CURRENT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT AND ATHLETE HEALTH

Sport stands as the most natural and effective defense mechanism of the body against the greatest health risks of our era: physical inactivity and chronic diseases. Regular physical activity, which is universally accepted as the undisputed foundation of a healthy life, not only boosts an individual’s physical resilience but also constitutes one of the primary and indispensable strategies in modern medicine for the prevention and treatment of many common chronic illnesses, ranging from cardiovascular disorders and obesity to Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, beyond merely increasing physical strength and endurance, the ability of sport to strengthen our mental health by reducing levels of anxiety and depression proves that it is an essential need for both our physical and spiritual well-being. However, while the universal language of sport and the unique passion for competition it instills in the human spirit have always drawn immense interest, the transformation of this passion into professional and sustainable success today is not merely possible through the presence of innately talented athletes. Instead, it relies on the integration of three fundamental, science-based elements. These elements, which have become the focal point in the modern sports science literature, constitute the intersection of data-driven management strategies, health approaches that determine the long- term career and quality of life of athletes, and managerial decisions that directly impact on-field performance. Prepared with the mission to illuminate this complex equation, this work aims to build an interdisciplinary bridge by compiling the most up-to-date scientific research in the fields of sports management and athlete health from a holistic perspective.