RSU takes part in international study on athletes’ psychological adaptation

Lecturers and researchers from the Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) have begun 2026 by joining an international research cooperation project ‘From Monitoring to Action: A Longitudinal and Cross-Cultural Approach to Athletes’ Psychological Adaptation Throughout the Sports Season’. The project will be implemented from 2026 to 2028.

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Three partners have joined forces in this project – Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), the Lithuanian Sports University, and the National Taiwan University of Sport – to carry out cross-cultural research cooperation in the field of sports psychology. In Latvia, the project is led by Dr. paed. Katrīna Volgemute, Leading Researcher and Associate Professor at the RSU Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy. The project team also includes Assistant Professor Dr. paed. Gundega Ulme, Acting Researcher and expert in psychology, and Dr. paed. Inga Liepiņa, expert in sports pedagogy.

Objective and approach

The objective of the study is to develop a systematic approach to monitoring the psychological state of athletes aged 16–25 throughout the entire sports season, combining psychological self-assessment tools with objective psychophysiological measurements. This approach will not only allow changes in athletes’ psychological well-being to be recorded, but will also enable the timely identification of risk signals that may lead to overtraining, burnout, or a decline in performance.

Katrīna Volgemute, Project Manager in Latvia, emphasises:

‘We see an increasing need in the sports environment for regular, season-based monitoring of athletes’ psychological state. A cross-sectional approach allows for a more accurate understanding of adaptation processes and timely, targeted support for athletes before problems become clinical or affect their performance.’

Practical benefits for the sports environment

As a result of the study, practical, science-based recommendations will be developed for sports psychologists, coaches, and athletes to help them:

• identify the risks of mental stress and burnout in a timely manner;
• adapt training and psychological support strategies;
• promote the sustainable development, well-being, and consistency of athletic performance.

Public health benefits

High-intensity sports environments increasingly highlight mental health challenges among young people, such as prolonged stress, heightened expectations, and pressure to achieve athletic results. Unlike approaches based on one-off assessments, this project proposes to monitor athletes' psychological adaptation in a dynamic and continuous manner. This will allow for a more accurate assessment of the situation and more targeted support, while reducing the risk of talented athletes ending their careers prematurely.

Summary

• Project: From monitoring to action: a longitudinal and cross-cultural approach to athletes’ psychological adaptation throughout the sports season
• Duration: 2026-2028
• RSU responsible structural unit: Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy
• Partners: RSU, Lithuanian Sports University, National Taiwan Sport University
• Project Manager in Latvia: Dr. paed. Katrīna Volgemute
• Target group: Athletes aged 16-25