Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Sports Training: Evidence from Romanian Professionals Using SEM Analysis

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Abstract
Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), are reshaping the landscape of athletic training and performance assessment. Despite growing global interest, empirical research on AI adoption in sports remains limited in Central and Eastern Europe. This study investigates how Romanian sports professionals perceive and integrate AI-based applications and digital technologies into their training practices and how these tools influence performance outcomes. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 293 athletes, coaches, and sports academics affiliated with Romanian national sports federations. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), we analyzed the relationships between perceived AI benefits, AI application usage (AISportSuite), adoption of digital sports technologies, and reported performance outcomes. The results indicate that perceived AI benefits significantly predict the use of AI applications, positively influencing the adoption of wearable and digital training tools. Moreover, digital technology usage is positively associated with higher self-reported performance levels. Group comparisons show that AI adoption varies significantly by sport and education level, with football professionals and more educated respondents demonstrating higher engagement.These findings contribute to the literature on sports technology adoption by offering one of Eastern Europe's first empirical, model-based studies. The study provides practical insights for coaches, policymakers, and sports technologists aiming to foster AI integration and digital innovation in high-performance athletic environments.

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