Performance and healthcare analysis in elite sports teams using artificial intelligence: a scoping review

In competitive sports, teams are increasingly relying on advanced systems for improved performance and results. This study reviews the literature on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in managing these complexities and encouraging a system thinking shift. It found various AI applications, including performance enhancement, healthcare, technical and tactical support, talent identification, game prediction, business growth, and AI testing innovations. The main goal of the study was to assess research supporting performance and healthcare. Systematic searches were conducted on databases such as Pubmed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus to find articles using AI to understand or improve sports team performance. Thirty-two studies were selected for review. The analysis shows that, of the thirty-two articles reviewed, fifteen focused on performance and seventeen on healthcare. Football (Soccer) was the most researched sport, making up 67% of studies. The revised studies comprised 2,823 professional athletes, with a gender split of 65.36% male and 34.64% female. Identified AI and non-AI methods mainly included Tree-based techniques (36%), Ada/XGBoost (19%), Neural Networks (9%), K-Nearest Neighbours (9%), Classical Regression Techniques (9%), and Support Vector Machines (6%). This study highlights the increasing use of AI in managing sports-related healthcare and performance complexities. These findings aim to assist researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in developing practical applications and exploring future complex systems dynamics.