Sport Science Research Articles

Physical activity and exercise intensity terminology: a joint American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) expert statement and exercise and sport science Australia (ESSA) consensus statement

Physical activity and exercise intensity terminology: a joint American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) expert statement and exercise and sport science Australia (ESSA) consensus statement

Students’physical fitness test in the the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, National University of Laos

The purpose of this research was to select the physical fitness test and evaluatestudents’ physical fitness in the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, National University of Laos. The sample group used in this research was 157 students of in the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, 42 of whom were females, by purposive sampling method in total students in the academic year 2022-2023. The approval letter was granted by the Executive Committee of Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, National University of Laos The research tools used in the data collection process included questionnaires and statistical tests. The statistics used in the data analysis include: Mean, Standard Deviation. Findings of the study showed as follows 1). The selection results for students’ physical fitness test of students in the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education reported a total of 10 male-female test items that were closely related with a value of R = 0.91 to 1. Therefore, all 10 test items were reliable and applicable. 2). From this study, it can be seen that the physical fitness of the male students of the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education compared to the total score of the test of 10 items with a total score of 100 points, which could be applied with a very good score of 3.6, equivalent to 26.6 percent at the good level, 55.06 percent at the middle level, 11.38 percent at the weak level and 3.4 percent at the very weak level. The physical fitness of female students in the Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education compared to the total score of the test of 10 items with a total score of 100 points, which could be applied with a very good score of 1.9, 6.33 percent at the good level, 26.8 percent at the middle level, 63.81 percent at the weak level and 1.13 percent at the very weak level.

An Evidence-Based Approach to Utilizing Cold Therapies for Post-Exercise Recovery

Whilst cold therapies such as cold-water immersion are regularly used in practice, the practical application does not always align with best practices. In this commentary, we highlight the key components of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Expert Statement on the use of cooling therapies for post-exercise recovery and provide additional discussion on the empirical evidence and rationale that informed our perspective. We developed a series of specific questions to ensure that cold therapy recovery protocols are context-specific and tailored to the needs of the individual athletes. These questions, which cover the WHEN, WHAT, and HOW of cold therapy, were central to the development of the Expert Statement. This was presented as a decision tree to ensure that key messages could be concisely disseminated across a range of sporting environments and populations (e.g., gyms, locker rooms, and treatment rooms), supporting and informing decision-making for those wanting to use cold therapy to assist their recovery in line with previously published peer-reviewed work. Discussion points included the suitability of cooling therapies in some contexts, how athletes’ choice of cooling mode should be largely driven by practicalities (e.g., budget and availability), and, lastly, future research directions.

Comparison of static and dynamic balance performances of sports science students by gender

Background and Study Aim. Static and dynamic balance performance are fundamental skills that can exhibit significant differences between genders and are critically important in motor skills and sports science. The aim of this study was to compare the static and dynamic balance performance of sports science students by gender. Material and Methods. Ten male students (age: 22.70 ± 1.33 years) and ten female students (age: 23.00 ± 1.05 years) studying in the sports science faculty voluntarily participated in the study. The Biodex Balance System (BBS, Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY) was utilized to assess balance performance. Independent samples t-test and paired t-test were conducted for analysis using SPSS. Results. In intergroup comparisons, static and dynamic balance performances were similar between genders, with a significant difference found only in the S-APSI parameter (p = 0.021). Among male participants, a significant difference was observed in the S-MLSI parameter (p = 0.015), while no significant differences were found in the other parameters. For female participants, dynamic balance performance significantly outperformed static performance (OSI p = 0.018, APSI p = 0.035, MLSI p = 0.046). Apart from anterior-posterior balance outcomes, no significant differences were observed between males and females in the other parameters. It was also evident that female participants exhibited significantly superior dynamic balance performance compared to static performance. Conclusions. Understanding gender differences in balance performance is crucial for creating effective training programs in sports education. By recognizing these differences, trainers can develop strategies that better meet the specific needs of male and female athletes. This approach can help enhance overall athletic performance.

