Bridging the Research-Practice Gap: Diffusion and User Experience of a Digital Health Platform in Swedish Athletics

Evidence-based health information often fails to reach everyday sports practice, leaving a gap between research and real-world application. Digital platforms can help bridge this research-practice gap by disseminating accessible and sport-specific health guidance to coaches, parents, and athletes. Frisk Friidrott, developed by the Swedish Athletics Federation, is a digital health platform providing evidence-based information on injury prevention, training, nutrition, and mental health in youth athletics.

To evaluate the diffusion and user experience of Frisk Friidrott among one group of intended end users, coaches and parents, for youth aged 12-15 years in Swedish Athletics.

A multimethods, cross-sectional study was conducted among coaches and parents of athletes aged 12-15 years. Quantitative data (n = 267) were collected through a web-based survey and analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data were obtained from open-ended survey responses (n = 40) and semistructured interviews (n = 5) and analyzed thematically. Two dimensions from the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance Sports Setting Matrix (RE-AIM-SSM framework), reach and adoption, were used to evaluate diffusion, while constructs from the Technology Acceptance Model, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, were applied to assess user experience.

Thirty-one percent of respondents had heard of the platform, and 27% had initially adopted it. Adoption was higher among coaches, especially those with training in sports medicine or athletics. Adopters reported high perceived usefulness and credibility but identified navigation and structural limitations as barriers to ease of use.

Passive diffusion resulted in modest reach. Integrating the platform into coach education and improving usability and promotion may enhance adoption and sustained engagement within Swedish Athletics.