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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

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Home > College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences > Departments > Sport and Exercise Psychology > Sport and Exercise Psychology Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sport and Exercise Psychology Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

A Randomized Need-Supportive Intervention with U.S. Youth Hockey Coaches , Diane Benish

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

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Home > USC Columbia > Public Health, Arnold School of > SPH_EXERCISE_SCIENCE > Exercise Science Theses and Dissertations

Exercise Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Leveraging Church Environments to Promote Rural Physical Activity and Healthy Eating , Kelsey Rothera Day

The Role of Environmental Context in Supporting Children’s 24- Hour Movement Behaviors; A Positive Deviance Perspective , Roddrick Dugger

Effects of Caffeine on Measures of Clinical Outcome and Recovery Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Adolescents , Jacob Michael Eade

Sleep, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Time in the First Year Postpartum , Erin Elizabeth Kishman

Mechanisms of Social Stress Susceptibility and Resilience in Female Rats , Brittany Sara Pate

Predictors of Driving Performance Post-Stroke , Halle Elise Prine

A Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Study to Evaluate the Effects of Two Novel Hydration Beverage Formulas on Rehydration in Healthy Adults , Nathaniel David Rhoades

Effect of Action Selection Demands on the Execution of Goal-Directed Reaches , James Garrison Riedy

An Examination of Inter-Limb Functional Asymmetry After a Fatiguing Bout of Exercise in High Level Soccer Players , Nestor Urrea

Causes and Consequences of the Risk of Generalizability Biases in Health Behavioral Interventions , Lauren von Klinggraeff

Exercise and Mental Health Over the Course of a Semester , Jamie Alexis Whitney

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Molecular Architecture of Cardiometabolic Responses to Regular Exercise , Jacob L. Barber

Relationships Among Sleep, Physical Activity, and Weight Status in Children and Adolescents , Agnes Bucko

Self Reported Cardiovascular Health and Health Behaviors in Women Veterans , Seth Byland

Sports Nutrition- and Strength and Conditioning-based Interventions to Bolster Health and Human Performance in Male and Female Tactical Personnel , Harry Paul Cintineo

Psychophysiological Biomarkers of Concussion Recovery , Adam Todd Harrison

The Effects of Exercise Training on Cholesterol Efflux Capacity in the HERITAGE Family Study , Joshua Adam Hawkins

Physical Activity and Stress Between American Students and Asian International Students at the University of South Carolina , Hao Lei

Effects of Positive Social Comparative Feedback During Practice on Motor Sequence Learning, Performance Expectancies, and Resting State Connectivity , Allison Foster Lewis

Using a Multi-Direction Reaching Approach to Investigate Fitts’ Law and the Effect of Attentional Focus on Motor Learning , Charles R. Smith

Impact of a Novel Marine Algae Supplement on Inflammatory and Immune Response After High-Intensity Exercise , Caroline Sara Vincenty

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Clinical Determinants of VO 2 max Response to Endurance Training: HERITAGE Family Study , Emanuel Ayala

The Influence of ADHD on Concussion in NCAA College Athletes , Brett Steven Gunn

The Relationship of Structured Environments With Children’s Body Composition and Obesogenic Behaviors , Ethan T. Hunt

Racial Disparities in Gestational Weight Gain, Body Mass Index, And Physical Activity During Pregnancy and After Delivery , Marcey Acacia Jiles

Strengthening the Evidence-Base of Youth Nutrition Programs: A Three Part Approach , Rebecca Kyryliuk

Multiple Processes Predict Motor Learning and Impairments After a Stroke , Christopher Michael Perry

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior During and After Pregnancy and Postpartum Weight Retention , Kaitlyn Taylor Ramey

The Influence of Sport Participation on Physical Activity in Youth , Emily R. Shull

Examination of Energy Needs and Female Athlete Triad Components in Competitive Cheerleaders , Allison Smith

Performance of the Wrist-worn Actigraph GT3X + in Measuring Physical Activity in Older Women , Michal Talley Smith

Effects of Basketball Exercise Simulation Test (BEST) On Landing Mechanics in Active Females , Madison Treece

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

The Association of Exercise Training Modalities with Circulating Branched Chain Amino Acid and Ketone Body levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes , Ryan Andrew Flynn

Examination of Daily Steps in People With Parkinson’s Disease & Stroke: Two Steps Forward , Reed Handlery

Examination of Emergency Medical Services Activations for Sport- Related Injuries , Rebecca Marie Hirschhorn

Sex-Based Differences in Concussion Outcomes Among Adolescents and Young Adults , Jacob James Michael Kay

Piloting a Smartphone-Based Sedentary Behavior Reduction Intervention for Adults With Overweight or Obesity: Take a STAND 4 Health , Chelsea Larsen

Integrating Survivors of Stroke Into Cardiac Rehabilitation , Elizabeth Wherley Regan

Lipoprotein Discordance: Associations With Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Response to Exercise , Jonathan Joseph Pulama Kupaianaha Ruiz-Ramie

Characterizing Patterns of Adherence to Physical Activity Goals in Behavioral Weight Control , Melissa Lee Stansbury

Mental Health Prevalence and Biofeedback Intervention for Student- Athletes , Samantha Rose Weber

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Leveraging For-Cause Physical Activity Events for Physical Activity Promotion: An Investigation Using Self-Determination Theory , John A. Bernhart

Effect of TRB3 on Skeletal Muscle Mass Regulation and Exercise-Induced Adaptation , Ran Hee Choi

The Role of AMPK in the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Proteostasis During Cancer Cachexia , Dennis K. Fix

Identification of Factors Contributing to Musculoskeletal Injuries in Military Basic Trainees , Amy Fraley Hand

Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Brain Activation in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain , Max K. Jordon

The Effect of Patient Financial Liability on Physical Therapy Utilization and Patient Reported Outcomes for Patients With Low Back Pain: An Instrumental Variable Analysis , Adam D. Lutz

Physical Activity of Preschoolers with Developmental Disabilities and Delays , Michaela A. Schenkelberg

Reproducibility and The Effects of Exercise on The Endurance Index , Michael Dean Smith, JR.

Differential Cholinergic Modulation of Prelimbic and Thalamic Input to the Basolateral Amygdala , Sarah Catherine Tryon

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiovascular-related Circulating MicroRNAs , Jacob Luther Barber

Neighborhood Socioeconomic Environment and Its Influence on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Activity in Youth , Morgan N. Clennin

Calibration of an Accelerometer for Measurement of Very Light Intensity Physical Activity in Children , Joseph S. Gorab

The Effects Of Exercise Mode And Intensity On Energy Expenditure During And After Exercise In Resistance Trained Males , George Lewis Grieve

Enhancing Dancing: Examining The Potency Of A Combined Action Observation And Brain Stimulation Intervention , Melissa B. Kolar

The Effects Of Modifiable Lifestyle Behaviors On Lipoprotein Particle Concentration And Size , Ryan R. Porter

Cortical Damage and Disconnection Contribute to Post-Stroke Sensorimotor Impairment , Shafagh Yazdani

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Patterns Of Participation And Performance In Youth Baseball Players , Amanda Arnold

The Effect of Energy-Matched Exercise Intensity on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Motor Learning , Jessica F. Baird

The Role of Exercise Dose on Ghrelin Concentration in Postmenopausal Women , Kimberly Bowyer

Children’s Obesogenic Behaviors During Summer Versus School , Keith Brazendale

The Effects of a Game Simulation on Muscle Activation and Knee Kinematics in Females , Geoffrey Collins

The Regulation of Glycoprotein130 Dependent Inflammatory Cytokines one Basal and Mechanical Stimuli Induced Protein Synthesis in Myotubes and Skeletal Muscles , Song Gao

Muscle Inflammatory Signaling Regulates Eccentric Contraction-Induced Protein Synthesis during Cancer Cachexia , Justin Perry Hardee

The Addition Of A Concurrent Bimanual Task Influences Postural Sway And Walking Speed Performance And Prioritization Across All Ages , Derek Matthew Liuzzo

Maternal Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness During Pregnancy and its Relation to Infant Size , Samantha M. McDonald

Identifying Associations between Religious Commitment and Preventive Health Behaviors in a Southeastern Rural County , Nathan A. Peters

The Association Of Changes In Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Changes In Cardiometabolic Risk Factors , Leanna Marie Ross

The Nutrition Assistance Landscape in Afterschool Programs: Understanding the Gap between Research, Policy, and Practice , Falon Elizabet Tilley

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Effects Of Exercise On Sleep Parameters Among Older Women , Charity B. Breneman

Exploring Children’s Physical Activity Levels Through Structure and Measurement , Jessica L. Chandler

Comparison of the Effects of Energy Flux on Metabolic Conditions and Satiety in Young Adults , Molly Madison DeMello

Role Of Altered Gut Microbiota In Tumor Development, Mucus Production And Inflammation In APC MIN/+ Mouse Model , Kamaljeet Kaur

Exploratory Analysis Of PTSD Severity And Objective Measures Of Physical Activity Among Combat Veterans , Danny O. Sauceda

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Environmental and Policy Assessment – Measurement Issues and Implications , Rahma Jamea Yousef Ajja

Metabotropic Receptor Modulation of Kainate Receptors in the Hippocampus , C'iana Patrice Cooper

The Recovery of Gut Barrier Function With Selenium Rich Diet in Acute DSS-Induced Colitis , Sarah Depaepe

The Role of Ovarian Function in the Progression of Cachexia in the APC MIN/+ Mouse , Kimbell Louise Hetzler

Factors Influencing Level of Implementation of Physical Activity Interventions in Youth-Serving Organizations , Yuen Yan Lau

Correlations Between White Matter Integrity, Structural Connectivity, And Upper and Lower Extremity Motor Function in Individuals With Chronic Stroke , Denise M. Peters

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Fatness Effect on Submaximal Systolic Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Prognosis among Young Adults , Vivek Kumar Prasad

Adiponectin and Selenium Rich Diet can act as a Complimentary Medicine in the Treatment of Intestinal and Chronic Inflammation Induced Colon Cancer , Arpit Saxena

Novel Drug 2-benzoyl-3-phenyl 6,7-dichloroquinoxaline 1,4-dioxide Induces Colon Cancer Cell Apoptosis Through HIF-1α Pathway , Alexander-Jacques Theodore Sougiannis

Patterns of Sedentary Behavior and Association with Health Risks Among African American Adults , Tatiana Y. Warren-Jones

Patient and Provider Perceptions of Weight Gain, Physical Activity, and Nutrition in Pregnancy , Kara M. Whitaker

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The Effects of Exercise Training on Cognitive Reserve and Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Women , Katie Marie Becofsky

The Effects of Arthritis Foundation’s “Walk With Ease” Program on Cognitive Function , Ryan S. Falck

Weight-Gain and Energy Balance , Benjamin Thomas Gordon

ROLE OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION ON LIVER FUNCTION DURING CACHEXIA PROGRESSION IN THE APC MIN/+ MOUSE MODEL , Aditi Narsale

Longitudinal Evaluations of Objectively Measured Physical Activity: Capturing the Full Spectrum of Duration and Intensity , Amanda E. Paluch

The Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Mitochondrial Biogenesis by gp130/STAT3 Signaling during Cancer Cachexia , Melissa Puppa

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Mechanisms of Posterior Shoulder Tightness and Effectiveness of Manual Therapy , Lane Brooks Bailey

Optimal Cooperation In Joint Action Tasks , Scott Michael Blanchette

Measuring Organizational Member Involvement In Physical Activity Coalitions Across the United States , Daniel Benjamin Bornstein

Outsmarting the Brain: Augmenting Motor Training with Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Order to Facilitate Plasticity-Dependent, Functional Improvement within the Motor Cortex , Raymond Joseph Butts

The Association of Physical Fitness With Psychological Health Outcomes In Soldiers During Army Basic Combat Training , Shannon K. Crowley

An Investigation into the Influence of Dietary Saturated Fat and Quercetin Supplementation on Adiposity, Macrophage Behavior, Inflammation, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty-Liver Disease , Reilly Enos

The Effect of Radiation on Myofiber Properties in Mouse Skeletal Muscle , Dennis K. Fix

Exploring the Role of Culture and Race In Stroke Rehabilitation Disparities , Jennifaye Verdina Greene

Classroom Exercise Breaks and Educational Outcomes in Elementary School Students , Erin Kaye Howie

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20 great research ideas for your dissertation on sports, sponsored post.

