Mapping the Integration of Neuroscience in Sport Psychology: A Scoping Review

Sport psychology has traditionally focused on cognitive and behavioral models to understand athletic performance and mental processes. However, the growing complexity of sport demands more integrated approaches that include biological and neurophysiological perspectives. In this context, neuroscience has emerged as a relevant field, offering theoretical models and methodological tools to investigate processes such as decision-making, emotional regulation, mental fatigue, and perception of effort. Despite this advancement, the integration between neuroscience and sport psychology remains heterogeneous and insufficiently systematized. This scoping review aims to map and describe how neuroscience has been used within sport psychology, identifying predominant approaches, contexts of application, and existing gaps in the literature. The review will follow established methodological frameworks for scoping studies and include empirical, theoretical, and methodological studies that explore the interface between neuroscience and sport psychology. Searches will be conducted across major databases and grey literature sources to ensure comprehensive coverage. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and thematic approaches to identify patterns in the use of neuroscientific methods, psychological constructs investigated, and their applications in sport contexts. The findings are expected to provide an organized overview of the field, highlight limitations, and support the development of more integrated and evidence-based research and practice in sport psychology.