Beyond the border of the athlete-centered approach: a model to understand runners' performance

Mabliny Thuany; Thayse Natacha Gomes; Katja Weiss; Beat Knechtle; Ramiro Rolim; Marcos André Moura Dos Santos

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137023

Beyond the border of the athlete-centered approach: a model to understand runners' performance

Front Psychol. 2023 Aug 24:14:1137023. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137023. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Mabliny Thuany¹, Thayse Natacha Gomes^{2

3

4}, Katja Weiss⁵, Beat Knechtle^{5

6}, Ramiro Rolim¹, Marcos André Moura Dos Santos⁷

Affiliations

¹ Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
² Post-Graduation Program of Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil.
³ Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
⁴ Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Physical Activity for Health Cluster, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
⁵ Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
⁶ Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
⁷ Associated Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, University of Pernambuco and Federal University of Paraiba, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Abstract

Our purpose is to move beyond the borders of the athlete-centered approach by examining the runners' environment interplay as a key factor for performance. Based on the ecological systems theory, the micro-level (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and training characteristics), meso-level (a direct association with athletes is not observed, but the environment plays an influence on the relationships built at the micro-level), and macro-level (contextual features that influence athletic systems) were theorized and contextualized as important factors for the expression of different outcomes, including performance and participation. We also conceptualized the microtime, mesotime, and macrotime as a constraint. Through this model, we aimed to provide applications and conclusions about how this conceptual model provides advances in the scientific research field. By understanding how environmental factors influence their performance, runners can make informed decisions about where and how to train and compete. Furthermore, by recognizing the role of culture and social context in shaping runners' experiences and outcomes, we can work toward creating a more equitable and supportive running culture for all.

Keywords: athletes' performance; coach; cross-cultural research; ecological systems; endurance running.