Physical education research trend in the last 100 years: bibliometric analysis and systematic review of Scopus journal database

Abstract

This study carried out a bibliometric analysis and systematic review of the trends in physical education research during the previous 100 years using the Scopus journal database. This research aims to map the academic progress of the discipline and highlight the conceptual and methodological alterations that have occurred. Using the Scopus journal database, papers related to physical education published in the last 100 years were compiled for this bibliometric analysis. Using "physical education" as a search phrase, the article search limited the results to publications published between 1924 and 2023. Exclusion criteria were used to weed out publications that had no relevance to the research's primary topic. Based on their importance and pertinence, 217 articles from a preliminary screening of 43,238 were selected for additional review. Next, this data was examined using the VOS viewer program to look for trends, citation patterns, and institutional contributions. The literature review method was also applied to the top 10 papers, with one being selected as the most cited article over a ten-year period. The literature review approach followed PRISMA guidelines to ensure an open and replicable article selection process. The study's findings demonstrate how physical education has evolved significantly from its original emphasis on militaristic and physical components to a more inclusive and technologically advanced approach that incorporates mental health and inclusion. The study's conclusions provide a standard for further investigation into this field by confirming the value of physical education in promoting both academic achievement and general well-being. Keywords: holistic approach, educational inclusivity, technological development, educational diversity, physical activity, physical fitness.