• February 28, 2020

A degree in Sports Science will place students in careers such as sports therapy, coaching, personal training, sports nutrition, and sports management, among others. You can also become an event organizer, a sports psychologist, or a sports researcher. As such, students looking for sport science dissertation ideas should pick only those ideas that can help progress their careers in the future. Below are simple sport dissertation ideas you might consider:

Dissertation Questions and Topics on Exercise and Muscle Strength

1. How does exercise enhance performance in football? You can study muscle strength as the main factor in enhancing the success of elite footballer in the UK

2. Exercise, muscle strength, and swimming: A case study of the effects of exercises on human physiology and skeletal muscle functions in swimming

3. Physical and psychological effects of long term bodybuilding: How does long term bodybuilding affect the mind and the body, and what is the role of nutrition in all these?

4. Effects of prolonged exercise and sports on aging: A study on muscle degeneration among women athletes before and in menopause and beyond

5. Nutrition in sports during the active years and beyond: A case study of active and retired athletes and how nutrition affects their health.

6. Muscle strength and gender: Comparing how muscle transformations in male and female athletes and the role of nutrition 

Sport Dissertation Examples in Nutrition  

7. Pre-game diet and performance: A comparative study on hoe different diet taken before a game affect performance in males and females

8. Protein requirements in sports: A study on protein supplementation for optimal performance in sports, strength training, and bone development

9. Vitamins and athlete performance: Does vitamin supplementation enhance performance in the field?

10.  Supplements and performance in the field: Does the use of supplements such as citrate, bicarbonate, glutamine, and others help in sports performance?

There are so many more dissertation topics in sports nutrition. You can search for these online, and you can come up with more, especially on challenges that athletes in your locality face. Either you do your research from scratch or ask for help with a dissertation from a writer with PhD on Writix , choosing the right topic is crucial. Dissertation order platforms can provide you with some ideas on topics as well. 

Interesting EPQ Topics in Sports Pharmacology  

11.  The effects of prescribed supplements in athletics: Does the use of supplements and other drugs affect performance for athletes with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases?

12.  Hypertension and sports: What the International Sports Association stands for in the management of hypertension for active patients.

13.  The use of Diuretics in sports: A case study on the effects of the use of diuretics on physical activities among elite athletes

14.  Asthmatic tri-athletes: How do strenuous training and medication affect asthmatic athletes?

15.  Adrenaline rush and race: A case study of adrenaline production during sports in black and white males and females in the UK

Sport Science Dissertation Ideas in Health and Well-Being  

16.  Optimal performance and metabolic training: Examining all case studies on the metabolism of nutrients during metabolic training among elite athletes

17.  Subject health and well-being among college footballers: A case study of the health and psychological well-being of college footballers in Wales. This can be one of these interesting EPQ topics.

18.  Athletes’ psychological stability and performance: How does mental well-being influence performance among elite athletes?

19.  Swimming and satisfaction in life: A study on life satisfaction and happiness among active swimming professionals

20.  Cultural and racial well-being in football: A case study of white and black footballers and their self-esteem, and how that affects performance in football clubs in England.

Sport Dissertation Ideas on Other Topics  

The list of dissertation questions and topics is almost endless. Other sport dissertation examples you can pursue include the hardships coaches face on behavioral intervention, effects of parenthood on exercise and performance, homosexuality and its effects on coaching, how gender affects coaching sports achievements, the use of integrated model of sport injury for psychological improvements, and fatness among high school gymnasts and how it affects their esteem.

Interesting EPQ topics on clinical exercise psychology include the effect of music on exercise intensity , effects of smoking on athletes, effects of PDE5 inhibitors on blood pressure, resistance training and cardiac patients, among others. 

Conclusion  

You can ask for help coming up with sport dissertation ideas from an online service and then carry out the research yourself. With thousands of sport dissertation examples, the most appropriate idea for your research should be one that matches your career aspirations. You can also research an issue that affects most athletes internationally or locally. In such a case, you do not need an idea from an online source as you can create sports science dissertation ideas on your own. When doing so, consider dissertation questions in medicine, supplementation, nutrition, psychology, family, and management, the industry as a whole, coaching, and much more. 

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Sports Dissertation Research Topics – Titles With Research Aim

Published by Grace Graffin at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On April 16, 2024

Introduction

The significance of a dissertation topic cannot be overlooked in the academic world. If your dissertation topic is unique, meaningful and intriguing, it is very likely that you will impress your readers and the supervisor. Your dissertation topic should be specific and focused so you address a real problem and contribute to the literature. Finding sports dissertation topics can be a little challenging because sports, unlike other academic subjects, is mostly based on physical activities even though it does involve sports sciences courses.

In this blog post, we have provided several sports dissertation topics to help you get started with your sports dissertation. These topics look at the significance and relevance of sports from different perspectives including nutrition, psychology, mental health, physiology and biomechanics. Without further ado, here are the best sports dissertation topics for you to consider for your research.

Here is our selection of sports dissertation topics that you shouldn’t ignore.

Topic 1: The Role of Sports Education in Obesity Prevention- A Case of Sports Education at Young Age in British Schools

Topic 2: sports and economy- the role of sports in economic growth and human development- a case of cricket in india, topic 3: impact of sports psychology and coaching on the personality development of the athlete- an exploratory study finding the advantages and disadvantages of sports psychology, topic 4: the role of sports diplomacy in foreign policymaking- a case of sports relationship between north and south korea, topic 5: are sports necessary or business making ways the role of sports medicine in enhancing sports performance- assessing the advantages and disadvantages of sports medicine.

Also Read – Mental health dissertation topics , psychology dissertation ideas, physiotherapy dissertation topics , and healthcare dissertation topics .

2024 Sports Dissertation Research Topics

Research Aim: This research aims to find the role of sports education in obesity prevention. It will analyse the strategies and methods used by schools and other educational institutions to provide sports awareness to students from age to prevent them from obesity. It will find how much awareness level is necessary for young students to participate in sports activities. Lastly, it will recommend ways schools and other educational institutes can create an encouraging sports environment to make children more active from a young age.

Research Aim: This study intends to analyse the role of sports in economic growth and human development. It will assess the role played by sports in a country’s gross domestic product (GDP), employment creation, investments, and human development index (HDI). It will use cricket in India as a case study. It will show how many households are associated with cricket? How much do they make and consume? What is the overall physical and online viewership of cricket? How does the cricket economy work in India?

Research Aim: This research finds the impact of sports psychology and coaching on the personality development of the athlete. It will find psychological factors which affect the athlete’s personality and performance. Moreover, it will show how sports psychology and coaching can improve these factors to improve athletes’ traits such as motivation level, confidence, performance, etc. Lastly, it will recommend enhancing athletes’ personalities through sports psychology and coaching in multiple ways.

Research Aim: This study sheds light on the role of sports diplomacy in foreign policymaking. It will show the importance of sports, global political economy, and international relations (IR) by analyzing various IR and international sports theories. It will assess the role of sports in the diplomatic relationship between south and north Koreas. It will show whether they incorporate sports diplomacy in their foreign policy to improve diplomatic ties with each other. Lastly, it will recommend lessons other countries learned from their relationship.

Research Aim: This research assesses the role of sports medicine in enhancing sports performance. It will analyse the effects of these medicines on the health of athletes. Moreover, it will find the other advantages and disadvantages of these medicines. It will also show whether athletes need it or are just promoted by the businesses to increase their profits? Lastly, a clinical lens will recommend the correct use of these medicines.

Sports Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: physical exercise: a tool to develop the physical health of children.

Research Aim: This dissertation aims to analyse the benefits of regular physical exercise for children. It also focuses on how their physical health is developed through various exercises.

Topic 2: The Impact of Video Games upon Outdoor Games

Research Aim: This research paper will compare the technology-oriented virtual games and the traditional sports that are needed to play by engaging oneself physically. The negative impact of digital games on outdoor games is enormous as it ceases children’s physical development.

Topic 3: Chess: A Game to Enhance Intelligence Level

Research Aim: This topic aims to analyse the benefit of playing an indoor game like Chess, which develops a player’s intelligence level. Playing Chess needs high attention, which increases the genius level.

Topic 4: Yoga and Meditation: The new Dimensions in Sports

Research Aim: This dissertation intends to evaluate the importance of yoga and meditation as a physical and mental health coach. Generally, sports develop physical health and set the state of mind by increasing the attention level of the mind. Yoga and meditation are the parts of sports that make it possible.

Topic 5: The Relevance of Sports and Exercise with Biomedical Study

Research Aim: This research aims to determine the relevance of sports and exercise in a biomedical study. Sports act as a cure for human health. Biomedical research evaluates the importance of sports as medicine to human health.

Topic 6: Indoor Game vs Outdoor Game: A Comparative Study of Sports

Research Aim: The focus of this dissertation is to show a comparative study of indoor and outdoor games. Indoor games develop mental health and increase intelligence levels, whereas outdoor games are necessary for physical health.

Topic 7: Sports: As a Medium of Career Development

Research Aim: This research focuses on the importance of sports as a career developer. As many players are acquiring recognition at the national and international levels. It helps to drive their passion for their profession and also promotes sports worldwide.

Topic 8: Cricket: A Sport Establishes a Strong Bond Between Nations

Research Aim: This research paper aims to analyse the significance of cricket as a sport that creates a bond of mutual trust and friendship among different nations. It also shows the craze for sports within the public of a nation.

Topic 9: Sports: The Confidence Developer of Mind

Research Aim: This research paper focuses on the importance of sports as a confidence developer. Sports give mental pleasure and develop a kind of enthusiasm and confidence within the player’s mind. This rejuvenates a mind with the spirit of fighting and living life to its best.

Topic 10: Extracurricular Activities in School: The Relevance of Sports with Study

Research Aim: This research paper focuses on the importance of extracurricular activities and sports in education. In education, institutes, extracurricular activities, and sports are simultaneously needed with a good education. This helps in the all-around development of a student.

Topic 11: The Negative Impact of Social Media on Sports

Research Aim: This dissertation focuses on the negative impact of social media on sports. In this modern age, teenagers indulge in social media from a very young age, which diverts their minds from extracurricular activities, sports, and outdoor games. This creates an adverse impact as the necessary mental, and physical growth is disrupted.

Topic 12: Organizing the Annual Sports Program in Schools: The Culture and its Benefit

Research Aim: This research paper aims to evaluate the importance of organizing an annual sports program in schools. The culture of organizing annual sports in schools makes the students understand the importance of sports and their benefits.

Topic 13: The Complementary Pairs: Sports and Nutrition

Research Aim: This research paper focuses on the relationship between sports and nutrition. Sports and nutrition are complementary parts as they help develop a healthy mind and body. Sports develop the human body, and nutrition gives the elements to the body for development.

Topic 14: Sports for Children with Disabilities

Research Aim: The dissertation focuses on the importance of sports in the lives of children with disabilities. The children who cannot use their body parts and minds appropriately are encouraged with various kinds of sports to not feel unequal and separated from the others. Sports give them mental strength and happiness.

Topic 15: Exercises for a Modern Techno-Oriented Generation: As a Reliever of Stress and Developer of Health

Research Aim: This research paper aims to analyse the benefits of exercise in this digital world for the modern generation. This modern generation passes its time mainly on technology, which gives much stress and hampers health. Exercises help to relieve stress and acts as a health developer.

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• Analyze athletes’ well-being or performance.
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Various Dissertation Topics

Physiology and exercise.

• The role of a physiological basis in tennis. Detailed research on the muscle tissue as an essential prerequisite for achieving success in the area.
• Powerful muscles strong swimmers. Establishing the connection between the muscle tone and great results in swimming.
• Gymnastics exercises and neural processes. Discovering the issues arising on the gymnasts way to a good performance.
• Being a body builder: psychological and physiological qualities. Studying the interaction between the performance, physical exercises and nutrition among well-known body builders.
• Special physical exercises for strengthening skeletal muscles. Muscle strength as a decisive factor in athletic activity.
• Aging as a damaging effect on muscles. Examining muscle functions and metamorphosis among the women athletes during and after the period of menopause.
• Physical training: morphological and neurological peculiarities of bones and muscles.
• Nutrition as a source of strength. Exploring the up-to-date and old-fashioned ways of training. Investigating the methods of building up strength in retired basketball players.
• Dependence of the muscle strength upon gender. Studying physiological peculiarities of women and men athletes.
• Physical exercises suitable for elderly sportsmen. Examining the diseases the elderly gymnasts suffer from.

