Top Google Scholar Citations to Kinesiology-Related Terms

Abstract

ABSTRACT Keywords are important bibliometric tools for classifying, accessing, and summarizing research. Citations to the top 10 Google Scholar (GS) Profiles were retrieved for 20 kinesiology-related subject labels/keywords. Total citations to top scholars were largest for the disciplinary keywords “physical activity,” “exercise,” “physical education,” “sport science,” “sports,” “exercise science,” “sport,” and “kinesiology.” Citations to top scholars using professionally aligned keywords were in “sports medicine” and “coaching.” The results confirm previously reported trends of slow growth of use of the term kinesiology primarily in the United States, even though the highest citations were to the “physical activity” keyword that is the focus of the field in the United States. Strong citation counts to the “exercise,” “physical education,” and “sport science” keywords likely result from the diversity of research interests in the field throughout the world. Inconsistency of citation and use of keywords and bibliometric subject areas contribute to slow recognition and access to kinesiology research.