Abstract

​Afzal I.A, Casermeiro Gámez, M.C., Luque Manjon C., Jones T, Bennett T

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The provision of sports science in global sport governing bodies is becoming vastly integral to the way in which performance, safety, and innovation is enhanced. The aim of this study was to investigate aspects of the quality, rigour and impact of Badminton World Federation (BWF) sports science research projects conducted over the last 10 years. Disciplines reviewed included: Biomechanics (23 papers), Sports Injury (17), Physiology (12), Training (7), Psychology (6), Performance Analysis (5), and Para-Badminton (3). Descriptive data analysis was performed on demographics (age, sex, level of play, sample size), anthropometrics, experimental design, and type of skills from 69 BWF-funded research grant papers, collated using a cross-referenced database. Cross referencing revealed 30 of 69 (43%) research papers were peer-reviewed and selected for further analysis. Biomechanics was the most researched discipline (6), Para-Badminton was the least (1). Female participants were present in 20 of the 30 peer-reviewed studies. The most common age range was between 20-25 yrs (12). The mode sample size for males (4) and females (2) was between 10-14 participants. The majority of participants were of national (8) and regional (7) performance level. In conclusion, research has predominantly focused on biomechanics and highly specific areas of sport injuries, which potentially lack application to real-world scenarios. Evolving and diversifying from this to include other areas such as strength and conditioning and skill acquisition would lead to wider impact. Furthermore, key areas affecting female badminton players, such as the menstrual cycle, need to be investigated alongside a greater representation from para-badminton players. Performance level has been addressed; however more specific definitions are required to allow deeper insight. Finally, the BWF should continue to promote peer-reviewed, larger sample size research covering more diverse populations. Future research should attempt to clearly state its objectives and direction in support of applied practice. 

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Keywords: Practical Application, Interdisciplinary, Global Sport, Gap Analysis