The role of Northern European countries in the emergence of new training methods in distance running: A historical overview

AbstractThis study aims to present the significant training theoretical innovations in the history of modern distance running that can be traced back to the countries of Northern Europe and the possible underlying socio-historical reasons for them. Since the beginning of the modern sport, the Nordic countries have enjoyed outstanding success in distance running. In the 1910s–20s, the dominance of Finnish runners was a feature of the first year-round systematic training. During the Second World War, the Swedish coach Gosta Holmer developed the fartlek (speed play) method, which enabled his runners to set numerous world records between 1,500 m and 10,000 m. The most significant innovation in modern distance running training methods was the scientifically based interval training of the German Dr Woldemar Gerschler, which still determines athletes' training today. The Dutchman Herman Verheul developed his easy interval method based on the empirical observations of the Gerchler system. The Verheul method was characterized by high-volume and mainly aerobic sub-maximal speeds and a big emphasis on aerobic development. This is the basis of the Norwegian training method that dominates sports science research today. The latter uses longer intervals (1,000–2,000 m) developing anaerobic-threshold speed (vLT2) monitored by lactate measurement several times a week. These innovations have been fostered by various sociological facts (promotion of sports, sports sciences, and use of the results) and the historical context of the era.

Differences in Physical Demands and Player’s Individual Performance Between Winning and Losing Quarters on U-18 Basketball Players During Competition

Background: This study examines how physical demands and individual performance influence quarter results in under-18 basketball players during a six-day basketball tournament. Methods: Twelve male players from an elite Spanish team were tracked using inertial microsensors to monitor external load variables (player load, steps, and dynamic stress load). Individual performance was assessed using the performance index rating (PIR). Results: The results showed significant differences in physical demands between quarters. Also, player load (F = 3.75, p = 0.012) and steps (F = 5.29, p = 0.001) were higher in the first quarter and decreased over time. Winning quarters had significantly higher physical demands compared to losing quarters (PL: F = 27.13, p < 0.001; steps: F = 16.70, p < 0.001; DSL: F = 9.50, p < 0.001). On the contrary, PIR did not show significant differences between winning and losing quarters (F = 2.15, p = 0.143), but tended to be higher in winning quarters. Conclusions: These results suggest that physical demands are stronger predictors of quarter results than individual performance scores, indicating that such parameters should be closely monitored by sport scientists and coaches since they can play a crucial role in team success.

Science in the clutches of elite sports: hard science, relational skills and power in Norwegian sports coaching

In this article, we examine the professionalization coaching in Norway, focusing on the years between 1990 and 2020. During this period, Norway started to perform comparatively well in international elite sport. Data are drawn from two relatively separate fields of Norwegian elite sport, namely elite football for men and the Norwegian organization for elite sports’ (Olympiatoppen) programme for future elite sport coaches. In our analysis, we rely on two sets of concepts: Giddens’ notion of reflexivity in late modern society, and Foucault’s concept of pastoral power. When concepts and methods from both the natural and the social sciences enter the clutches of elite sport, academic perspectives transform into recipes that aim to help athletes achieve more. The more the coach knows about the athlete, the better she can plan for training sessions. On the other hand, it creates a risk of manipulation and abuse of power.

The effects of toe grip training on fall prevention and cognitive function in the elderly

Given the connection between the feet and the brain via sensory receptors, it is believed that improving the sensitivity of the toes and the soles of the feet could help prevent injuries and improve performance in athletes and prevent falls and improve cognitive function in the elderly. Associate Professor Ryota Tsuyuguchi was a coach of the Osaka Sangyo University Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Team, which enabled him to observe, first-hand, the importance of feet to performance. This prompted him to consider the wider implications of improving sensation in toes and feet. At the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences at Osaka Sangyo University in Japan, Tsuyuguchi and the team are conducting research to expand on the belief that training related to toe grip could enhance the benefits of exercise. Indeed, training interventions related to conscious toe grip might affect brain metabolism and brain nerve activity, helping to improve cognitive function. The researchers have studied most age sectors of society and found that the output of the motor association cortex in the frontal lobe was strengthened and the function of the A10 nerve nucleus was improved, which suggests that the prefrontal cortex was also affected. The researchers believe that the activation of mechanoreceptors on the soles of the feet will improve toe grip function to ensure support and safety. They also believe that moving the centre of gravity forward through training of toe grip will encourage autonomic posture adjustment through the spinal reflexes, which may also be an effective approach in the prevention of falls.

