EXcellence and PERformance in Track and Field (EXPERT)—A Mixed-Longitudinal Study on Growth, Biological Maturation, Performance, and Health in Young Athletes: Rationale, Design, and Methods (Part 1)

This paper presents the rationale and design of a study of growth and development in young track and field athletes: the EXcellence and PERformance in Track and field (EXPERT) study, and details the methodologies used. Background: Longitudinal research examining individual-environment interactions in youth athletic development is scarce for track and field. Objectives: The EXPERT study investigates how individual (anthropometry, maturation, motivation) and environmental (family, coach, club) characteristics influence developmental trajectories in youth track and field athletes. Methods: A mixed-longitudinal design will follow 400 athletes (200♂, 200♀; aged 10–14 years) from 40 Portuguese clubs across five cohorts assessed biannually over three years. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model, assessments encompass individual, performance, health, and environmental domains. Data quality control will consist of rigorous training of all research team members, implementation of standardized protocols, a pilot study, and an in-field reliability study. Multilevel growth models will examine trajectories and predictor effects of predictors. Conclusions: EXPERT will provide evidence to optimize training and support holistic youth athlete development.