Global Research Trends on Gymnastics in Physical Education: A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2026.2.05

Keywords:

gymnastics, physical education, bibliometric, trend analysis, Scopus

Abstract

Objectives. This study aims to understand global research trends on gymnastics in physical education by conducting a bibliometric analysis of documents indexed in the Scopus database from 2015 to 2025.

Materials and Methods. Data were extracted using the keywords “gymnastics” and “physical education,” filtered by document type (articles and reviews) and language (English). A total of 297 documents were analyzed. VOSviewer software was used to visualize keyword co-occurrence relationships.

Results. The results show a fluctuating publication trend, with a peak in 2019, followed by a decline after 2021, suggesting a temporary shift during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain emerged as the most productive countries, while Cardiff Metropolitan University and Loughborough University were identified as leading institutions. Keyword co-occurrence mapping revealed five major thematic clusters: (1) gymnastics pedagogy and student learning, (2) motor learning and movement coordination, (3) biomechanics and injury prevention, (4) health, motivation, and exercise, and (5) technology-enhanced physical education.

Conclusions. These findings indicate that the field has evolved from a biomechanical and performance-based perspective to a more interdisciplinary approach integrating health, education, and technology. The study provides insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers to strengthen collaboration, integrate digital learning tools, and advance innovative teaching practices in gymnastics education.

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Author Biographies

Lucy Oktavani, Universitas Negeri Padang

Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Sports Science, Hamka Street, Air Tawar Barat, Padang, West Sumatera, 25133, Indonesia

Marsika Sepyanda, Universitas Negeri Padang

Department of Health and Recreation, Faculty of Sports Science, Hamka Street, Air Tawar Barat, Padang, West Sumatera, 25133, Indonesia

Rina Mayangsari, Universitas Negeri Padang

Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hamka Street, Air Tawar Barat, Padang, West Sumatera, 25133, Indonesia

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Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

Oktavani, L., Sepyanda, M., & Mayangsari, R. (2026). Global Research Trends on Gymnastics in Physical Education: A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Analysis. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 26(2), 272–283. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2026.2.05

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Section

Review Articles