A New Milestone in Sports Science & Performance Development

Sharjah Women’s Sports Participates in the ACAPS International Conference at the University of Poitiers

Reinforcing its commitment to integrating scientific knowledge into the advancement of women’s sports, Sharjah Women’s Sports (SWS) took part in the ACAPS International Conference, hosted at the University of Poitiers in France from 21 to 23 October 2025.
 For more than four decades, the ACAPS Conference—organized by the Association of Researchers in Physical Activities and Sportssince 1984—has been regarded as one of the most prominent academic platforms dedicated to sports science, bringing together leading scholars, practitioners, and experts from across the world.

SWS’ participation in this year’s edition reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining an active scientific presence globally, and to continually engaging with the latest advancements in research, methodology, and applied science to enrich the development of women’s athletic performance. This approach aligns with the organization’s vision of empowering national talent and building a knowledge-driven sports ecosystem.

A Research Contribution That Advances Movement Science

The SWS delegation included Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairperson of Sharjah Women’s Sports, and Maryam Al Shehhi, Sports Physiologist at the Scientific Center for Research and Sports Development.

Al Shehhi presented a research paper titled “Lower-Limb Asymmetry and Its Impact on Directional Performance in Female Athletes”, offering insights into how muscular imbalances influence agility and movement efficiency—factors deeply connected to performance in several sports.

Her study drew significant interest from academics and professionals attending the conference, particularly for its precise data and its potential to directly enhance training methodologies designed for female athletes.
 The scientific engagement surrounding this presentation formed a core pillar of the delegation’s participation, which extended across a broad spectrum of research-focused sessions.

A Deep Dive into Global Trends in Sports Performance

Throughout the conference, SWS delegates attended more than twenty lectures and presentations addressing the latest perspectives in performance analysis, talent identification, and the physiological profiles of female athletes.

Additional sessions explored adolescent lifestyle habits, the role of physical activity in preventing chronic conditions, and international initiatives aimed at promoting sport as a lifestyle—an area closely aligned with SWS’ mission to elevate community awareness and expand participation in sports across Sharjah.

Technology at the Heart of Modern Training Systems

The conference agenda also included an extensive tour of the accompanying technology exhibition, where the delegation explored advanced systems for motion analysis, physiological assessment, and sports recovery. These innovative tools represent the next generation of performance-support technologies, enabling more efficient program design, injury-prevention strategies, and data-driven coaching—capabilities that further strengthen the scientific services provided by SWS.

Strengthening International Academic Partnerships

On the sidelines of the conference, SWS held a series of meetings with representatives from its partner universities in France—the University of Poitiers, the University of Saint-Étienne, and the University of Burgundy – Dijon—all bound to the organization through active research collaboration agreements.

Discussions focused on activating joint research initiatives, expanding applied training programs, and advancing national talent development in line with the strategic goals of the SWS Scientific Centre  for Research and Sports Development.

Following the conclusion of the conference, Maryam Al Shehhi continued her academic program in France, participating in specialized workshops at the University of Poitiers focused on advanced performance-analysis and physiological measurement techniques—reflecting the organization’s commitment to continuous professional development for its scientific and technical teams.

Sustained Presence, Sustained Impact

Commenting on the participation, Hanan Al Mahmoud emphasized the significance of the conference, stating:
 “Our presence at ACAPS reflects Sharjah Women’s Sports’ dedication to strengthening the scientific footprint of Emirati women in international arenas. This event provides an invaluable platform for exchanging expertise and highlights the essential role of research in enhancing athletic performance and promoting athlete well-being.”

She added:
 “We firmly believe that building an advanced sports ecosystem begins with science—and with transforming knowledge into long-term, sustainable impact across all stages of athletic development.”

With its second consecutive participation in the ACAPS Conference, SWS reaffirms its commitment to remaining present in leading scientific events, leveraging global knowledge and emerging technologies to support the advancement of women’s sports in the UAE and to expand the horizons of performance development.

Through this renewed scientific engagement, Sharjah Women’s Sports continues to position itself as a comprehensive hub for research, applied science, and performance development—harnessing knowledge to shape a thriving future for women’s sports in the UAE.