Topic Editors

School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Dr. Gemma Parry
Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
Dr. Rosalyn Cooke
Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK

Gathering Evidence and Supporting Progress of Female Elite Sport and Para-Sport

Abstract submission deadline
5 February 2027
Manuscript submission deadline
5 April 2027
Viewed by
1069

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Female elite sport and para-sport is an area which has seen significant recent attention, growth and development in recent years, and it is essential that journals begin to capture and support this information to ensure that support and content space is available for academics looking to showcase their research. Despite the growth in this area, it is still considerably under-represented and under-considered against the focus and prevalence of knowledge for elite male athletes/para-athletes. This topic area holds significant value in understanding the many avenues of research from the impact of motherhood to the effectiveness of prevention programs; programs that enhance performance research are needed. To begin to address this important area of research, it is essential that subject experts and specialists are invited to support the topic and together develop further knowledge and create collaboration. Below is an initial example of topic areas that require research specifically for elite female athletes. Please consider these areas and consider how they could be combined: 

Area 1 by health domains: Research that is based on the IOC Female Health Domains. This includes menstrual and gynaecological health, preconception/assisted reproduction, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, breast health, pelvic floor health, breast feeding, parenting and caregiving, mental health and the sport environment.

Area 2 by generation of athlete: Research is needed to consider the female elite athlete through the generations. Consider the emerging athlete/para-athlete, the pregnant athlete/para-athlete, the athlete/para-athlete around injuries or illness (e.g., exercise-induced laryngeal obstraction) and the athlete/para-athlete at the end of their career (perimenopause).

Area 3 by focused topic: Research is needed that considers prevention-based research, performance enhancement research, and fertility-based research

Area 4 from the stakeholder perspective. Research needs to consider the different stakeholders involved in elite female athlete research, e.g., understanding of the healthcare team (doctors, physios), performance team (coaches, sports scientist), care givers and supporters (family around the athletes).

Area 5: understanding of major events and other sociological aspects. Research is needed to capture the influence and impact of women’s major events (for instance, the women’s Rugby World Cup this summer). Further study considering the sociological aspects of sport is required, for instance, the study around if and how women’s sport is coming elitist, and why? We would welcome varied methodological approaches considering the above issues, including reviews and empirical studies, as well as other types of articles such as perspective articles.

Dr. Andrew Soundy
Dr. Gemma Parry
Dr. Rosalyn Cooke
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • sports
  • para-sports
  • disability
  • performance
  • measurement
  • injury
  • prevention
  • intervention

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Behavioral Sciences
behavsci
2.5 3.1 2011 32 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Healthcare
healthcare
2.7 4.7 2013 22.4 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
jfmk
2.5 3.7 2016 22.5 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Social Sciences
socsci
1.7 3.1 2012 33.1 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Societies
societies
1.6 3.0 2011 29.9 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Sports
sports
2.9 4.1 2013 19.9 Days CHF 1800 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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14 pages, 334 KB  
Article
The Effect of Video Modeling on Gymnastics-Based Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Hüseyin Gazi Sönmez, Murat Ergin, Çalık Veli Koçak, Berkan Bozdağ, Ömer Kılınç, Ebru Turan, Umut Canlı and Monira I. Aldhahi
Healthcare 2026, 14(8), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14081009 - 11 Apr 2026
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Background and Objectives: While the effectiveness of video modeling (VM) in teaching academic, daily living, and social skills to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is frequently investigated, studies examining the use of VM in teaching gymnastics-based motor skills are limited. This [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: While the effectiveness of video modeling (VM) in teaching academic, daily living, and social skills to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is frequently investigated, studies examining the use of VM in teaching gymnastics-based motor skills are limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of VM on the acquisition and maintenance of a gymnastics-based motor skills in preschool children with ASD. Methods: The study employed a multiple-probe method across participants in a single-subject research design. Three preschool children diagnosed with mild ASD participated in this study. Baseline, intervention, and follow-up data were systematically collected and analyzed. Social validity data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with parents and special education teachers. Results: The percentage of correct responses increased throughout the VM intervention sessions, and all participants reached the proficiency criterion. Follow-up data collected after the intervention showed that the acquired skill was maintained, and the percentages of correct responses ranged from 80% to 100%. Social validity findings revealed that both teachers and parents perceived VM as an effective and feasible teaching approach for teaching motor skills to children with ASD. Conclusions: The research findings demonstrate that VM is an effective and socially valid teaching method for teaching and maintaining gymnastics-based motor skills in preschool children with ASD. These results contribute to the existing literature by demonstrating the applicability of video modeling in the context of gymnastics-based training. Full article
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