Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is no longer a bottom-of-the-page tick box on the health research quality checklist. Consensus statements in cancer1 and general medicine2 are prominent examples of multinational research collaborations that create space to include diverse patients. Sports medicine, rehabilitation and sport science seeks to solve complex problems that require multi-disciplinary teams to address biopsychosocial and sociocultural origins and effects. Thus, EDI initiatives are fundamental principles that ensure all team members are valued and respected and can contribute fully. These principles also enhance the research process by bringing varied perspectives, which can support a more intersectional understanding of findings and improve outcomes for patients.
Some sports medicine, rehabilitation and sport science researchers and clinicians are embedding EDI into practice, broadening the demographics represented and considered when designing, conducting, interpreting and disseminating research.3 However, EDI in our field is far from perfect, including its lack of true demographic diversity (such as socioeconomic representation).
We reflected on our own work while writing this editorial. While we are embedding some aspects of diversity, we have room to improve and increase the impact of our sports medicine, rehabilitation and sport science research. We believe one barrier to more diverse research is a broad awareness of who can be included in research. In this editorial, we focus on the ‘D’ of EDI, providing a non-exhaustive list of considerations, with definitions and a rationale …
