INTRODUCTION: Athletes may suffer from mental illnesses, eating disorders, low energy availability and/or hormonal symptoms 1-3, all of which negatively affect health and performance. Knowledge about these issues is limited among coaches and athletes, which makes attempts to solve problems difficult. Education is recommended to increase the willingness of athletes and coaches to communicate about sensitive or "taboo" topics4, but information about how best to educate these individuals is limited. The overall aim of this project was to develop, implement and evaluate a programme of education using an action research approach 5. This paper critically discusses the application of action research when seeking to develop such education programmes. METHODS: Action research is the process of using collaborative work to create change to address meaningful substantive issues. It involves the use of systematic enquiry to introduce and evaluate change, whilst also generating new knowledge in relation to that change. Initial insights into the education needs of the participants (32 female and male junior cross-country skiers and their 2 female and 2 male coaches) were gained by the lead author through observations, informal conversations, and a survey. Further data was then collected using a reflective journal, informal conversations, feedback, focus groups and mind-mapping. A series of educational presentations were developed and shared with the participants throughout the data collection process. RESULTS: Initial results from this study demonstrate that action research is beneficial for supporting the development of an education programme where athletes, coaches and researchers work closely together to co-create and evaluate specific content. In this sports performance setting, the education programme was effective at increasing knowledge and communication between athletes and coaches regarding a range of sensitive topics, which have typically been considered "taboo". DISCUSSION: Action research is useful for developing education programmes pertaining to sensitive or "taboo" issues, thereby facilitating increased knowledge, communication and problem-solving opportunities among athletes and coaches.
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