Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Sports Management Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences Tehran Tehran Iran
2 PhD
3 Sport Management Sport Sciences Tehran Tehran Iran
Abstract
A Systematic Review of Research Hotspots and Trends in Professional-Elite Women's Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis
This scientometric study analyzes 1,637 articles from the Scopus database (1979–2025) to examine the evolution of research in professional and elite women's sport, mapping global trends, identifying key players, and highlighting thematic priorities.
Findings indicate a significant increase in annual publications, rising from an average of 2–18 articles in the 1980s-90s to 169 articles in 2024. The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom are the primary contributors. Key research themes have evolved from foundational topics like athletic performance, ACL injury prevention, biomechanics, and gender-specific physiology (e.g., the menstrual cycle) to a recent focus on nutritional strategies and mental health since 2020. Despite publication growth, citation rates have declined, likely due to the novelty of recent studies, while highly cited articles focus on physiological demands and eating disorders.
This analysis confirms a transition towards interdisciplinary approaches but reveals significant gaps in geographical diversity and funding. It underscores the need for international collaboration, equitable resource allocation, and targeted research to advance gender equity in sports science. The findings provide a foundation for policymakers and researchers to prioritize future research effectively and equitably.for policymakers and researchers to prioritize future research more effectively and equitably.
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