Bridging Behavioral Sciences and Sports Sciences Second Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Human behavior has long been a focal point of scientific inquiry, with efforts aimed at understanding the interactions between individuals, their environments, and their tasks. Disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, physiology, biomechanics, and the social sciences contribute to this understanding. Sports science integrates these fields to explore motor learning, health, and athletic performance. Bridging behavioral and sports sciences is key to uncovering the mechanisms influencing motor and cognitive behavior during physical activity, exercise, and sport. This Special Issue addresses current research gaps and advances in these interconnected areas.

In 2025, emerging research topics linking sports sciences with cognition and action include the impact of exercise on decision-making and neural plasticity. Studies on aging, dementia, and brain injury highlight physical activity’s role in mitigating cognitive decline and enhancing neuroprotection. In hearing and language research, auditory–motor integration during exercise is being studied for its effects on communication and language processing. Mental health remains a central focus, with exercise interventions evaluated for alleviating anxiety, depression, and stress.

Neurodevelopmental research is advancing the knowledge of how physical activity influences brain maturation and developmental disorders, with neuroimaging methods offering insights into the neural basis of motor learning and psychomotor disorders. Novel therapeutic approaches that leverage sports-based activities to improve motor control and cognitive function are emerging. These advancements underscore the importance of integrating behavioral and sports sciences to address contemporary health and performance challenges.

Recent innovations in neuroscience, such as electroencephalography (EEG), virtual reality (VR), and neurofeedback, are transforming sports training. EEG enables the real-time monitoring of cognitive states like focus, stress, and decision-making, allowing tailored training regimens to enhance mental resilience and performance. VR provides immersive environments for practicing tactical decision-making and motor skills in controlled yet dynamic scenarios. Neurofeedback, using EEG data, helps athletes self-regulate brain activity, improving focus, reducing anxiety, and enhancing reaction times. By integrating these technologies, researchers and coaches can develop personalized, data-driven strategies to maximize athletic potential, improve team coordination, and refine individual skills, pushing the boundaries of sports science and performance optimization.

Dr. José Eduardo Teixeira
Dr. Luís Branquinho
Dr. Ricardo Ferraz
Prof. Dr. Ryland Morgans
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• human behavior
• sports sciences
• motor learning
• cognition and action
• neurodevelopment
• neurofeedback
• mental health
• neuroimaging methods
• aging and dementia
• psychomotor disorders