Nutrition and Sport

• Direct connection between sport and nutrition. Conducting thorough research on the balanced diet for sportsmen. Investigating the influence of food on the activity of football players.
• Athletic activity and nutrition. Analyzing different nutrition schemes for vegetarian sportsmen. Studying the effect of such schemes on athletes health.
• Strength sport: meeting protein specifications. Identifying the role of protein in bone development and muscle stretching. Connection between protein diet and effective training.
• Essential functions of vitamins. Examining vitamin supplements and their relation to impressive results in sport.
• Athletes suffering from a lack of vitamins. In-depth research on the effect of carbohydrate and protein supplements on the recovery of muscle glycogen after training.
• The amount of iron required for a good performance of athletes. Highlighting the difference between men and women.
• Supplements and sportsmens excellence. Exploring the use of bicarbonate, glutamine, and citrate supplements and their influence on athletes achievements.
• Caffeine and athletes accomplishments. Examining the intake of caffeine and its impact on athletes results in sport competitions.
• Valuable properties of vitamin D. What role does it play in athletes performance? Studying the effect of vitamin D on athletes health.
• Using the supplements prescribed by the doctor. Analyzing the position of international sports association on the use of supplements.

Physical Exercises and Sport Pharmacology

• Drug use and spectacular results in sport. Exploring the use of drug supplements by famous athletes. Examining the performance of the athletes using supplements and those who do not use any additives.
• Using the prescribed supplements and drugs in sport. Studying the most frequently used additives and drugs for respiratory cardiovascular diseases of athletes.
• Exercises suitable for sportsmen with hypertension. The opinion of the international sports association on the hypertension treatment given to athletes and physically active people.
• Pharmacology and ergogenic help in sport. Examining the diuretics use in sport. Exploring the impact of physical exercises on drug treatment for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases among popular sportsmen.
• Sport-related measures for treating bronchial complications. Analyzing the cases when athletes have been treated for inhalation of beta2-agonist during the 2012 Olympics.
• Tri-athletes having asthma. Exploring the effect of medication, training and exercises on the health of asthmatic sportsmen.
• Legal use of additives and drugs in sport. Analyzing international laws on supplement and drug use in football.
• The effect of adrenaline rush. Examining the case of women over the age of 45 in the USA and UK.
• Chronic diseases and nutrition specifications. Studying the nutrition demands for athletes having chronic diseases.
• Sportsmen with cardiovascular medication. Investigating the cases of cardiovascular medication use by athletes during the 2012 Olympics. Difficulties of using the heart rate as a means of measuring the intensity of exercises.

Satellite Cells

• Therapy for stem cells. Exploring the peculiarities of stem cell therapy and measures for treating athletes for osteoarthritis and cartilage deficiencies.
• The cycle of satellite cells. The role of satellite stem cells in regulation, growth, and muscle regeneration during physical exercises.
• Controlling diseases. Toning muscles during exercises. Investigation of the effect of myonuclear domain on proliferation and differentiation of diseases, stem cell cycle and adaptation of a human organism.
• The condition of satellite cells in elderly athletes. Examining the change of satellite stem cells of old and young sportsmen. Assessing the significance of satellite cells for the process of the muscle mass regulation
• Satellite cells and testosterone. Analyzing the cellular and molecular mechanisms. Determining the connection between the peculiarities of testosterone and impressive achievements in sport.
• Sport training and satellite stem cells. Exploring the influence of hard training on the satellite stem cells contained in the skeletal muscles of sportsmen.
• Satellite cells, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy. Inspecting the heterogeneity of swimmers satellite cell muscles and cell division orientation.
• Satellite stem cells development. Exploring the characteristic features of the satellite stem cells, i.e. functions, proliferation, and origin.
• Adaptation of the satellite stem cells. Investigating the peculiarities of trapezius muscles during training or aerobics.
• Satellite cells and components relating to age. Examining the functions and heterogeneity of the satellite stem cells of an adult athlete.

Physical Conditions and Mitochondria

• Exploring the connection between the development, fitness and strength of mitochondria of athletes with insulin sensitivity.
• Cell metabolism and the functions of mitochondria. Examining the role of mitochondrial overload and partial fatty acid oxidation. Analyzing their effect on the skeletal muscles increment in tough training.
• The effect of aging on metabolism. Studying the use of anti-aging drugs with the aim of avoiding syndromes relating to metabolism among elder sportsmen.
• Metabolic disorders. Controlling obesity and the level of insulin with the help of drugs and special exercises for skeletal muscles of sportsmen.
• Can the level of insulin caused by fat food be decreased by the growth of muscle mitochondrion mass? Examining the role of fat food and insulin resistance during the period of strength training.
• Is it possible to compromise both glucose tolerance and metabolic flexibility by deleting particular muscles of carnitine acetyltransferase after physical exercises? Studying muscle exercises and metabolic fitness in terms of power lifting trainings.
• Obesity and metabolic fitness. Analyzing cellular energy transductions and their impact on obesity of athletes.
• Deficiency of carnitine. Investigating the influence of aging and excessive nutrition on mitochondrial functions and metabolic control when doing physical exercises.
• Type 2 diabetes and metabolic fitness. Discovering the connection between the functions of mitochondrial oxidation and type 2 diabetes during physical exercises.
• Diseases and metabolic health. Research on the functions of lipid oxidation and mitochondrial uncoupling during mental conditioning and aerobic exercises.

Biomechanics in Sport

• Strength training and intrinsic biomechanics. Applying pectoral bench recruitment techniques to bench pressing during weight lifting exercises.
• Extrinsic and intrinsic biomechanics. Exploring the newbie gain and the period of its duration. Analyzing the registration of gain levels among sportsmen and sportswomen.
• Weight exercises: nutrient supplementation and biomechanics. Studying various gain levels of people using additives and those who do not deal with any supplements when being on a diet for four months.
• Strength training. Using the bands when undergoing strength training with the aim of growing muscle gains and maximizing positive effect.
• Male and female athletes. Exploring the biomechanics and functions of coaching among top women athletes during intelligence exercises.
• Temperature and biomechanics. Analyzing the functioning of athletes muscles during isometric exercises according to the temperature change. Exploring the cases of European and African athletes.
• Puberty exercises and athletic kinds of sport. Examining the condition of women athletes before and after the puberty age and probable metabolic outcomes.
• Biomechanics processes. The significance of being aware of biomechanics basics before doing German volume exercises.
• Human movements and biomechanics. Making a detailed analysis of the peculiarities of cell biology biomechanics in terms of nutrition during the circuit exercises.
• Human physiology and biological measurement. Examining the basic aspects of human physiology, physiological parameters and homeostasis processes during body building exercises.

Wellbeing and Health in Terms of Sport

• Evaluating the functions and physical condition of people in football and aerobic training. Defining the role of structural and physical exercises in the physiological and psychological wellbeing and development of football players.
• The importance of nutrition and physical exercises for athletes. Discovering the correlation between the physical activity and healthy food consumption of top-rated athletes.
• Metabolic-related training and exercise development. Studying the concepts and theories relating to metabolism of nutrients in metabolic training.
• Wellbeing from the point of view of college football players. Exploring the cases of college footballers of England.
• Athletes welfare and achievements. The impact of mental welfare on physical activity among high-class athletes.
• Opinion on the notion of wellbeing among swimmers. Examining the way happiness and enjoyment is connected with the accomplishments of experienced swimmers.
• Cultural welfare in the football area. Analyzing the cases of European footballers from the point of view of their self-respect and satisfaction rate.
• Work and wellbeing from the athletes point of view. Analyzing personal qualities of professional athletes and their input.
• Welfare and marital status in football. Exploring the cases of single and married football players of England.
• The role of gender, age, and subjective welfare in football training. Analyzing the alterations in physical exercises in terms of age and cross-sectional gender during strengthening football exercises.

Analyzing Psychological Issues

• Examining the difficulties the coaches encounter when dealing with performance and behavioral intervention issues. Scrutinizing the case of the coaching fraternity in the National team of England.
• Parenthood and training. The problems working parents having little children face and possible impact on their achievements.
• Coaching and homosexuality. Examining the cases of gay trainers in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
• Cultural analysis and gender in training. Exploring cultural and gender inconsistencies in sport. Investigating the cases of Spanish football players.
• The role of gender in coaching. Analyzing the attitude of coaches to female and male athletes.
• Injuries in sport. Is it effective to use an implemented model of injuries to sustain psychological growth of hurt high school athletes?
• Is being fat embarrassed? Examining the nervous tension women gymnasts suffer from because of the created body image.
• Sport leaders. Examining the attitude of athletes to team coaches.
• Changing ones sport career. Analyzing the psychological impact of a career change due to injuries in the football clubs of the United Kingdom.
• Body image and food consumption. Examining the effect of food consumption by women athletes in England.

Clinical Exercise Psychology

• Making an analysis of the positive effect of music on the intensity of physical exercises among athletes. Examining the performance of online and TV gymnasts.
• Exploring the negative influence of smoking on childrens organism. Do pulmonary abnormalities can be caused by children athletes addiction to smoking?
• Can the blood pressure be affected by PDE5 inhibitors? Examining the influence of applying PDE5 inhibitors by male football players.
• The use of different training techniques. Exploring the implementation of non-uniform training and its impact on athletes achievements in the competitions.
• The fundamental peculiarities of the training process among patients with heart diseases. Doing research on the discrepancies in rehabilitation rates among the athletes with heart diseases.
• Physical exercises and age. Identifying the gap in the knowledge of athletes of different age range.
• The non-impact exercises and the physiological and psychological influence they make on athletes. Examining female athletes who are over 45 years old.
• Training in the areas with high and low altitude. Which area helps athletes achieve better results? Analyzing the accomplishments and conditions of European athletes training in the high and low altitude areas.
• Metabolic disorders and physical exercises suitable for athletes with pulmonary and cardiac issues. Detailed examination of prescriptions, methods, training and special programs for athletes with chest and heart problems.
• Motivational aspects of physical training. Physiological and psychological peculiarities of youth athletes. Exploring their attitude to exercises.

Sport Exercises and Science

• Illustrating the importance of doing physical exercises and examining the influence of oral contraceptives. Examining college female athletes in the UK within the period of 6 months.
• Athletes achievements and family ties. Doing detailed research on athletes family background and establishing a direct connection between the family and athletes success.
• Studying the aims pursued by prospective and professional athletes. Defining similar and distinctive features.
• Sport and autism. Carrying out an objective analysis of the achievements of children with spectrum autism and those without it in the middle school.
• Volatile kinds of sport and androgenic anabolic steroids. Examining the cases of the mentioned steroid use in boxing.
• The role of muscle strength in different kinds of sports and its functioning when being injured. Exploring the physical condition of male and female rugby players.
• Women in sport. The influence of sports on the position of women in the society and their body.
• The effect of school programs on students achievements in sport. Determining the educational establishments in England with the highest rate of success in sport.
• Sport and leisure activities. Analyzing the lifestyle of famous English football players and its impact on sport accomplishments.
• The attitude of hospital staff to sport as a way of spending their free time. Investigating the case of a particular hospital.

Sport & Exercise Sciences

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Subject: Sport & Exercise Science

Understanding the contributing factors resulting in dropout in adolescent female swimmers.

• Chloe Stedman
• Sport & Exercise Science
• Year of Publication:
• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Impact of mood status and physical activity level upon health status after a cardiac event

• Lillie Manning

An investigation into the effects of kinesiology tape on muscular strength, to identify a preventative intervention for anterior cruciate ligament injury in healthy women

• Charlotte Barker
• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy

Investigating the health implications of concussion and the need for education within amateur Rugby Football Union

• Jessica Barclay

A cross-sectional examination of the relationship between physical activity and anxiety in university students

• Tobias Abbott

The relationship between mental toughness and flow and clutch states in sport and exercise participants

• George Butler

Understanding the impact of the closures and restricted access to leisure facilities on the motivation of young adult, regional and national level swimmers

• Lucy Olivia Clarke

The effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on aerobic and power parameters of intermittent sports players

• Matthew Cowling

Effects of in-season fixture congestion on fatigue and recovery status of professional footballers

• Adam Bridle

A qualitative study to explore motivation to participate in physical activity in final year undergraduate students

• Danniel A R Thompson

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Advances in Sport Science: Latest Findings and New Scientific Proposals

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In sports, measuring is essential. The science surrounding physical activity and sport has been experiencing unstoppable growth for more than 30 years. Increasing the performance of athletes via strategies and recommendations backed by scientific evidence has become a necessity. Many sports and ...

