Ten recommendations for improving the study of executive functions in sport and exercise

Research on executive functions (EFs) has gained increasing attention in sport and exercise science and psychology. While EFs are widely discussed for their potential to enhance athletic performance, the direct evidence remains inconclusive due to methodological inconsistencies, conceptual ambiguity, and limited ecological validity in current research designs. This article addresses these challenges by offering ten recommendations and methodological guidelines for future EF research in sport and exercise contexts. It advocates for the use of standardized definitions, the development of ecologically valid and sport-relevant tasks, and the inclusion of diverse participant populations, while emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. The article also highlights key gaps, such as the weak causal evidence linking EF training to performance outcomes, and the variability of such effects across populations. By integrating evidence-based guidance with theoretical insights, the proposed recommendations aim to support rigorous, interdisciplinary, and applied EF research with greater translational value for sport and exercise psychology.