Socio-environmental influences on female participation in sports and physical activities

The field of physical activity and sports participation among females, from adolescence through adulthood, holds substantial significance in health and performance sciences. Presently, research reveals that less than one-third of the adult population maintains the recommended levels of physical activity for optimal health benefits. Female adolescents, new mothers, and young women, in particular, encounter distinct challenges that affect their involvement and performance in sports. Despite the extensively documented advantages of physical activity — from health improvements to enjoyment and social connectedness — participation rates among females consistently lag, underscoring the necessity for focused research and innovative intervention strategies.

This Research Topic aims to dissect the intricate determinants influencing female sports and physical activity participation. Focal areas include the physiological, psychological, and environmental barriers and enablers affecting physical preparedness, sports engagement, and overall performance outcomes. The broader objective is to deliver data-driven insights into health benefits, personal growth opportunities, and methodologies for optimizing performance specifically for female participants. Closing the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, this endeavor strives to enhance the inclusivity of environments that motivate females to maintain active lifestyles.

To advance understanding of the diverse factors affecting female sports participation, we encourage articles focusing on, but not limited to, these themes:
• Environmental elements like infrastructure, facility access, and climate influences on female participation.
• Social factors, including cultural expectations, social networks, family influence, and mentorship roles in shaping engagement levels.
• Coaching methodologies and educational practices aimed at advancing female athlete development.
• Policies and support systems fostering inclusivity and opportunities for females across sporting activities.
• Factors predicting success in female athletes' careers and participation stories.

We invite submissions that include original research or reviews exclusive to female participants, aimed at inspiring tangible changes that expand women's participation in sports globally. We are particularly open to submissions from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including papers that focus on gender disparities in the Global South, where cultural norms, socio-economic barriers and limited resources further restrict access to sport and recreational opportunities for women and girls.

Keywords: female sport, physical activity promotion, social inequality; barriers, global inactivity

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.