Keywords : Performance analysis, individual sport, collective sports, adapted sports, parasports, match analysis, high performance, tactics, technique, female sport, women's sport

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Physical Education and Exercise Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2021 2021.

Warming Up and Cooling Down: Perceptions and Behaviors Associated with Aerobic Exercise , Balea J. Schumacher

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

An Examination of Changes in Muscle Thickness, Isometric Strength, and Body Water Throughout the Menstrual Cycle , Tayla E. Kuehne

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Psychological Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training Exercise: A Comparison of Ungraded Running and Graded Walking , Abby Fleming

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Effects of Music Choice on Perceptual and Physiological Responses to Treadmill Exercise , Taylor A. Shimshock

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Effect of Exercise Order on Body Fat Loss During Concurrent Training , Tonya Lee Davis-Miller

Anti-Fat Attitudes and Weight Bias Internalization: An Investigation of How BMI Impacts Perceptions, Opinions and Attitudes , Laurie Schrider

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The Effect of Music Cadence on Step Frequency in the Recreational Runner , Micaela A. Galosky

The Hypertrophic Effects of Practical Vascular Blood Flow Restriction Training , John Francis O'halloran

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Effects of Exercise Modality on State Body Image , Elizabeth Anne Hubbard

Perceptual Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training in Overweight and Sedentary Individuals , Nicholas Martinez

Comparisons of acute neuromuscular fatigue and recovery after maximal effort strength training using powerlifts , Nicholas Todd Theilen

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

The Impact of Continuous and Discontinuous Cycle Exercise on Affect: An Examination of the Dual-Mode Model , Sam Greeley

Systematic review of core muscle electromyographic activity during physical fitness exercises , Jason Martuscello

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

The Effect of Unexpected Exercise Duration on Rating of Perceived Exertion in an Untrained, Sedentary Population , Lisa M. Giblin

The Effect of Various Carbohydrate Supplements on Postprandial Blood Glucose Response in Female Soccer Players , Nina Pannoni

Middle School Physical Education Programs: A Comparison of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Sports Game Play , Marcia Ann Patience

The Effects of Pre-Exercise Carbohydrate Supplementation on Resistance Training Performance During an Acute Resistance Training Session , Kelly Raposo

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Effects of Fat-Free and 2% Chocolate Milk on Strength and Body Composition Following Resistance Training , Ashley T. Forsyth

Relationship Between Muscular Strength Testing to Dynamic Muscular Performance in Division One American Football Players , Johnathan Fuentes

Effects of Ingesting Fat Free and Low Fat Chocolate Milk After Resistance Training on Exercise Performance , Breanna Myers

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Effects of a Commercially Available Energy Drink on Anaerobic Performance , Jason J. Downing

The Impact of Wearable Weights on the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses to Treadmill Walking , Kristine M. Fallon

Six Fifth Grade Students Experiences Participating in Active Gaming during Physical Eduction Classes , Lisa Witherspoon Hansen

The impact of wearable weights on perceptual responses to treadmill walking , Ashley T. Kuczynski

The Preference of Protein Powders Among Adult Males and Females: A Protein Powder Taste Study , Joshua Manter

Caloric Expenditure and Substrate Utilization in Underwater Treadmill Running Versus Land-Based Treadmill Running , Courtney Schaal

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

A Survey of NCAA Division 1 Strength and Conditioning Coaches- Characteristics and Opinions , Jeremy Powers

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Perceptions of group exercise participants based on body type, appearance and attractiveness of the instructor , Jennifer Mears

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Be active! An examination of social support's role in individual vs. team competition in worksite health promotion , Lauren Kriz

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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.

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Sport Performance Analysis BSc: IMDSPE399 Dissertation for Sport Performance Analysis

• IMDSPE102 Introduction to Performance Analysis in Sport
• IMDSES108 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology
• IMDSES111 Practical Skills for Exercise Testing and Prescription
• IMDSES112 Science in Sport
• IMDSES113 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
• IMDSPE202 Elite Performance Analysis Software
• IMDSPE204 Delivering Effective Performance Analysis
• IMDSES215 Sport and Exercise Physiology
• IMDSES217 Sport and Exercise Psychology
• IMDSES218 Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
• IMDSES220 Research Methods and Statistics
• IMDSPE305 Pre Live and Post Game Analysis
• IMDSPE306 Talent Identification and Recruitment
• IMDSES314 Psychosocial Performance Analysis
• IMDSPE399 Dissertation for Sport Performance Analysis
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BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences - 2025 entry

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• Sport and Health Sciences
• Exercise and Sport Sciences BSc
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles underlying sport and exercise performance and health
• Understand the variables involved in enhancing performance: in exercise, sport, and other high-performance sectors such as medicine and the military
• Take the opportunity to  study abroad or undertake a professional placement in your third year , on our four-year programme
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Top 30 in the world for Sports-related subjects

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Dedicated laboratories for sport and exercise physiology, sports biomechanics and health and performance psychology

89% of our graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating

Sport and Health Sciences students: based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21

I selected Exeter as my top choice after attending an Offer-Holder Visit Day. It’s hard to articulate why, but I just remember walking around St Luke’s and just knowing it was the place I wanted to study, even in the awful February cold and rain! I just got this feeling. Maybe some of you reading this will know what I mean!

What I love most about being a student at the University of Exeter, specifically at St Luke’s, is the fact that the campus really feels like it’s yours. Everyone on this campus is proud to study here and we really get the best deal; a small and friendly campus dedicated to just a few subjects that aren’t oversubscribed in terms of student population, as well as being able to walk to the Streatham Campus if we want to use the facilities there too.

One of the main reasons I chose Exeter was the city itself. It’s such a great place to be a student, everything you need is within walking distance from both campuses and the city offers a diverse range of experiences, from historical buildings to restaurants and bars. The city centre and cathedral area are well-maintained and beautiful in all weathers. There are also some great places to visit further away down by the Quay or along the river offering nice restaurants and leisure activities. There’s also the Exmouth-Paignton train line which runs through Exeter and means you can escape to the seaside when the weather is nice at very little cost, which as a student is always good!

The sport and health sciences department is great. The lecturers are welcoming and always want to talk to you and get to know you better. The facilities are top-class and the university really cares about our opinions. You can really throw yourself into university life here as you make some amazing friends on the course.

During my time in Exeter, I was also lucky enough to have the chance to study abroad in Colorado, USA*. This was genuinely the best decision of my life. If you get the opportunity to spend part of your degree abroad, be brave and seize it! You will be so glad you did.

*Study Abroad destinations are subject to change.

Read more from Ben

BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences with Study Abroad

Entry requirements (typical offer).

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

*Accepted science subjects:  

Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only), Marine Science; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Sport Science; Statistics.

Course content

Our BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences programme enjoys an international reputation for excellence. The programme is designed to provide you with a balanced understanding of both sport and exercise sciences across a range of sub-disciplines. During the degree you will develop your knowledge of physiology, biomechanics, and psychology, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles underlying sport and exercise performance and participation. You will also acquire scientific research and enquiry skills that are important for careers in both sport and exercise science, and other science-focused industries.

The degree structure allows you to specialise in a particular area or to follow a broader-based programme. Optional modules reflect the application of scientific knowledge in a variety of populations, such as athletes, children, and the general public.

Study abroad or professional placement year

We have links with major universities in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, the USA, Canada and Spain. The Study Abroad option allows you to study at an overseas university in your third year, earning credits towards your final degree while also gaining vital experience and employability skills.

On the Professional Placement option , you spend your third year on a self-organised work placement with an organisation relevant to your degree, which we support you to secure.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Focus on developing your foundational knowledge and skills within Exercise and Sport Sciences, including: anatomical knowledge; exercise and sport within a physiological context; exercise and sport related kinesiology and biomechanics; kinanthropometry; nutrition; and underlying theories of sport and exercise psychology.

120 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

Continue to develop your knowledge of topics including: the body’s physiological response to exercise; angular kinematics and angular kinetics; statistical data analysis techniques required for a dissertation; and key psychological themes related to sport performance and skill acquisition.

75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules

Optional modules

Study Abroad/Professional Placement year (if taken)

Study abroad

The Study Abroad option allows you to study at an overseas university in your third year, earning credits towards your final degree while also gaining vital experience and employability skills.

For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the College Study Abroad Coordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s factfile at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/abroad/where/ and navigating to the “Course Requirements” section of that factfile where a link to the modules on offer in the partner institution is displayed.

Professional Placement

On a Professional Placement year you will learn to apply the knowledge learnt during your first and second years, improve personal and transferable skills, make new contacts and enhance your employability.

This year you will put theory into practice. Optional topics include: children and exercise; biomechanics of human movement; sports psychology; clinical exercise prescription; and physical activity and public health. The research dissertation, under the supervision of an academic tutor, will increase your ability for independent study and critical analysis.

30-45 credits of compulsory modules, 75-90 credits of optional modules (subject to an overall total of 120 credits)

a You must choose either ESS3302, ESS3304, ESS3003.

My favourite aspect of the course was the wide variety of disciplines within sport sciences. Initially my main interest was human anatomy, however I’ve since developed an interest in biomechanics, and in particular how biomechanical factors play a role in injury.

BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences

Course variants

Why study abroad.

Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all qualities employers are looking for.

Where can I study abroad?

We have links with major universities in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. You can find a complete list of International Exchange partner universities on the Study Abroad website.

What will I study whilst I am abroad?

Does it count towards my degree.

Yes: all assessments during the year abroad are undertaken at the host university and count towards your final degree.

Upon return to the University of Exeter, you will then complete the final year of your degree in a fourth year.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

If you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee for that year. You can find out more information in the fees section .

How do I apply?

There is no need to apply direct to this programme: apply via UCAS for BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences, and you can transfer onto the four-year programme with Study Abroad once you are at Exeter. 

Further information

For further information on where you can go and all the issues surrounding study abroad, see the Study Abroad website .

BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences with Professional Placement

This course offers the opportunity to take a professional placement year (through a competitive entry process). You will spend your third year on a self-organised work placement with an organisation relevant to your degree, which we support you to secure.

Why choose a professional placement year?

In your professional placement year you will learn to apply the knowledge learnt during your first and second years, improve personal and transferable skills, make new contacts and enhance your employability. Work placements allow you to gain experience of a professional workplace prior to graduating and develop your career focus, and are extremely valued by employers.

What support is available during my placement?

You will be supported through your professional placement by a programme director who will provide high-quality advice to ensure you get the most from your placement.

The professional placement year counts towards your degree through the completion of your placement and associated coursework. It contributes to your final degree classification, and the words ‘with Professional Placement’ will appear in your degree title. 

During your first, second and final years of study, you will follow the same programme of study as the BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences (see  Course content ).

If you spend a full year on a work placement, you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more in the  fees section .

There is no need to apply directly to this programme: apply via UCAS for BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences, and you can apply to transfer onto the four-year programme with Professional Placement once you are at Exeter. 

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £29,700 per year

Year abroad

If you transfer onto the four-year version of this degree programme and spend a full academic year studying abroad, you will pay a reduced fee of 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.

Professional placement year

If you choose the four-year version of this degree programme and spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.

* Please note that the fees for students starting in 2023 have yet to be set. The fees provided above are the fees for students starting in 2022 and are for guidance only. We will post the fees for 2023 entry shortly.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships *. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details .

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Our specialist facilities include:

• Life Sciences Resource Centre containing a vast selection of anatomical models used for both teaching and during opening hours outside of taught sessions where students can come and use them to enhance learning. There is also a wide selection of books and real human bones.
• Purpose-built laboratories for sport and exercise physiology, sports biomechanics, and health and performance psychology, cognitive and social psychology.
• Well-equipped psychophysiology and human movement science studios, including instrumented treadmills, motion capture, eye tracking and Virtual immersive technology.