Supine Sleep-Promoting Baby Mattress: SIDS Prevention and Athlete Injury Relief

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of death in infants aged one to 12 months, primarily occurring during sleep. Consequently, there is considerable interest among researchers and healthcare professionals regarding the sleeping environment and potential risk factors. One identified risk factor is infants sleeping prone (on their stomach), making supine (on the back) sleeping the recommended position. Associate Research Fellow Shing-Jye Chen from the Department of Sports Science Research at the Taiwan Institute of Sports Science (TISS) is developing a hammock-like air-based baby mattress covered with breathable mesh. This mattress is designed to promote supine sleeping and prevent babies from rolling onto their stomachs during sleep. It features air tubing within tensioned mesh fabric that automatically adjusts to suspend and support the baby’s weight. This design increases the contact surface area between the baby and the mattress, reduces contact pressure, and provides evenly distributed support as the baby grows. Chen takes an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with experts in baby breathing, sleeping patterns, and biomechanics to develop solutions aimed at reducing the risk of SIDS based on scientific evidence, safety, and effectiveness. In a pilot study, Chen collected data on the mattress’s performance using weights to simulate babies of different ages. His team will explore the relationship between weight and the measured pressure values at different internal air pressures within the inflatable tubing design. The potential application of this product design may extend to injured athletes, particularly in areas where injuries contact the mattress surface, thereby reducing stress.

Teachers’ Perceptions of the Degree of Practicing Organizational Justice among Physical Education and Sports Sciences Department Heads in Selected Universities in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The research aims to prepare a measure of organizational justice among department heads of colleges of physical education and sports sciences for some universities in the Kurdistan Region from the point of view of teachers, and to identify the level of organizational justice among department heads of colleges of physical education. Physical education and sports sciences in some universities in the Kurdistan Region from the point of view of teachers. The descriptive approach using the survey method for its suitability and the nature of the study. The research community was identified using the intentional method of teachers in the College of Religious Education and Sports Sciences for some universities in the Kurdistan Region - Iraq for the academic season (2023-2024), numbering (5) colleges. The researchers used the following statistical parameters to find the results of their research. Using the statistical package (SPSS) (percentage - arithmetic mean - standard deviation - simple correlation coefficient - Spearman Brown), the results were obtained by preparing a measure of organizational justice among heads of departments and colleges of physical education and sports sciences for some universities in the Kurdistan Region from the point of view Teachers through scientific procedures. The number of items in the scale was (28) items, distributed over (4) dimensions. The heads of departments of the faculties of physical education and sports sciences of some universities in the Kurdistan Region have a high level of practicing organizational justice.

Establishing the Reliability of the GaitON® Motion Analysis System: A Foundational Study for Gait and Posture Analysis in a Healthy Population.

Gait and posture analysis plays a crucial role in understanding human movement, with significant applications in rehabilitation, sports science, and clinical settings. The GaitON® system, a 2D motion analysis tool, provides an accessible and cost-effective method for assessing gait and posture. However, its reliability in clinical practice, particularly for intra-rater consistency, remains to be evaluated. This study aims to assess the intra-rater reliability of the GaitON® system in a healthy population, focusing on gait and posture parameters. A total of 20 healthy participants (10 males and 10 females) aged 18 to 50 years were recruited for the study. Each participant underwent gait and posture assessments using the GaitON® system on two separate occasions, spaced one week apart. Video recordings from anterior and posterior views were used to analyze gait, while images from anterior, posterior, and lateral views were captured to assess posture with markers placed on key anatomical landmarks. The reliability of the measurements was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), a standard error of measurement (SEM), and the smallest detectable difference (SDD) method. The GaitON® system demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability across a wide range of gait and posture parameters. ICC values for gait parameters, including hip, knee, and ankle joint angles, ranged from 0.90 to 0.979, indicating strong consistency in repeated measurements. Similarly, ICC values for posture parameters, such as the head alignment, shoulder position, and ASIS alignment, were above 0.90, reflecting excellent reliability. SEM values were low across all parameters, with the smallest SEM recorded for the hip joint angle (0.37°), and SDD values further confirmed the precision of the system. The GaitON® system provides reliable and consistent measurements for both gait and posture analysis in healthy individuals. Its high intra-rater reliability and low measurement error make it a promising tool for clinical and sports applications. Further research is needed to validate its use in clinical populations and compare its performance to more complex 3D motion analysis systems.

