A Bibliometric Study on the Evolution of Women’s Football and Determinants Behind Its Growth over the Last 30 Years
A summary of the research:
The article "A Bibliometric Study on the Evolution of Women’s Football and Determinants Behind Its Growth over the Last 30 Years" provides an overview of the academic research landscape surrounding women’s football from 1992 to 2024. Using bibliometric analysis of 127 scientific articles, the study identifies trends in publication growth, leading contributors, and popular research topics such as injury prevention, physical performance, and motivation. It highlights a marked increase in research since 2010, driven by high-profile events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and growing institutional support. The United States, United Kingdom, and Spain emerge as the most productive countries, with significant international collaboration shaping the field. Despite these advancements, the study notes ongoing disparities in research attention between women’s and men’s football.
The research emphasizes the role of increasing visibility, professionalization, and commercial interest in driving the growth of women’s football and its academic study. Key areas of focus include understanding gender-specific performance factors and developing strategies to improve player well-being and injury prevention. While the bibliometric analysis underscores significant progress, it also identifies gaps, particularly in underexplored topics like match analysis, specialized training, and the psychological dimensions of women’s football, suggesting future directions for research.
Key Takeaways
Scientific research on women’s football has grown significantly since 2010, coinciding with the sport’s professionalization and major events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Key topics include injury prevention, physical performance, and motivation, with the United States leading global contributions.
Research gaps persist in areas like match analysis, biomechanics, and the psychological aspects of women’s football, highlighting the need for continued academic focus.
Authors: Javier Ventaja-Cruz, Jesús M. Cuevas Rincón, Virginia Tejada-Medina, and Ricardo Martín-Moya
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