Scope

The International Journal of Sport and Health Sciences (IJSHS) publishes original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, bibliometric studies, theoretical papers, methodological innovations, and applied research across the following core domains:

 

1. 1. Sport Psychology, Mental Health, and Behavioural Sciences

This section focuses on the psychological and behavioural dimensions of sport participation, physical activity, and human performance. Topics include, but are not limited to:

1.1 Psychological Processes in Sport and Exercise

• Motivation, self-determination, self-efficacy
• Athlete identity, confidence, and mindset
• Emotional regulation and affective responses

1.2 Mental Health and Well-Being

• Stress, anxiety, burnout, and psychological fatigue
• Mental well-being, resilience, and flourishing
• Psychological recovery and coping strategies

1.3 Behavioural Sciences in Physical Activity

• Behaviour change theories
• Exercise adherence and dropout
• Healthy lifestyle behaviours

1.4 Psychological Skills and Interventions

• Mindfulness, imagery, goal-setting, PST programmes
• Cognitive–behavioural approaches in sport

1.5 Developmental and Youth Sport Psychology

• Psychological development in children and adolescents
• Parental influence, coaching climate, peer dynamics

This domain integrates sport psychology, mental health promotion, behavioural science, and performance-related psychological strategies.

 

2. Sport Medicine, Exercise Therapy, and Human Performance

This section addresses the biomedical and clinical dimensions of sport and exercise, including acute and chronic adaptations to training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.

2.1 Exercise Physiology and Performance

• Cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and metabolic responses
• Performance optimisation and training adaptation
• Environmental and occupational physiology

2.2 Sports Medicine and Injury Science

• Injury mechanisms and epidemiology
• Musculoskeletal health
• Return-to-play and clinical decision-making

2.3 Rehabilitation and Exercise Therapy

• Physiotherapy and clinical exercise interventions
• Post-injury rehabilitation protocols
• Exercise-based management of chronic diseases

2.4 Biomechanics and Motor Control

• Kinematics and kinetics
• Motor learning and motor performance
• Movement analysis and neuromuscular control

2.5 Nutrition, Supplementation, and Recovery

• Sports nutrition, hydration, ergogenic aids
• Fatigue management and recovery strategies

This domain emphasises evidence-based clinical practice and scientifically grounded approaches to human performance.

 

3. Health Promotion, Public Health, and Lifestyle Medicine

This section focuses on physical activity as a foundation for population health and preventive medicine.

3.1 Physical Activity and Public Health

• Physical activity epidemiology
• Sedentary behaviour and health outcomes
• Community-based activity interventions

3.2 Lifestyle Medicine and Preventive Health

• Exercise for metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health
• Chronic disease prevention and weight management
• Lifestyle change models and patient adherence

3.3 Healthy Ageing and Functional Fitness

• Active ageing and functional independence
• Fall prevention and mobility maintenance
• Physical activity for special populations

3.4 Youth and School Health Promotion

• School-based physical activity programmes
• Physical education and health literacy
• Adolescent health development

3.5 Social and Environmental Determinants of Health

• Built environment and active living
• Health equity and socio-economic impacts
• Cultural influences on health behaviour

This domain links physical activity research with public health strategies and real-world health outcomes.

 

4. Sport Sciences, Coaching, and Physical Education

Topics include:

• Strength and conditioning
• Coaching science and athlete development
• Performance analytics
• Kinesiology and motor learning
• Curriculum innovation in physical education
• Youth sport pathways and talent identification
• Sport sociology, policy, and governance

 

5. Research Methods and Emerging Approaches

IJSHS welcomes advanced methodological contributions, including:

• Systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and meta-analyses
• Bibliometric and scientometric studies
• Qualitative and mixed-methods approaches
• Experimental, quasi-experimental, and longitudinal designs
• Data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and wearable technologies in sport
• Measurement validation and instrument development

 

Overall Scope Summary

IJSHS welcomes high-quality research across three core pillars:

• Sport Psychology and Mental Well-Being
• Sport Medicine, Exercise Therapy, and Human Performance
• Health Promotion, Public Health, and Lifestyle Medicine

The journal also supports complementary work in sport sciences, coaching, education, and emerging methodologies.