The effect of skill exercises based on the cooperative learning method on acquiring some basic futsal skills for female students

The research aims to prepare skill exercises using the cooperative learning method. In learning some basic skills with the feet football for female students and learning about the effect of the cooperative learning method in learning some basic skills in Futsal football. The researchers used the experimental method with the design of the experimental and control groups, including pre-test and post-test. This was suitable for the nature of the research, which targeted first-year female students (25 students). A sample of (20) students was selected and distributed equally into an experimental group and a control group, with (10) students in each group. The researchers identified the basic skills in futsal, which are (passing, receiving, and shooting), based on the curriculum for the first year in college. They then conducted pre-tests on the sample individuals in both the experimental and control groups before starting the implementation of the educational program to determine the level of basic skills tests in futsal. The researchers prepared exercises according to the cooperative learning method, relying on sources and references, with the help of experts in the field, to include (16) educational units, applying two educational units weekly with a duration of (90) minutes for each unit. Then, they conducted equivalence between the research groups (control and experimental), and after completing the educational program, they conducted post-tests for both the experimental and control groups. The results were extracted, and appropriate statistical treatments were used to reach the results. Subsequently, the results were presented, analyzed, and discussed. The researchers concluded that the first-year female students in the College of Physical Education and Sports Science at the University of Babylon showed that the cooperative learning method significantly addressed individual differences.

Design and Validation of a University Education Peer Observation Tool

Objective: The aim of this study was to design and validate a university education PoT instrument. Theoretical Framework: It has become a priority to implement Peer Observation of Teaching (PoT) in the domain of higher education. There are different PoT approaches, a social credentialism model and a feedback-oriented approach. Method: The Higher Education-PoT (HE-PoT) tool was designed ad hoc following observational methodology principles. The original items were drawn from a systematic review of PoT tools by Otero-Saborido et al. (2024). The procedure consisted of two phases: in the first qualitative phase, items from the tool were selected and circulated within a group of experts; in the second quantitative phase, the items were quantified using the Aiken coefficient Results and Discussion: It was initially based on a systematic review of PoT tools and subsequently subjected to 4 rounds of revisions by Physical Education and Sports Science teaching experts. The final tool consisted of a total of 33 descriptive categories divided into 11 items. The validity of all item contents was calculated using Aiken's coefficient (value equal to 0.75 or above, except for 2 items which scored 0.66) and all categories obtained values above 0.75. A total of 25 of the 33 categories presented values over 0.90. Research Implications: Future works should test the tool reliability so that it can be used to improve teaching following collaborative approaches. Originality/Value: Validated PoT tools are generally lacking in university education. The designed tool includes a number of items that contribute to a sustainable observation for teachers.

The Effect of Using the Wheatley Educational Model According to Cooperative Groups to Reflective Thinking and Learning the Basic Skills of Freestyle Swimming for Students

The research aimed to identify the effect of the Wheatley model according to cooperative groups in reflective thinking and learning the basic skills of freestyle swimming for students. As for the research hypothesis, it was represented by the presence of statistically significant differences between the post-tests of the two groups (experimental and control), and the research population was determined by the intentional method of third-stage students in College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Sulaymaniyah. As for the research sample, it was randomly selected by lottery from Division (A) and consisted of (32) students. It was divided into two groups: the experimental group, which consisted of (14) students, and the control group, which consisted of (14) students. The skill tests for free swimming were relied upon to reach the results after treating them with appropriate statistical means. The researcher concluded that the Wheatley educational model according to the cooperative groups had a positive impact on reflective thinking and learning the basic skills of free swimming for the third stage students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences in University of Sulaymaniyah. The researcher recommended the need to use the Wheatley educational model according to cooperative groups in learning the basic skills of freestyle swimming for different stages and age groups. The researcher also recommended the need to use the Wheatley educational model according to cooperative groups in teaching various other activities and sports.

