Innovation and emerging trends in participatory sport and fitness centres in the digital era

Participatory Sport is a vibrant and evolving domain within the broader landscape of physical activity, focusing on non-competitive, non-professional sports that emphasise ongoing engagement, inclusivity, and personal wellbeing. Traditionally anchored in physical spaces such as fitness centres, the field has witnessed a profound transformation due to rapid advances in digital technology and shifting social expectations. Recent research highlights the expanding role of interactive platforms, data-driven services, and hybrid environments in reshaping sport participation, access, and experience, thereby altering the foundations of health, leisure, and social interaction across the lifespan. Despite this progress, persistent questions remain about how these innovations influence the management, economic models, and inclusivity of participatory sport and about the broader implications for public health, organisational sustainability, and social integration.Recent studies have documented significant changes brought on by digitalisation—ranging from the adoption of wearable technology and data analytics to the emergence of interactive fitness apps and online-to-offline service models. These advances are driving fundamental shifts in consumer behaviour, professional roles, and organisational practices. However, amid these promising trends, there is ongoing debate regarding accessibility, ethical data use, digital divides, and the need for adaptive workforce skills to bridge gaps between technology and human interaction for diverse participant profiles. There is a pressing need for interdisciplinary research to better understand how technology-enabled innovation can be harnessed to deliver equitable and sustainable outcomes in participatory sport.This Research Topic aims to critically explore the innovation landscape within participatory sport, with a focus on its intersection with digitalisation in fitness centres and other active sport services. The objective is to deepen scientific understanding of how technological, organisational, and market developments are redefining participatory sport management, marketing, sustainability, and social impact. We seek to answer questions such as: How do emerging technologies affect consumer engagement, inclusivity, and long-term participation? What new business and service models are arising, and what are their implications for economic and community wellbeing? How must workforce roles and professional competences adapt in this changing environment?The scope of this Research Topic encompasses the broad but defined field of participatory sport in the digital age, specifically centred on fitness centres and associated active sport services while excluding competitive or elite sports. We welcome scholarship that employs conceptual, empirical, and interdisciplinary approaches to ignite new perspectives on these dynamics.Key themes of interest include but are not limited to:• Digital transformation and technological innovation in fitness centres and active sport platforms• Consumer behaviour, engagement, and retention in digital participatory sport environments• New business models, pricing strategies, and organisational sustainability• Shifts in workforce roles, professional development, and digital literacy• Accessibility, inclusion, and equity in digitally enabled participatory sport• Data governance, privacy, and ethical considerations• The intersection of public health, wellbeing, and sport participation in hybrid service models Topic editors: Helena Ferreira Barbosa, Vânia Loureiro, Efi Tsitskari, Ainara Bernal-García Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77215/innovation-and-emerging-trends-in-participatory-sport-and-fitness-centres-in-the-digital-era