Investment in premier sporting facilities

Over the last decade the University has invested over £20 million in the creation of some of the highest quality training environments and resources for the development, coaching and playing of sport.

The Sports Park on the Streatham Campus boasts some of the most cutting-edge facilities in the UK including the Russell Seal Fitness Centre. This facility boasts a 200-station gym and numerous exercise studios.

Additional facilities include:

• A 200-station gym
• Squash courts
• Indoor and outdoor grass pitches including flood lit astro and 3G pitches
• Indoor cricket centre
• Indoor tennis centre
• Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
• A fleet of boats at the Roadford RYA Sailing Centre

Learning and teaching

How will i learn.

• Lectures: introducing topics, and providing a framework for further reading, and background material for extended work.
• Laboratory and practical sessions: work in smaller groups with specialist equipment to gain applied experience.
• Seminars: discussion, role play and short presentations in smaller groups.
• Independent research and study: reading, researching, writing, practice assignments, projects and dissertation.
• Study groups: work with other students and utilise their support.
• Dissertation: an extended and original piece of independent research conducted in an area related to your specialism. You will present this at a third-year Sport Science dissertation conference.
• Guest lectures: hear from visiting experts in exercise and sport.

On average you’ll have 15 hours of teaching time per week with more at the beginning of the programme and less as you progress and take more responsibility for your own learning.

We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching. For example, positive feedback from our students has led us to increase use of our learning environment, an easily navigable website where you can access detailed information about modules and utilise multimedia learning resources.

Learn from experts

We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-led culture and being taught by experts. Our staff have close links with a wide range of industrial, medical and sporting organisations with whom there may be the chance to collaborate for your final year research project.

All modules are assessed, with second and third year modules contributing towards your final degree classification. Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including essays, exams, oral and written presentations, laboratory reports and a dissertation. We aim to strike a 50:50 balance between coursework and exams over the duration of the programme.

Academic support

Teaching staff on every module are available for individual tutorial sessions when required. Module leaders are available to discuss module logistics, examinations and absences. Teaching staff also make themselves available at the end of lectures for further discussion and debate.

Extra-curricular support is also provided in the form of ‘drop-in’ sessions for more challenging parts of the course such as statistical analysis, scientific writing, and research methodology.

For pastoral support students are assigned a personal tutor , with whom they meet regularly in small groups or in one to one meetings.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

• A Foreign Language
• Data Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Being taught by fantastically engaging lecturers that are currently researching topics in sport sciences gives us access to the most up-to-date knowledge. Lectures are engaging, and all of the lecturers are so supportive and approachable.

Your future

Employer-valued skills this course develops

A degree in Sport and Health Sciences will help you develop the key transferable skills valued by employers, such as leadership, decision-making, planning and organising, and personal communication. Vocational skills such as advanced laboratory training for biomechanical and physiological testing further enhance your employability.

Our graduates compete successfully for jobs across a diverse range of sectors including law, finance and business - as well as sport and health sciences - as they offer strong analytical and problem-solving skills which are valued highly across all sectors.

Supporting your career in Sport and Health Sciences

Each year Sport and Health Sciences students are able to access a huge range of opportunities when considering their future career options.

Employability sessions put on for students include: career talks from visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds; career conversations with employers; an annual Careers and Networking Sports Health Science evening with alumni, organisations and employers; and a Careers in Healthcare event. In addition students receive support to access high-quality work placements through the optional Career Development module.

You will also be encouraged to attend and present at student conferences, such as the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Student Conference, and to be involved in initiatives including the student ambassadors scheme and workplace internships.

Careers services

We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.

The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Whatever path you wish to follow, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs.

Career paths

Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Sport and Health Sciences degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.

Many of our graduates are employed in discipline-relevant roles in the UK and overseas including health and wellbeing coaching, sports and fitness coaching, physiotherapy, sports nutrition, sports law, sports psychology, sports physiology, general teaching and marketing, sports management and administration for the public sector, sports governing bodies and health and lifestyle consultancy.

Below are a few examples of initial jobs undertaken by graduates from our Sport and Health Sciences undergraduate programmes.*

Recent graduates are now working as:

• Sports coaches, instructors and officials
• Chartered and certified accountants
• Primary and secondary education teaching professionals
• Natural and social science professionals
• Project support officers
• Finance and investment analysts and advisers
• Marketing associate professionals
• Business executives
• IT professionals

Recent graduates are now working for:

• Ashfords LLP
• British Army
• David Lloyd
• Everton Football Club Co Ltd
• Global Data Ltd
• Gloucester-Hartpury Rugby Football Club
• Kick Start Education
• Ministry of Defence
• Pure Sports Medicine
• Royal Yachting Association
• Teach First

Further study

Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Sport and Health Sciences undergraduate degree. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes.*

• MRes Medicine and Health
• MSc Applied Data Science and Statistics
• MSc Exercise Physiology
• MSc International Business
• MSc Performance Psychology
• MSc Physiotherapy
• MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine
• MSc Sports Marketing
• MSc Sports Rehabilitation
• PGCE Physical Education Secondary

*This information has been taken from aggregating the responses from full-time, first degree, UK domiciled students who completed 2017/18 and 2018/19 Graduate Outcomes surveys. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.

As Strength and Conditioning Coach for English Institute of Sport, I work with British Skeleton athletes and England women’s rugby players. It was a strength and conditioning module in the 2nd year of my course that spurred me on to get into this area. An employability module put me in touch with Exeter City FC: I did my volunteering with them and then they kept me on.

I stayed at Exeter to do a Masters as the way elite sport is moving it’s a real plus to have one. I worked with Hockey Wales and as I handed in my dissertation started working with GB rowing which I continued up until the Rio Olympics.

Skeleton is the sport where you head down a frozen track on what looks like a tea tray head first – it’s not for the faint-hearted! It’s mentally challenging– there’s lots of pressure and it’s all over in less than a minute. The sprint start is really important and it’s my role to make our start world-class.

Read more from Mitch

BSc Sport and Exercise Science graduate

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Sport Science'

Create a spot-on reference in apa, mla, chicago, harvard, and other styles.

Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Sport Science.'

Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.

You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.

Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.

Stone, Michael H. "What is Sport Science?" Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2009. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/4578.

Stone, Michael H. "What Is Sport Science." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2010. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/4536.

Stone, Michael H. "What Is Sport Science?" Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2011. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/4543.

Kilic, Koray. "How Do Turkish Sport Coaches Access The Knowledge Of Sport Science?" Master's thesis, METU, 2013. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12615411/index.pdf.

Bernards, Jake R., Kimitake Sato, G. Gregory Haff, and Caleb D. Bazyler. "Current Research and Statistical Practices in Sport Science and a Need for Change." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2017. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/3789.

Gentles, Jeremy A. "Game Performance of NCAA Division I Teams With & Without Integrated Sport Science Support." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2012. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/3981.

Stone, Michael H., Brian D. Johnston, and R. J. Elbin. "American Football: Lessons Learned from Sport Science and Sports Medicine: Strength and Conditioning for American Football: A Brief Overview." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2010. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/4534.

Garrett, Richard. "Changing their game? : the institutional effects of Sport England's lottery fund on voluntary sports clubs." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2003. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/14755/.

Stevenson, John Benjamin. "Long term impact of interactive science exhibits." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1994. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10019138/.

Reed, Jacob P. "Coach and Athlete Perceptions of an Athlete Monitoring and Strength and Conditioning Program." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2014. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2399.

Baker, Catherine Elizabeth. "An ethnographic enquiry into the use of sports science and technologies in professional rugby." Thesis, Durham University, 2012. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/4926/.

Stewart, Alex. "The boxer's point of view : an ethnography of cultural production and athletic development among amateur and professional boxers in England." Thesis, University of Bedfordshire, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10547/336227.

Wheaton, Kerry-Ann. "A psychological skills inventory for sport." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/16461.

Parkin, Beth Louise. "A behavioual and brain science perspective on decision making in sport." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2017. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10024636/.

Nimphius, Sophia. "Performance characteristics of elite softball players: Changes and determinants of performance related to the lower body." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2009. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2091.

Cohen, Rhonda. "The relationship between personality, sensation seeking, reaction time and sport participation : evidence from drag racers, sport science students and archers." Thesis, Middlesex University, 2012. http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/9871/.

Markwick, William. "Training load quantification in professional Australian basketball and the use of the reactive strength index as a monitoring tool." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2015. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1709.

Medved, Maria Inge. "Remembering exhibits at museums of art, science, and sport, a longitudinal study." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp04/nq41473.pdf.

Mullineaux, David Ross. "Issues in the application of statistical techniques in sport and exercise science." Thesis, Sheffield Hallam University, 2002. http://shura.shu.ac.uk/20766/.

Duraivelan, Shreenivasan. "Group Trajectory Analysis in Sport Videos." University of Dayton / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1619636056814278.

Dosumu, Adekunle A. "The environmental impacts and wellbeing benefits of sport : assessing spectator and participant dominated sports in England." Thesis, University of Essex, 2016. http://repository.essex.ac.uk/16441/.

Hill, Andrew P. "Multidimensional perfectionism and motivation in sport : potential mediating and moderating variables." Thesis, University of Bedfordshire, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10547/131898.

Engelbrecht, Warren Peter. "Performance Aaalysis of penalty area entrances of a South African men's professional football team." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/4349.

Bruintjies, Dianthea. "The application of sport psychology principles in the work place." Thesis, Link to the online version, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019/987.

Carroll, Kevin M., John P. Wagle, Kimitake Sato, Brad H. DeWeese, Satoshi Mizuguchi, and Michael H. Stone. "Reliability of a Commercially Available and Algorithm-Based Kinetic Analysis Software Compared to Manual-Based Software." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2017. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/4654.

Gentles, Jeremy. "Cell Free DNA as a Monitoring Tool in a Long-Term Athlete Monitoring Program." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2013. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1192.

Ferreira, Suzane. "The preparation of athletes with cerebral palsy for elite competition." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/1459.

Venter, Louis P. "Die gebruik van sielkundige intervensies onder junior tennisspelers." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52201.

Uys, Stefanie M. (Stefanie Margaretha). "The use of computerised games analysis to identify critical indicators of success in elite level netball." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52585.

Schut, Pierre-Olaf. "L'exploration du monde souterrain entre science, tourisme et sport : une histoire culturelle de la spéléologie." Lyon 1, 2005. http://faraway.parisnanterre.fr/login?url=https://www.harmatheque.com/ebook/l-exploration-souterraine-une-histoire-culturelle-de-la-speleologie.

De, Villiers Nico. "Optimal training load for the hang clean and squat jump in u-21 rugby players." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/17976.

Asamoah, Benjamin. "The role of mental toughness, psychological skills and team cohesion in soccer performance." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/85729.

Adams, Warren Grant. "An analysis of the skills and tactics of wheelchair rugby." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/50677.

Paterson, Gareth. "Visual-motor response times in athletes and non-athletes." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/4346.

Spiegl, Ondrej. "The effects of different figure skating boots on the human body during the landing impact. : A comparison between two figure skating boots, Edea and Graf." Thesis, Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, GIH, Institutionen för idrotts- och hälsovetenskap, 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:gih:diva-4586.

Rossi, A. "PREDICTIVE MODELS IN SPORT SCIENCE: MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF FOOTBALL TRAINING AND INJURY PREDICTION." Doctoral thesis, Università degli Studi di Milano, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2434/495229.

Grobler, Lara. "The effect of graduated compression socks on calf muscle oxygenation of endurance athletes." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/71677.

Gerstner, Ludwig. "The effect of plyometric training on the performance of cyclists." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21662.

Williams, Stephen John, and n/a. "A case study of the relationship between sports science research practice and elite coaches' perceived needs." University of Canberra. Health Sciences, 2005. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060530.101909.

Andrews, Barry. "Sprint analysis of athletes with intellectual impairments." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/2199.

Anthony, Matthew Hayden. ""Surgical And Rigorous (Yet Always Fun)": Science, Sport, And Community In American Birding, 1950-1980." W&M ScholarWorks, 2020. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1593091764.

Appleton, Paul Richard. "Examining perfectionism in elite junior athletes : measurement and development issues." Thesis, University of Bedfordshire, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10547/133570.