Rapid Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Determination of Total and Free Testosterone in Human Serum and Its Application to Monitoring Biomarker Response of Elite Athletes.

Total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT) are important biochemical markers for anabolism of the human body, and can also serve as early screening indicators for overtraining syndrome (OTS). Presently, there is no fast and reliable serum TT and FT determination method in the field of sport science that can meet the requirements of sports research. Thus, a rapid and accurate determination method for serum TT and FT to fill the gap is needed urgently in sports training. Herein, a simple and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of TT and FT in serum was developed and fully validated, followed by the application of professional athletes in training monitoring. Efficient pretreatments based on only one-step liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) for TT and one-step LLE after a 20 min ultrafiltration for FT were adopted in this study, and the isotope internal standard of testosterone-13C3 was used to ensure the reliability of the whole procedure. A linear range of four orders of magnitude with 0.02-100 ng/mL can meet the concentration range requirement between a higher limit for male TT and a lower limit for female FT. The accuracy, precision, stability, and matrix effect were all within the limits of the guidelines. The serum TT and FT levels of 200 professional athletes (98 male athletes and 102 female athletes) were investigated by this method. Serum TT, FT, and FT/TT levels of professional athletes were significantly higher than the general population, and serum TT levels were significantly higher by LC-MS/MS than by a chemiluminescence immunoassay. In conclusion, the LC-MS/MS method for TT and FT measurement developed in this study is time-saving and easy to operate, which can be used as a reliable method for the determination of serum TT and FT in sports training, offering valuable information for monitoring anabolism of athletes and screening OTS in the early stage.

Muscle synergies during the walk-run and run-walk transitions.

Muscular synergies could represent the patterns of muscular activation used by the central nervous system (CNS) to simplify the production of movement. Studies in walking-running transitions described up to nine synergy modules, and an earlier activation of flexor and extension ankle muscular groups compared to running or walking. Our project aims to study the behaviour of muscle synergies in different stance and swing variations of walking-running (WRT) and running-walking (RWT) transitions. Twenty-four trained men participated in this study. A variable speed protocol on a treadmill was developed to record the activity of 14 muscle during walking, running and relative transitions. The protocol was based on five ramps of 50 seconds each around±10 and 20% of the WRT speed. WRT and RWT were identified according to an abrupt change of the duty factor. Analysing surface electromyography using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) we obtained synergy modules and temporal activation profiles. Alpha threshold for statistical tests set at 0.05. We described four different transition strides, two for increasing speed transitions, and two for decreasing speed transitions. Four to six synergy modules were found in each condition. According to the maximum cosine similarity results, the two identified WRT conditions shared five modules, while the two RWT conditions shared four modules. WRT and RWT overall shared 4.33±0.58 modules. The activation profiles and centres of activation revealed differences among conditions. Transition occurred at step level, and transition strides were composed by walk-like and run-like steps. Compared with previous studies in running and walking, both transitions needed earlier activation of a comparable number of synergy modules. Synergies were affected by acceleration: during RWT the need to dissipate energy, to decrease the speed, was achieved by increasing the number of co-activating muscles. This was reflected in fewer synergy modules and different activation profiles compared to WRT. We believe that our results could be enforced in different applied fields, like clinical gait analysis, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, where plans including co-activation of specific muscular groups could be useful. Gait transitions are common in different sports, and therefore also application in training and sport science would be possible.

Performance support team effectiveness in elite sport: a narrative review

ABSTRACT In pursuit of competitive advantage, elite sport organizations are increasingly relying on the support of diverse sport medicine and sport science staff, who are collectively referred to as the performance support team. Whilst it has been suggested that the accumulative input from diverse multiteam systems has the potential to contribute to a resultant whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, team effectiveness is reliant on more than the mere aggregate of diverse experts. The aim of this narrative review was to appraise, summarize, and apply pertinent performance support team literature to a conceptual framework for teamwork and team effectiveness in sport. It specifically explores team effectiveness, with reference to its inputs (i.e. characteristics of individual, team, and environment) and mediators (i.e. team processes and emergent states). This review provides an insight into the individual (i.e. disciplinary knowledge, technical competency, and interpersonal qualities), team (i.e. team composition and leadership), and external (i.e. hierarchical arrangement and environmental factors) inputs that are necessary for team effectiveness, as well as the mediators (i.e. behavioral processes and emergent states) that translate such inputs into desired outcomes.

