Endurance athletes such as swimmers are at high risk of low energy availability and the serious consequences of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport. Swim coaches are key stakeholders who can moderate these risks, however little research has been undertaken to translate knowledge to support coaches in managing these risks in applied sporting environments. This paper outlines a knowledge translation strategy to design and develop a low energy availability/Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport education initiative for swimming coaches. The approach involved the formation of a collaborative knowledge transfer group (including researchers, key national sporting organisation representatives and a knowledge brokering consultant) who participated in a four-step process to address the problem. This involved 1) scoping and consultation, 2) design and development, 3) implementation, 4) evaluation. This paper describes the detailed methodological process underpinning steps 1 and 2. Combined, steps 1 and 2 were undertaken over a period of three months, with 6 weeks spent on each of these phases. Completion of step 1 and 2 required a series of online meetings, focus groups and workshops, which included members of the knowledge transfer group, the knowledge brokering consultant and engagement with external stakeholders. The description of the scoping and consultation and design and development processes within this project provide a practical example of attempts to translate potential solutions to complex health problems within a coaching environment.

Project Owner: Griffith University/ Swimming Australia
Year commenced: 2021
Year completed: 2023
Status: Completed
Project ID: ID-230823-7666