Bohlke, Nikolai. "Benchmarking of elite sport systems." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2006. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/12193.

Rumbold, Penny. "Energy intake and appetite following sport-specific exercise in adolescent girls." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2011. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/3404/.

Wilcox, Christopher Richard James. "The development and implementation of a hip injury screening protocol within elite ice hockey." Thesis, University of Hull, 2015. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:13607.

Murphy, Marie Harriet. "The effects of different patterns of brisk walking on aspects of fitness, cardiovascular risk and psychological well-being." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1999. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/27067.

Moore, Laura Jayne Suzanne. "The effects of the glycaemic index of carbohydrate meals on metabolism, recovery and endurance performance." Thesis, University of Hull, 2009. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:5822.

Borkoles, Erika. "Evaluation of a one year long, non-dieting, physical activity based lifestyle intervention programme for clinically obese women." Thesis, University of Hull, 2010. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:4793.

Nicholls, Adam R. "Stress and coping among high-level adolescent golfers." Thesis, University of Hull, 2005. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:6708.

Barnett, Cleveland Thomas. "Biomechanics and quality of life in transtibial amputees during and following rehabilitation : a longitudinal study." Thesis, University of Hull, 2011. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:4690.

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Exercise and Sports Science: Literature Review

Searching & reviewing the literature.

• Literature Review
• Search Strategy
• Database search tips

A literature review is an evaluation of relevant literature on a topic and is usually the starting point for any undergraduate essay or postgraduate thesis. The focus for a literature review is on scholarly published materials such as books, journal articles and reports.

A search and review of relevant sources may be extensive and form part of a thesis or research project. Postgraduate researchers will normally focus on primary sources such as research studies in journals.

A literature review also provides evidence for an undergraduate assignment. Students new to a discipline may find that starting with an overview or review of relevant research in books and journals, the easiest way to begin researching a topic and obtaining the necessary background information.

Source materials can be categorised as:

Primary source : Original research from journals articles or conference papers, original materials such as historical documents, or creative works.

Secondary source : Evaluations, reviews or syntheses of original work. e.g. review articles in journals.

Tertiary source : Broadly scoped material put together usually from secondary sources to provide an overview, e.g. a book.

The Literature Review Structure : Like a standard academic essay, a literature review is made up of three key components: an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Most literature reviews can follow the following format: • Introduction: Introduce the topic/problem and the context within which it is found. • Body: Examine past research in the area highlighting methodological and/or theoretical developments, areas of agreement, contentious areas, important studies and so forth. Keep the focus on your area of interest and identify gaps in the research that your research/investigation will attempt to fill. State clearly how your work builds on or responds to earlier work. • Conclusion: Summarise what has emerged from the review of literature and reiterate conclusions.

This information has been adapted from the Edith Cowan University Literature review: Academic tip sheet .

Steps in searching and reviewing the literature:

• Define the topic and scope of the assignment. Ensure you understand the question and expectations of the assignment. It's useful to develop a plan and outline, headings, etc.  
• Check terminology. e.g. dictionaries, encyclopedias, thesauruses  
• Identify keywords for searching (include English and American spelling and terminology)  
• Identify types of publications. e.g. books, journal articles, reports.  
• Search relevant databases (refer to the relevant subject guide for key databases and sources)  
• Select and evaluate relevant sources  
• Synthesise the information  
• Write the review following the structure outlined.  
• Save references used. e.g. from the databases save, email, print or download references to EndNote.  
• Reference sources (APA 7th) (see Referencing Library Guide )

When you are writing for an academic purpose such as an essay for an assignment, you need to find evidence to support your ideas. The library is a good place to begin your search for the evidence, as it acquires books and journals to support the disciplines within the University. The following outlines a list of steps to follow when starting to write an academic assignment:

Define your topic and scope of the search

• This will provide the search terms when gathering evidence from the literature to support your arguments.
• Sometimes it is a good idea to concept map key themes.

The scope will advise you:

• How much information is required, often identified by the number of words ie 500 or 3000 words
• What sort of writing you are to do eg essay, report, annotated bibliography
• How many marks are assigned. This may indicate the amount of time to allocate to the task.

Gather the information - Before writing about your topic, you will need to find evidence to support your ideas. 

Books provide a useful starting point for an introduction to the subject. Books also provide an in-depth coverage of a topic.

Journal Articles: For current research or information on a very specific topic, journal articles may be the most useful, as they are published on a regular basis. It is normally expected that you will use some journal articles in your assignment. When using journal articles, check whether they are from a magazine or scholalry publication. Scholarly publications are often peer reviewed, which means that the articles are reviewed by expert/s before being accepted for publication.

Reports : useful information can also be found in free web publications from government or research organizations (e.g. reports). Any web publications should be carefully evaluated. You are also required to view the whole publication, not just the abstract, if using the information in your assignment.

Remember to ensure that you note the citation details for references that you collect, at the time of locating the items. It is often time consuming and impossible to track the required data later.

Analyse the information collected

• Have I collected enough information on the topic?

Synthesise your information

Write the report or essay

• Check the ECU Academic tip sheet: the Academic Essay for some useful pointers
• Remember, in most cases you will need an introduction, body and conclusion
• Record details of references used for referencing. Information on referencing can be located on the ECU Referencing Guide.

Database search tips:

1. Identify main concepts and keywords . Search the main concepts first, then limit further as necessary.

2. Find Synonyms (Boolean  OR broadens the search to include alternative keywords or subject thesaurus terms):

• pediatrics  OR children
• teenagers  OR adolescents

3. AND (Boolean AND  joins concepts and narrows the                search):

• occupational therapy  AND children
• stress  AND (occupation OR job)

4. Be aware of differences in American and English spelling and terminology. Most databases use American spelling and terminology as preferred subject terms.

5. Use Truncation (putting * at the end of a word stem will search all forms of the word):

• disab * (disability, disabilities, disabled)
• child * (child, children, childhood, children's)

6. "...." (inverted commas) use for a phrase

• "mental health"
• "occupational therapy"

7. Wildcard ? will search for any single letter in the space. e.g. wom?n will search women, woman, organi?ation will search organisation, organization.

8. Wildcard * can also be used where alternate spelling may contain an extra character. e.g. p*ediatric, will search paediatric or pediatric, behavio*r, will search behaviour or behavior.

• Search strategy planner
• MEDLINE database guide
• CINAHL database guide
• SPORTDiscus database guide
• Web of Science database guide

Literature review

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Coming up with winning dissertation topic ideas in sport science.

If you are pursuing a degree or career in sports science, you should choose interesting topic when it comes to the time of writing dissertation. You need not spend a lot of time trying to come up with ideas as to the topic you need to choose.

Here below are some ideas that can help you come up with interesting topics.

• The best physiology for football players

In this topic, you can research widely on muscle strength development and its impact on the success of footballers. Is there need for special training, to help players improve the strength of their muscles?

• Sportsmen and the required vitamins:

In this topic, you can analyze the recommended vitamins that athletes can take as nutritional supplements in order to increase their performance. Ensure that you research to find out whether or not supplements can have adverse effects on the performance of sportsmen and women if they are not taken as advised.

• The relationship between aging and metabolism:

Can anti-aging drugs help prevent the symptoms related to metabolism among the aging sportsmen? Try to find out how sportsmen can deal with aging symptoms, without interfering with the sporting abilities of their bodies.

• Strength training:

In this topic, you can analyze how bands can be used during strength training in order to ensure that the muscles grow stronger. There are many other benefits of bands. Research about them and come up with detailed information that will be of help to the readers and sports enthusiasts.

• Relationship between training and temperature:

In this topic, you can investigate how temperature affects muscle reactions by athletes during training sessions. For example, you can compare the African and European athletes.

• Muscle strength and its impact on swimming ability

In this research, you can analyse the development of muscles through swimming. Also, evaluate the positive effects that swimming brings about to swimmers and other athletes.

• Muscle strength and gender:

In this research work, you can compare the strength of male and female athletes. Identify the differences in growth of muscles among athletes and how this affects their sporting abilities.

• What is the best nutrition for sportsmen?

In this topic, you can research on the special meals and diets that can be taken before games or other sporting activities, in order to help sportsmen and women during various sporting activities.

• What is the most recommended vegetarian athlete’s diet?

In this research, you will discover that there are many choices of diets that sportsmen can take, in order to increase their potential of performance.

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• Published: 21 May 2024

The bright side of sports: a systematic review on well-being, positive emotions and performance

• David Peris-Delcampo 1 ,
• Antonio Núñez 2 ,
• Paula Ortiz-Marholz 3 ,
• Aurelio Olmedilla 4 ,
• Enrique Cantón 1 ,
• Javier Ponseti 2 &
• Alejandro Garcia-Mas 2  

BMC Psychology volume  12 , Article number:  284 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review regarding the relationship between positive psychological factors, such as psychological well-being and pleasant emotions, and sports performance.

This study, carried out through a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines considering the Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed and SPORT Discus databases, seeks to highlight the relationship between other more ‘positive’ factors, such as well-being, positive emotions and sports performance.

The keywords will be decided by a Delphi Method in two rounds with sport psychology experts.

Participants

There are no participants in the present research.

The main exclusion criteria were: Non-sport thema, sample younger or older than 20–65 years old, qualitative or other methodology studies, COVID-related, journals not exclusively about Psychology.

Main outcomes measures

We obtained a first sample of 238 papers, and finally, this sample was reduced to the final sample of 11 papers.

The results obtained are intended to be a representation of the ‘bright side’ of sports practice, and as a complement or mediator of the negative variables that have an impact on athletes’ and coaches’ performance.

Conclusions

Clear recognition that acting on intrinsic motivation continues to be the best and most effective way to motivate oneself to obtain the highest levels of performance, a good perception of competence and a source of personal satisfaction.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

In recent decades, research in the psychology of sport and physical exercise has focused on the analysis of psychological variables that could have a disturbing, unfavourable or detrimental role, including emotions that are considered ‘negative’, such as anxiety/stress, sadness or anger, concentrating on their unfavourable relationship with sports performance [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ], sports injuries [ 5 , 6 , 7 ] or, more generally, damage to the athlete’s health [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The study of ‘positive’ emotions such as happiness or, more broadly, psychological well-being, has been postponed at this time, although in recent years this has seen an increase that reveals a field of study of great interest to researchers and professionals [ 11 , 12 , 13 ] including physiological, psychological, moral and social beneficial effects of the physical activity in comic book heroes such as Tintin, a team leader, which can serve as a model for promoting healthy lifestyles, or seeking ‘eternal youth’ [ 14 ].

Emotions in relation to their effects on sports practice and performance rarely go in one direction, being either negative or positive—generally positive and negative emotions do not act alone [ 15 ]. Athletes experience different emotions simultaneously, even if they are in opposition and especially if they are of mild or moderate intensity [ 16 ]. The athlete can feel satisfied and happy and at the same time perceive a high level of stress or anxiety before a specific test or competition. Some studies [ 17 ] have shown how sports participation and the perceived value of elite sports positively affect the subjective well-being of the athlete. This also seems to be the case in non-elite sports practice. The review by Mansfield et al. [ 18 ] showed that the published literature suggests that practising sports and dance, in a group or supported by peers, can improve the subjective well-being of the participants, and also identifies negative feelings towards competence and ability, although the quantity and quality of the evidence published is low, requiring better designed studies. All these investigations are also supported by the development of the concept of eudaimonic well-being [ 19 ], which is linked to the development of intrinsic motivation, not only in its aspect of enjoyment but also in its relationship with the perception of competition and overcoming and achieving goals, even if this is accompanied by other unpleasant hedonic emotions or even physical discomfort. Shortly after a person has practised sports, he will remember those feelings of exhaustion and possibly stiffness, linked to feelings of satisfaction and even enjoyment.

Furthermore, the mediating role of parents, coaches and other psychosocial agents can be significant. In this sense, Lemelin et al. [ 20 ], with the aim of investigating the role of autonomy support from parents and coaches in the prediction of well-being and performance of athletes, found that autonomy support from parents and coaches has positive relationships with the well-being of the athlete, but that only coach autonomy support is associated with sports performance. This research suggests that parents and coaches play important but distinct roles in athlete well-being and that coach autonomy support could help athletes achieve high levels of performance.

