Abstract
Background. Research-practice gaps in sport hinder the full potential of informing, developing, and optimizing sport settings for impact (e.g., across youth development, coaching, health promotion; Holt et al., 2018). Research partnerships between researchers and knowledge users offer a promising approach to bridge these gaps through knowledge translation/mobilization processes (i.e., shared decision-making, knowledge exchange, co-producing products). However, barriers often impede meaningful engagement within these partnerships (e.g., incompatible values/beliefs, power imbalances; Peachey & Cohen, 2016). A comprehensive review of sport research partnership literature can provide guidance on how to better support and implement these partnerships.
Purpose. Given recent calls for greater research transparency, this presentation will provide an a priori scoping review protocol to identify opportunities, challenges, and areas of need to promote meaningful sport research partnerships.
Methods. The protocol is informed by Arksey & O’Malley's (2005) framework, Peters et al.’s (2022) reporting guidelines, previous reviews on partnerships (Hoekstra et al., 2020, 2022), and input from a steering group. Four databases (SPORTDiscus, PsychINFO, ERIC, Web of Science) will be systematically searched, followed by a two-phase screening process based on pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data extraction will be guided by the knowledge-to-action cycle (Graham et al., 2006) allowing mapping of extracted data to key phases of knowledge translation/mobilization.
Implications. This work will significantly contribute to sport science by addressing the limited knowledge on knowledge translation/mobilization and partnership guidance within this context. Practically, the study findings will enhance clarity on how to support meaningful sport partnerships and bridge research-practice gaps.
