Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology

Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology. It is a peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes original research on the application of engineering principles and technology to sports. The journal serves as a key forum for interdisciplinary work bridging mechanical engineering, biomechanics, and materials science with athletic performance, equipment design, and injury prevention. Published by SAGE Publications, it is the official journal of the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA).

History and scope

The journal was established in 2008, evolving from the earlier proceedings of the International Sports Engineering Association's biennial conferences. Its creation formalized a dedicated scholarly outlet for the rapidly growing field of sports engineering, which had gained significant momentum following pioneering work at institutions like the University of Sheffield and Loughborough University. The scope encompasses the engineering of sports equipment, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, and running shoes, the analysis of playing surfaces like those for association football or cricket, and the development of sensor technologies for athlete monitoring. Research often involves collaboration with major sporting bodies, including the International Tennis Federation and Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.

Abstracting and indexing

The journal is abstracted and indexed in several major scientific databases, ensuring its research is accessible to the global engineering and sports science communities. Key indexing services include the Science Citation Index Expanded, part of the Web of Science core collection, Scopus from Elsevier, and the Inspec database from the Institution of Engineering and Technology. It is also covered in Compendex and Academic Search Premier. This indexing in prominent databases contributes to its Impact factor and CiteScore metrics, which are used to gauge its influence within related fields like biomechanics and mechanical engineering.

Editorial board and peer review

The journal operates under the leadership of an international editorial board composed of leading experts in sports engineering and related disciplines. The editor-in-chief is David James, a professor at Sheffield Hallam University with expertise in aerodynamics in sport. The board includes scholars from prestigious institutions worldwide, such as Stanford University, University of Calgary, and Tokyo Institute of Technology. The peer-review process employs a double-blind system, where manuscripts are evaluated by independent experts from fields like finite element analysis, fluid dynamics, and sports medicine to ensure scientific rigor and relevance to the journal's interdisciplinary readership.

Notable articles and impact

The journal has published influential studies that have directly impacted sports technology and regulations. Notable articles include groundbreaking work on the aerodynamics of cycling time-trial helmets, the mechanical characterization of artificial turf for rugby football, and the development of smart sensor systems for monitoring head impacts in American football. Research from the journal has informed equipment standards set by bodies like the International Ski Federation and has been cited in policy discussions by organizations such as World Athletics. Its impact is reflected in its role in advancing the design of safer sporting equipment and more accurate performance measurement tools.

Related publications

The journal exists within a broader ecosystem of scholarly publications focusing on the science and engineering of sport. Closely related periodicals include Sports Engineering (journal), which is also affiliated with the International Sports Engineering Association, and Journal of Biomechanics, which covers fundamental human movement science. Other relevant titles are Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, published by the American College of Sports Medicine, and Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, which was its predecessor title. Researchers in the field also frequently contribute to conferences like the International Conference on the Engineering of Sport.

Category:Engineering journals Category:Sports science journals Category:SAGE Publishing academic journals Category:Publications established in 2008