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The purpose of this paper is to share how the American Kinesiology Association’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee envisioned, planned, and created an opportunity to show how inclusive excellence can be implemented as a strategy for transformation and change. This was achieved by listening to and intentionally responding with positive outcomes to students who voice their lived experiences in an institution of higher education. The Viewpoints on Inclusive Student Experiences (VOISES) model of student/faculty engagement is explained, along with reflections from two faculty members who participated in VOISES panels—one as an audience member and the other as a panel moderator. The discussion includes suggestions for incorporating student voices generally and the VOISES model specifically as part of a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy.

Low back pain is a highly disabling health condition that generates high costs for patients and healthcare systems. For this reason, it is considered a serious public health problem worldwide. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT) by evaluating adherence to treatment, contamination between groups, satisfaction with treatment, and understanding of the exercise instructions provided by the physiotherapist. Additionally, we sought to identify and implement necessary modifications to the exercise protocol for better suitability in older people. We conducted a prospective, registered pilot RCT comparing an 8-week group-based exercise program with a waiting list in older people (≥60 years old) with chronic low back pain. Sixty participants were recruited through social media, pamphlets, and invitations at community referral centers. The study demonstrated the feasibility of a full RCT. Participants reported high satisfaction with the treatment (i.e., 100% indicated willingness to return for future services) and a high understanding of the exercise instructions (i.e., 81.8% reported “very easy” comprehension). Adherence to the exercise program exceeded the average reported for group exercise interventions in older adults (i.e., 82.58%). Dropout was associated solely with preexisting physical activity levels. The exercise protocol was successfully adapted to better suit the needs of the older adult population. This pilot RCT demonstrates the feasibility of a full-scale RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of group exercise in improving pain intensity and disability in older adults with chronic low back pain. The implemented adjustments to the exercise protocol and overall study approach strengthen the methodological foundation and expected accuracy of the future RCT.

In this epilogue to the special issue, we provide a summary of four case studies in esports. Specifically, we draw attention to (1) interventions with teams and esports athletes, (2) coach support and development, and (3) practitioner development. We explore these areas in relation to the case studies presented in the special issue, providing a structured analysis and discussion of the experiences shared in these case studies and shedding light on how sport psychology is applied in esports. Lastly, we offer future research and practice opportunities for those intending to practice or currently practicing in the realm of esports.

Reducing lower-limb injuries in netball, particularly anterior cruciate ligament injuries, is a priority. The Accident Compensation Corporation (a no-fault national insurance system) partnered with Netball New Zealand to create the “NetballSmart” injury prevention program. Targeted research informed the successful implementation, dissemination, and adoption of the injury prevention program. Research included a nationwide epidemiological study, video analysis investigating netball injury risk maneuvers, and intervention studies exploring the effectiveness of injury prevention program warm-up resources on physical capability in youth netball. An identified spike in ankle-knee injury incidence of school-age netball players at season start and prior to tournaments along with a high overall prevalence within these ages led to the creation of age-specific educational workshops and resources focused on effective preparation, skill transition, strengthening, and balance. Observational video analysis highlighted behaviors that potentially increased the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury and a progressive landing skills program was developed. The NetballSmart Dynamic Warm-up and Power Warm-up significantly improved player physical capability. Consequently, time to perform the Power Warm-up before all games at a national intermediate school tournament was incorporated into competition-time, reducing workload by 25%. A targeted social media and ambassador endorsement plan increased performance of the NetballSmart Dynamic Warm-up/Power Warm-up by 14% prior to games and 15% before trainings nationally. Accident Compensation Corporation injury data between 2018 and 2022 showed a 6,050 (32%) reduction of all body site and a 2,968 (33%) decrease of combined ankle-knee injury claims. Similarly, by 2021 there was a 11% decrease in fractures/dislocations, a 13% decrease in soft tissue injuries, and a 9% decrease in anterior cruciate ligament surgical repairs. During this delivery period, Accident Compensation Corporation reported that the whole of life returns on investment was NZD$4.10, for every dollar funded to the NetballSmart Injury Prevention Programme.

The School of Kinesiology (KINE) at Auburn University (AU) has demonstrated exemplary commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, earning the 2024 American Kinesiology Association’s Inclusive Excellence Award. This article describes the strategic planning and actions taken by AU KINE over more than a decade to promote inclusive excellence by enhancing diversity and fostering inclusion. The article discusses how AU KINE overcame challenges, such as misconceptions about diversity initiatives, and how the unit continues to evolve, including developing an inclusive Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Throughout the process, AU KINE has aligned its diversity and inclusion mission and goals with the broader institution. The authors aim to demystify the process of creating a more diverse and inclusive kinesiology department and offer insights for other programs seeking to enhance their diversity and inclusion efforts. AU KINE’s success demonstrates the transformative power of strategic, sustained initiatives to promote inclusive excellence in kinesiology.