Sportvetenskap

Sportvetenskap, or sport science, is the systematic study of sport, physical activity and exercise, integrating the natural and social sciences to understand the physiological, psychological, biomechanical, social and health-related aspects of human movement. The field aims to explain how bodies perform, how training influences performance and health, and how sport is produced, consumed and regulated within society.

Sub-disciplines include exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, motor control and learning, nutrition and metabolism, sociology of sport, and pedagogy or coaching science. Methodologies range from laboratory experiments measuring physiological responses to field studies analyzing performance, injury surveillance and technique, as well as longitudinal designs and data analytics.

Historically, sport science emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from physiology and physical education, expanding with professional sport, high-performance training, and public health initiatives. Today it is taught at universities and research institutes around the world and informs professional practice in coaching, athletic training, rehabilitation and sport management.

Applications of sport science span performance optimization, injury prevention and rehabilitation, health promotion through regular physical activity, and policy development for sport and education. Career paths include researchers, coaches, athletic trainers, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists, and sport administrators.

Ethical and social dimensions address equality, inclusion, welfare of athletes, doping and data privacy in performance analytics, ensuring responsible research and practice within sport contexts.