Training quality in sport

Background Training quality (TQ) is increasingly recognised as a key factor in athletic development and performance, yet its definition and measurement remain inconsistent.Additionally, no widely adopted methods have directly measured TQ.The objective of this scoping review is to examine current definitions, measures, and applications of TQ in sport. MethodsA scoping review was conducted using Ovid Medline, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify studies up until August 2024.A total of 1,248 records were identified, of which 38 studies met inclusion criteria.Data extraction captured study characteristics, participant details, training status and sport, measures and associated factors.Results Three definitions of TQ were identified in the review.Four tools were discerned to directly measures TQ, with the Subjective Training Quality (STQ) scale being the only validated in-session measure.Other tools demonstrated varying levels of reliability but had limited empirical validation.Many studies associated TQ with indirect measures such as psychological assessments, accelerometry, and stress biomarkers; however, these links were largely anecdotal and lacked robust evidence.Conclusions This review demonstrates that although conceptual advances have been made, research on TQ remains inconsistent and underdeveloped in practical application.A key challenge identified was the lack of a clear, unified definition.To address this, the review synthesised the literature into a condensed definition: (1) TQ is the use of evidence-informed practice to holistically design training and evaluate the training process; and (2) in-session TQ is the achievement of the prescribed training objectives.Clarifying definitions, validating measures across sporting contexts, and conducting longitudinal studies are essential next steps to advance understanding of TQ and its role in athlete development and performance.