Design and Construction. Active women should look for a bra that has no irritat ing seams or fasteners next to the skin, nonslip straps, silhouettes that hold the breasts in a rounded shape close to the body, and firm, du rable construction. PSM

    Selected Sports Bras: A Biomechanical Analysis of Breast Motion While Jogging · 1987 · DOI

  • The application of body proportions and muscular development as predictive tools in Olympic weightlifting training and athlete selection remains insufficiently explored. There is a need for further research into the relationship between relative anthropometric parameters and strength abilities in Olympic weightlifters.

    Relative anthropometric parameters as predictors of strength abilities of Olympic weightlifters · 2026 · DOI

  • Further investigation is needed to replicate the model in larger, more diverse cohorts, including female athletes, young athletes, and other strength-sport populations, as well as to examine the longitudinal stability of the identified relationships and the direct predictive validity of these indices for competitive performance in the snatch and clean and jerk. However, the generalizability of these findings is limited by the sample's homogeneity and the cross-sectional design.

    Relative anthropometric parameters as predictors of strength abilities of Olympic weightlifters · 2026 · DOI

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643 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 3,505 Sports Performance and Training papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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