Sport Science and Community Development: From Principles to Sustainable Advancement
Keywords:
Sport science, Community development, Physical activity, Well-being, Thai societyAbstract
Health and social changes in the 21st century have driven communities to confront a wide range of challenges, including the rise of non-communicable diseases, the decline in mental well-being, and the full transition into an aging society. Sports science has thus emerged as a potential systemic tool for advancing holistic community development. This article aims to 1) synthesize and present an integrated overview of the role of sports science in community development across multiple dimensions; 2) analyze mechanisms, approaches, and innovations for practical application at the community level, while identifying challenges and opportunities within the Thai context; and 3) offer strategic recommendations for future research, policy development, and implementation. Drawing on a systematic review of the literature, the findings indicate that sports science has broadened its role beyond enhancing athletic performance to promoting physical and mental well-being, fostering social and cultural capital, generating economic value, and strengthening infrastructure for physical activity. Key mechanisms include participatory contextual assessment, the design of evidence-based programs tailored to specific groups, and the dissemination of knowledge in conjunction with appropriate digital technologies such as wearable devices, accessible artificial intelligence, and health monitoring systems for vulnerable populations. Although structural inequalities and cultural constraints remain significant obstacles, Thailand continues to benefit from social capital, local wisdom, and emerging health trends that support creative development. Accordingly, this article proposes four strategic directions: interdisciplinary research, integrated policy development linking sports and well-being, capacity building for community-level sports scientists, and inclusive technological adaptation. These elements are crucial to positioning sports science as a core mechanism for promoting sustainable community well-being in the long term.
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