On the other hand, an analysis of emotions in the sociocultural environment in which they arise and gain meaning is always interesting, both from an individual perspective and from a sports team perspective. Adler et al. [ 21 ] in a study with military teams showed that teams with a strong emotional culture of optimism were better positioned to recover from poor performance, suggesting that organisations that promote an optimistic culture develop more resilient teams. Pekrun et al. [ 22 ] observed with mathematics students that individual success boosts emotional well-being, while placing people in high-performance groups can undermine it, which is of great interest in investigating the effectiveness and adjustment of the individual in sports teams.

There is still little scientific literature in the field of positive emotions and their relationship with sports practice and athlete performance, although their approach has long had its clear supporters [ 23 , 24 ]. It is comforting to observe the significant increase in studies in this field, since some authors (e.g [ 25 , 26 ]). . , point out the need to overcome certain methodological and conceptual problems, paying special attention to the development of specific instruments for the evaluation of well-being in the sports field and evaluation methodologies.

As McCarthy [ 15 ] indicates, positive emotions (hedonically pleasant) can be the catalysts for excellence in sport and deserve a space in our research and in professional intervention to raise the level of athletes’ performance. From a holistic perspective, positive emotions are permanently linked to psychological well-being and research in this field is necessary: firstly because of the leading role they play in human behaviour, cognition and affection, and secondly, because after a few years of international uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic and wars, it seems ‘healthy and intelligent’ to encourage positive emotions for our athletes. An additional reason is that they are known to improve motivational processes, reducing abandonment and negative emotional costs [ 11 ]. In this vein, concepts such as emotional intelligence make sense and can help to identify and properly manage emotions in the sports field and determine their relationship with performance [ 27 ] that facilitates the inclusion of emotional training programmes based on the ‘bright side’ of sports practice [ 28 ].

Based on all of the above, one might wonder how these positive emotions are related to a given event and what role each one of them plays in the athlete’s performance. Do they directly affect performance, or do they affect other psychological variables such as concentration, motivation and self-efficacy? Do they favour the availability and competent performance of the athlete in a competition? How can they be regulated, controlled for their own benefit? How can other psychosocial agents, such as parents or coaches, help to increase the well-being of their athletes?

This work aims to enhance the leading role, not the secondary, of the ‘good and pleasant side’ of sports practice, either with its own entity, or as a complement or mediator of the negative variables that have an impact on the performance of athletes and coaches. Therefore, the objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review regarding the relationship between positive psychological factors, such as psychological well-being and pleasant emotions, and sports performance. For this, the methodological criteria that constitute the systematic review procedure will be followed.

Materials and methods

This study was carried out through a systematic review using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews) guidelines considering the Web of Science (WoS) and Psycinfo databases. These two databases were selected using the Delphi method [ 29 ]. It does not include a meta-analysis because there is great data dispersion due to the different methodologies used [ 30 ].

The keywords will be decided by the Delphi Method in two rounds with sport psychology experts. The results obtained are intended to be a representation of the ‘bright side’ of sports practice, and as a complement or mediator of the negative variables that have an impact on athletes’ and coaches’ performance.

It was determined that the main construct was to be psychological well-being, and that it was to be paired with optimism, healthy practice, realisation, positive mood, and performance and sport. The search period was limited to papers published between 2000 and 2023, and the final list of papers was obtained on February 13 , 2023. This research was conducted in two languages—English and Spanish—and was limited to psychological journals and specifically those articles where the sample was formed by athletes.

Each word was searched for in each database, followed by searches involving combinations of the same in pairs and then in trios. In relation to the results obtained, it was decided that the best approach was to group the words connected to positive psychology on the one hand, and on the other, those related to self-realisation/performance/health. In this way, it used parentheses to group words (psychological well-being; or optimism; or positive mood) with the Boolean ‘or’ between them (all three refer to positive psychology); and on the other hand, it grouped those related to performance/health/realisation (realisation; or healthy practice or performance), separating both sets of parentheses by the Boolean ‘and’’. To further filter the search, a keyword included in the title and in the inclusion criteria was added, which was ‘sport’ with the Boolean ‘and’’. In this way, the search achieved results that combined at least one of the three positive psychology terms and one of the other three.

Results (first phase)

The mentioned keywords were cross-matched, obtaining the combination with a sufficient number of papers. From the first research phase, the total number of papers obtained was 238. Then screening was carried out by 4 well-differentiated phases that are summarised in Fig.  1 . These phases helped to reduce the original sample to a more accurate one.

Phases of the selection process for the final sample. Four phases were carried out to select the final sample of articles. The first phase allowed the elimination of duplicates. In the second stage, those that, by title or abstract, did not fit the objectives of the article were eliminated. Previously selected exclusion criteria were applied to the remaining sample. Thus, in phase 4, the final sample of 11 selected articles was obtained

Results (second phase)

The first screening examined the title, and the abstract if needed, excluding the papers that were duplicated, contained errors or someone with formal problems, low N or case studies. This screening allowed the initial sample to be reduced to a more accurate one with 109 papers selected.

Results (third phase)

This was followed by the second screening to examine the abstract and full texts, excluding if necessary papers related to non-sports themes, samples that were too old or too young for our interests, papers using qualitative methodologies, articles related to the COVID period, or others published in non-psychological journals. Furthermore, papers related to ‘negative psychological variables’’ were also excluded.

Results (fourth phase)

At the end of this second screening the remaining number of papers was 11. In this final phase we tried to organise the main characteristics and their main conclusions/results in a comprehensible list (Table  1 ). Moreover, in order to enrich our sample of papers, we decided to include some articles from other sources, mainly those presented in the introduction to sustain the conceptual framework of the concept ‘bright side’ of sports.

The usual position of the researcher of psychological variables that affect sports performance is to look for relationships between ‘negative’ variables, first in the form of basic psychological processes, or distorting cognitive behavioural, unpleasant or evaluable as deficiencies or problems, in a psychology for the ‘risk’ society, which emphasises the rehabilitation that stems from overcoming personal and social pathologies [ 31 ], and, lately, regarding the affectation of the athlete’s mental health [ 32 ]. This fact seems to be true in many cases and situations and to openly contradict the proclaimed psychological benefits of practising sports (among others: Cantón [ 33 ], ; Froment and González [ 34 ]; Jürgens [ 35 ]).

However, it is possible to adopt another approach focused on the ‘positive’ variables, also in relation to the athlete’s performance. This has been the main objective of this systematic review of the existing literature and far from being a novel approach, although a minority one, it fits perfectly with the definition of our area of knowledge in the broad field of health, as has been pointed out for some time [ 36 , 37 ].

After carrying out the aforementioned systematic review, a relatively low number of articles were identified by experts that met the established conditions—according to the PRISMA method [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]—regarding databases, keywords, and exclusion and inclusion criteria. These precautions were taken to obtain the most accurate results possible, and thus guarantee the quality of the conclusions.

The first clear result that stands out is the great difficulty in finding articles in which sports ‘performance’ is treated as a well-defined study variable adapted to the situation and the athletes studied. In fact, among the results (11 papers), only 3 associate one or several positive psychological variables with performance (which is evaluated in very different ways, combining objective measures with other subjective ones). This result is not surprising, since in several previous studies (e.g. Nuñez et al. [ 41 ]) using a systematic review, this relationship is found to be very weak and nuanced by the role of different mediating factors, such as previous sports experience or the competitive level (e.g. Rascado, et al. [ 42 ]; Reche, Cepero & Rojas [ 43 ]), despite the belief—even among professional and academic circles—that there is a strong relationship between negative variables and poor performance, and vice versa, with respect to the positive variables.

Regarding what has been evidenced in relation to the latter, even with these restrictions in the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the filters applied to the first findings, a true ‘galaxy’ of variables is obtained, which also belong to different categories and levels of psychological complexity.

A preliminary consideration regarding the current paradigm of sport psychology: although it is true that some recent works have already announced the swing of the pendulum on the objects of study of PD, by returning to the study of traits and dispositions, and even to the personality of athletes [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], our results fully corroborate this trend. Faced with five variables present in the studies selected at the end of the systematic review, a total of three traits/dispositions were found, which were also the most repeated—optimism being present in four articles, mental toughness present in three, and finally, perfectionism—as the representative concepts of this field of psychology, which lately, as has already been indicated, is significantly represented in the field of research in this area [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. In short, the psychological variables that finally appear in the selected articles are: psychological well-being (PWB) [ 53 ]; self-compassion, which has recently been gaining much relevance with respect to the positive attributional resolution of personal behaviours [ 54 ], satisfaction with life (balance between sports practice, its results, and life and personal fulfilment [ 55 ], the existence of approach-achievement goals [ 56 ], and perceived social support [ 57 ]). This last concept is maintained transversally in several theoretical frameworks, such as Sports Commitment [ 58 ].

The most relevant concept, both quantitatively and qualitatively, supported by the fact that it is found in combination with different variables and situations, is not a basic psychological process, but a high-level cognitive construct: psychological well-being, in its eudaimonic aspect, first defined in the general population by Carol Ryff [ 59 , 60 ] and introduced at the beginning of this century in sport (e.g., Romero, Brustad & García-Mas [ 13 ], ; Romero, García-Mas & Brustad [ 61 ]). It is important to note that this concept understands psychological well-being as multifactorial, including autonomy, control of the environment in which the activity takes place, social relationships, etc.), meaning personal fulfilment through a determined activity and the achievement or progress towards goals and one’s own objectives, without having any direct relationship with simpler concepts, such as vitality or fun. In the selected studies, PWB appears in five of them, and is related to several of the other variables/traits.

The most relevant result regarding this variable is its link with motivational aspects, as a central axis that relates to different concepts, hence its connection to sports performance, as a goal of constant improvement that requires resistance, perseverance, management of errors and great confidence in the possibility that achievements can be attained, that is, associated with ideas of optimism, which is reflected in expectations of effectiveness.

If we detail the relationships more specifically, we can first review this relationship with the ‘way of being’, understood as personality traits or behavioural tendencies, depending on whether more or less emphasis is placed on their possibilities for change and learning. In these cases, well-being derives from satisfaction with progress towards the desired goal, for which resistance (mental toughness) and confidence (optimism) are needed. When, in addition, the search for improvement is constant and aiming for excellence, its relationship with perfectionism is clear, although it is a factor that should be explored further due to its potential negative effect, at least in the long term.

The relationship between well-being and satisfaction with life is almost tautological, in the precise sense that what produces well-being is the perception of a relationship or positive balance between effort (or the perception of control, if we use stricter terminology) and the results thereof (or the effectiveness of such control). This direct link is especially important when assessing achievement in personally relevant activities, which, in the case of the subjects evaluated in the papers, specifically concern athletes of a certain level of performance, which makes it a more valuable objective than would surely be found in the general population. And precisely because of this effect of the value of performance for athletes of a certain level, it also allows us to understand how well-being is linked to self-compassion, since as a psychological concept it is very close to that of self-esteem, but with a lower ‘demand’ or a greater ‘generosity’, when we encounter failures, mistakes or even defeats along the way, which offers us greater protection from the risk of abandonment and therefore reinforces persistence, a key element for any successful sports career [ 62 ].

It also has a very direct relationship with approach-achievement goals, since precisely one of the central aspects characterising this eudaimonic well-being and differentiating it from hedonic well-being is specifically its relationship with self-determined and persistent progress towards goals or achievements with incentive value for the person, as is sports performance evidently [ 63 ].

Finally, it is interesting to see how we can also find a facet or link relating to the aspects that are more closely-related to the need for human affiliation, with feeling part of a group or human collective, where we can recognise others and recognise ourselves in the achievements obtained and the social reinforcement of those themselves, as indicated by their relationship with perceived social support. This construct is very labile, in fact it is common to find results in which the pressure of social support is hardly differentiated, for example, from the parents of athletes and/or their coaches [ 64 ]. However, its relevance within this set of psychological variables and traits is proof of its possible conceptual validity.

Analysing the results obtained, the first conclusion is that in no case is an integrated model based solely on ‘positive’ variables or traits obtained, since some ‘negative’ ones appear (anxiety, stress, irrational thoughts), affecting the former.