Analyzing Sports Biomechanics of Hurdling Training: A Systematic Review

Background. Hurdling is a dynamic and technically demanding sport within athletics. It requires a unique combination of speed, agility, coordination, and strength to support good technique and achievement. The ability to excel in this sport depends on the athlete’s mastery of these components, making it an interesting subject for sports science research. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate existing research on sports biomechanics as it relates to improving hurdling performance. Materials and methods. The study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology of the relevant literature. A total of 15 articles published between 1990 and 2023 were identified as relevant to the focus of the study and selected for in-depth analysis. Results. The findings showed that sports biomechanics research in hurdling training has mainly concentrated on the following key areas: kinematics analysis, the application of technology, and the potential injury studies. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the biomechanics of hurdling training, this study suggests the need for further and more comprehensive research. The research mentioned should delve deeper into the biomechanical factors influencing performance in order to develop optimal training methods and injury prevention strategies. Conclusions. This review underscores the importance of continued research in this area, as it has the potential to enhance training approaches and improve athletic performance in hurdling.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and cycling performance on the 3-minute aerobic test (3mAT): placebo and nocebo effects

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used extensively but research on its efficacy within the sport and exercise science realm has been inconsistent. There may be placebo and nocebo effects present with its use. Our objective was to determine if subjects can be influenced to believe that tDCS will improve cycling performance. Subjects were separated into a belief group (B; 5 women, 6 men) and a disbelief group (DB; 9 women, 3 men). The B group was told that the stimulation would improve performance on a subsequent cycling test. In the DB group, subjects were told that it was not effective and would hinder performance. The cycling test was a 3-minute aerobic test (3mAT) where subjects maintained the highest power output possible for three minutes, after completing a full 20 min warmup. During the warmup, they were given either no stimulation (control) or 2 mA bilateral stimulation over the M1 region. There was a very slight increase in maximal minute power for the B group (0.22%) and a small decrease for the DB group (-1.00%); however, these differences were not significant. No significant differences were found for any of the cycling variables. In conclustion, tDCS was unable to improve performance on the 3mAT. These findings, in conjunction with others, suggest that the acute effect of tDCS is still questionable when aiming to enhance endurance performance.

Mapping of Petanque Sports Research Trends for the period 2011-2024: A Bibliometric Analysis in the Scopus Database

Objectives. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the trend of petanque sports from 2011 to 2024 in the Scopus database. The research focused on productivity assessment, publication type, journal ranking, frequency of publishing, number of citations, study area focus, keywords, and co-authorship. Materials and methods. This study was carried out using a bibliometric method. The research stages comprised (1) searching for articles using the Boolean “Petanque” AND “petanque in sport”, (2) inquiry with inclusion criteria of e-books, short reports, conferences, original articles, literature reviews in English, French, and Spanish from 2011 to 2024, (3) filtering 34 articles, (4) eliminating 19 articles, leaving 15 articles that were considered worthy, (5) re-filtering and producing the same number, namely 15 articles, and (6) deciding 15 final data articles. Data collection and analysis techniques used were Mendeley, VOSviewer, and Excel. Results. In terms of productivity, 3 (20.00 %) documents were identified from 2011, 2021, and 2024; the most common type of document was original articles, with a total of 13 (86.67 %); the most journal rankings were in quartile 3 and 4 (30.00 %); the journals most frequently publishing research on petanque included the Journal of Physical Education and Sport, Ethnologie Francaise, Concurrences, and the International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, and Retos, each of which had 2 (13,00 %) documents; while the largest number of citations was from Pelana et al, with 26 citations. The majority of studies focused on physical, technical, and biomechanical aspects. The most commonly appearing keywords included performance, athlete, performance characteristic, sport, optimum group performance, and psychological training plan. Regarding collaboration, 14 researchers were found to be cooperating on the same research topic. Conclusions. Petanque sports studies still require better research productivity and innovation to improve information and knowledge.