A Historical Overview and Future Directions in Sport and Exercise Psychophysiology
Book Chapter
Celoch, K, Bigliassi, M. (2025). A Historical Overview and Future Directions in Sport and Exercise Psychophysiology
. 1-15. 10.1007/978-3-031-90034-1_1
Celoch, K, Bigliassi, M. (2025). A Historical Overview and Future Directions in Sport and Exercise Psychophysiology
. 1-15. 10.1007/978-3-031-90034-1_1
At the most basic level, the overarching spirit of sport and exercise psychophysiology is perhaps best expressed by the Latin phrase “mente sana in corpore sano” (a sound mind in a sound body). Even before psychophysiology emerged as an independent discipline, early scholars attempted to delve into the complex interplay between bodily and mental processes that underpin human performance. Ever since, our understanding of human physiology and psychology has expanded considerably, providing a fertile ground for exploring the bidirectional relationship between those domains. Over the years, scientific advancements in neuroscience-adjacent fields led to a marked paradigm shift from peripheral to central measures, a phenomenon commensurate with an increased awareness of the role the brain has on every facet of human performance. Running in parallel was an uptick in the popularity of exercise among the members of the general public and recognition of its salutary effects both within the realm of mental and physical health. Today, sport and exercise psychophysiologists continue to explore body–mind relationships through a variety of complementary models to accommodate the ever-increasing scope of topics that fall within its purview. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the most influential historical developments that shaped the evolution of the field as we know it today. Additionally, future directions are given due consideration with a particular focus on how emerging technologies might help sport and exercise psychophysiologists unravel the intricacies of human performance in the coming years.