The second conclusion is that among the positive elements the variable coping strategies (their use, or the perception of their effectiveness) and the traits of optimism, perfectionism and self-compassion prevail, since mental strength or psychological well-being (which also appear as important, but with a more complex nature) are seen to be participated in by the aforementioned traits.

Finally, it must be taken into account that the generation of positive elements, such as resilience, or the learning of coping strategies, are directly affected by the educational style received, or by the culture in which the athlete is immersed. Thus, the applied potential of these findings is great, but it must be calibrated according to the educational and/or cultural features of the specific setting.

Limitations

The limitations of this study are those evident and common in SR methodology using the PRISMA system, since the selection of keywords (and their logical connections used in the search), the databases, and the inclusion/exclusion criteria bias the work in its entirety and, therefore, constrain the generalisation of the results obtained.

Likewise, the conclusions must—based on the above and the results obtained—be made with the greatest concreteness and simplicity possible. Although we have tried to reduce these limitations as much as possible through the use of experts in the first steps of the method, they remain and must be considered in terms of the use of the results.

Future developments

Undoubtedly, progress is needed in research to more precisely elucidate the role of well-being, as it has been proposed here, from a bidirectional perspective: as a motivational element to push towards improvement and the achievement of goals, and as a product or effect of the self-determined and competent behaviour of the person, in relation to different factors, such as that indicated here of ‘perfectionism’ or the potential interference of material and social rewards, which are linked to sports performance—in our case—and that could act as a risk factor so that our achievements, far from being a source of well-being and satisfaction, become an insatiable demand in the search to obtain more and more frequent rewards.

From a practical point of view, an empirical investigation should be conducted to see if these relationships hold from a statistical point of view, either in the classical (correlational) or in the probabilistic (Bayesian Networks) plane.

The results obtained in this study, exclusively researched from the desk, force the authors to develop subsequent empirical and/or experimental studies in two senses: (1) what interrelationships exist between the so called ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ psychological variables and traits in sport, and in what sense are each of them produced; and, (2) from a global, motivational point of view, can currently accepted theoretical frameworks, such as SDT, easily accommodate this duality, which is becoming increasingly evident in applied work?

Finally, these studies should lead to proposals applied to the two fields that have appeared to be relevant: educational and cultural.

Application/transfer of results

A clear application of these results is aimed at guiding the training of sports and physical exercise practitioners, directing it towards strategies for assessing achievements, improvements and failure management, which keep them in line with well-being enhancement, eudaimonic, intrinsic and self-determined, which enhances the quality of their learning and their results and also favours personal health and social relationships.

Data availability

There are no further external data.

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Peris-Delcampo, D., Núñez, A., Ortiz-Marholz, P. et al. The bright side of sports: a systematic review on well-being, positive emotions and performance. BMC Psychol 12 , 284 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01769-8

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Psychology, MS (Sport Psychology Concentration)

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Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Sport Psychology is designed for students interested in the psychological aspects of sports and exercise. This program is ideal for students aiming to work with athletes to enhance performance, improve mental health, and promote overall well-being through psychological principles. The program integrates interdisciplinary coursework in psychology, health, and communication, offering flexibility through electives tailored to students' professional interests. Emphasizing theoretical and practical applications, the curriculum includes topics like sport fandom, performance consulting, and the media's role in sports. If you have a passion for sports, a strong foundation in psychology, and an interest in the mental aspects of athletic performance,  you will find this program aligns well with your career aspirations and academic goals. 

This program is not designed to prepare students for clinical practice. Opportunities to prepare for licensure exams are not available through this degree program.   

Campus Immersion Program at a Glance

Location:   West Valley Campus Credit Hours:  30 Flexible Schedule:  day and evening classes Time to Completion:  18 months - 24 months Admit Term:  Fall Application Deadlines  

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Program Handbook       Sports Psych Checksheet      Program Advising

Pursuing a graduate degree represents a pivotal juncture in your academic and professional path. We are committed to ensuring that you are well-informed and well-prepared for this significant journey. To facilitate your exploration and understanding of the program, we encourage you to delve into our advising website. Here, you can access vital information regarding program prerequisites, course offerings, and the expertise of our esteemed faculty.

We particularly recommend a thorough review of the curriculum check sheet and the program handbook. These documents offer an insightful glimpse into what you can expect during your academic journey, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of the program's requirements and guidelines. Your time spent exploring these resources will be invaluable as you embark on this next chapter of your education.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

Application Components

Completed applications must be electronically submitted to ASU and include the following:

Letter of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation help support your graduate school application by providing a third-party view of your ability to perform well in graduate school. It is preferred that the letters of recommendation are from faculty members who know the applicant's work well; if these are not available, then recommendations should be from individuals in supervisory or professional roles. Two letters of recommendation are required. However, three letters of recommendation are strongly recommended.

Statement of Purpose

This is your opportunity to introduce yourself, share your goals and explain why you decided to pursue this particular program. Please provide a statement no longer than three pages double-spaced describing your research experience and interest overlap with the identified ASU program faculty.

Required Courses

Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate, or graduate, social science statistics and research methods course. Typically, these pre-requisite courses should be in a social science field; however, applicants may apply with courses outside of a social science field.

GPA Requirement

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in applicable master's degree program. 

GRE Scores (Optional)

Applicants to the Master of Science in psychology (sport psychology concentration) program are not required to submit a GRE score. Applicants who feel that their GPA and academic record are not reflective of their current ability are strongly recommended to provide a GRE score.

English Proficiency

International applicants should review details online to determine if a TOEFL or IELTS score must be submitted. Information can be found by visiting  students.asu.edu/graduate/proficiency .

Review Process

Review of applications for admission are done on a rolling basis. Typically decisions are returned within 14 calendar days from the date the application is ‘in review’. The decision timeframe may increase during peak cycles.

Applicants can view the status of their application online via My ASU. The New College may reach out to request additional information or provide updates so it is important to check your email regularly.  

After submitting your application please contact  [email protected]  with any questions.

While you wait for a decision we recommend that you:

• explore resources available to all ASU Graduate Students available  here .
• submit your FAFSA, for more information visit:  https://tuition.asu.edu/financial-aid

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NBA superstars have these game-day nap routines — and science says you should too

We’ve been told since we were young that we need to get a good night’s sleep to be at our best the next day.

And while that’s certainly true, it turns out that catching a few quick zzz’s during the day can be equally beneficial.

In today’s fast-paced, sleep-deprived world, naps have become a critical part of many folks’ wellness plans.

That’s definitely the case for elite athletes. Daylight slumber in the hours prior to nighttime competition is often a built-in part of their pre-game routine.

And perhaps no group of athletes is more adamant about the importance of their naps than NBA players and coaches.

As GQ reported last year “there is no more cherished NBA tradition than the game-day nap. It’s been practiced for decades, by players and coaches alike.”

Yes, gone are the days of yesteryear when Michael Jordan famously claimed he slept no more than three or four hours a night and would often play a round of golf on game days.

Last month, at the outset of the NBA Playoffs, ESPN spoke to NBA superstars Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis and Jamal Murray about their game-day napping habits — and to a man, they said that, after their team’s game-day morning shootaround, getting in anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours of sleep between 1 and 4:30 p.m. was a critical part of preparing to play.

“It’s non-negotiable,” said Curry.

In 2018 Lebron James told CNBC that while he tries to get eight, nine or even 10 hours of sleep nightly, when he doesn’t feel like he’s gotten enough rest, he’ll take a one- or two-hour break during the day to get in a nap.

Sleep scienceand the 20-minute 'power nap' v. 90-minute naps

The potential benefits of naps are highly personalized. What works for one person may not work for another.

That said, most experts believe that a daytime “power nap” of 20 to 30 minutes can help boost mood, memory, immunity, alertness and cognitive function.

According to the Sleep Foundation “in some cases, a longer nap of around an hour and a half may also be beneficial. This length of time allows the body to cycle through the stages of sleep and avoids interrupting deep sleep.”

Think of 20-30-minute naps as quick boosts of mental energy while 90-minute naps are more restorative.

Some napping advocates also suggest taking caffeine just before a nap. It might sound counterintuitive, but drinking caffeine just prior to lying down for your nap can have unexpected benefits.

That’s because caffeine requires around 20 minutes to travel through your digestive tract and bloodstream before reaching your brain.

One of the ways caffeine makes you feel more energetic is by displacing a chemical called adenosine — a substance that makes you feel tired.

Sleeping naturally clears adenosine from your brain.

More Health Matters: Swift shape up: How Taylor trained 'like a pro athlete' in preparation for Eras tour

So, after your quick power nap, when the caffeine reaches your brain and takes its full effect, there’s less adenosine for it to compete with — thus heightening its re-energizing effect.

Experts also recommend that naps be taken at least eight hours prior to one’s regular bedtime so as not to interfere with falling asleep at night. So if you normally go to sleep at 11:30 p.m., try to get in your nap by 3:30 p.m.

Falling asleep quickly is a skill

Numerous studies have attempted to quantify the benefits of napping on athletic performance. A 2020 article in Outside magazine noted that while the sleep “equation seems simple: you sleep because you’re tired, and the more tired you are, the more you sleep,” it’s actually not that straightforward.

A study by Loughborough University, working with the English Institute of Sport, and published in the European Journal of Sport Science, did napping comparisons of elite athletes, recreational athletes and non-athletes. They factored in such variables as each subject’s previous night’s sleep, overall sleep patterns and self-reported “sleepiness” at the time.

As Outside noted “the athletes got just as much sleep as the non-athletes, and reported virtually identical levels of sleepiness. They weren’t excessively tired — they were just really good at falling asleep. The researchers link this finding to a concept called ‘sleepability,’ which was first proposed in the early 1990s. Falling asleep quickly and easily is a skill, and some people are better at it than others.”

What kind of napper are you?

In a 2018 report, sleep researchers at the University of California came up with five different categories of napping — which they listed in the (very apropos!) acronym DREAM:

Dysregulative : Done to compensate for illness, (over)exertion, and/or out-of-sync Circadian rhythms (which often happens with nighttime shift workers).

Restorative : Happens after poor sleep or not enough sleep.

Emotional : Happens because of stress, anxiety and/or depression.

Appetitive : Done because it’s enjoyable, a habit, and the napper simply feels better after getting in his or her nap.

Mindful : Done to increase focus and alertness.

As a lifelong napper, I know that mine have, at one time or another, fallen into all the above categories.

I’m also heartened by the evolution of how society and the medical community view napping in general — especially when it comes to short (20-to-30 minute) and medium (90-minute) naps.

As Outside concluded in 2020 about the most positive findings of recent napping studies: “They suggest a shift in how we think about naps. They’re not necessarily a warning that you’re failing to take care of yourself, or drowning in sleep debt. Sometimes they’re a sign that your mind is at peace, your body is at rest, and you’re lucky enough to have a half-hour to spare in the middle of the afternoon.”

May we all be so fortunate to have that be our reason for napping.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Maximize your napping game like these pro athletes do

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Aegis | Harford Community College holds two ceremonies…

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• Harford Magazine

Aegis | Harford Community College holds two ceremonies for 66th graduation

This year, the college held two ceremonies to recognize all August and December 2023 graduates, as well as May and August 2024 candidates for graduation in the college’s associate degree and certificate programs.

Commencement ceremonies were held at 10 a.m. for graduates of the Arts and Humanities and the Behavioral and Social Sciences divisions; and at 2 p.m. for graduates of the Business and Applied Technology, Nursing and Allied Health Professions, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math divisions.

Xiomara Bradden, a graduate of Harford Community College with an associate degree in Political Science and International Relations, delivered the student graduate address at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Bradden, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and president of the student multicultural club, will continue her education at the University of Maryland.

Alaki Wellington, a graduate of Harford Community College with an associate degree in Psychology, delivered the student graduate address at the 2 p.m. ceremony. Wellington, a member of the Honor’s Program and Psi Beta Honor Society and served as treasurer of the Psi Beta Psychology Club, will transfer to Towson University in the fall.

Olivia Borkowski-Johnson was presented with the Outstanding Student Leadership Award, which recognizes a student with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 and has made overall contributions to Harford Community College and the community. Borkowski-Johnson, who earned an associate degree in Nursing, will continue her education at Towson University.

Anthony C. Comes was presented with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award which honors the achievements of former students who has had success in their chosen profession as well as shown commitment to the community and interest in HCC.

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