Priority modern scientific trends and approaches in physical education research: bibliometric analysis of scientometric databases

Background and Study Aim. With the advent of software tools for the automatic selection and analysis of large amounts of information, researchers have been able to significantly speed up the search for relevant literature. Scientific and bibliographic databases and tools for their visualisation allow to optimise the data search process and simplify the analysis of the information obtained. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse popular modern areas of research in the field of physical education and sports through a multilayer bibliometric analysis of scientific publications from the Scopus scientometric database. Material and Methods. The methodological basis of the study was the analysis of keywords and direct citation. To identify popular areas and approaches in modern research in the field of physical education and sports, 3084 publications for 2019-2024 published in the Scopus scientometric database were analysed using the VOSviewer software tool, version 1.6.20, by co-authorship, correlation of key terms, citation and co-citation. Results. The constructed bibliometric maps allowed us to identify the main directions of modern scientific research focusing on the role of physical activity in the educational process, pedagogical teaching methods and the impact of physical exercises on the formation of character and health of children, adolescents and students. The first area is the analysis of physical activity in the educational process, which addresses socio-cultural and ethical issues in physical education (gender stereotypes, ethical aspects of physical contact, attitudes towards school violence, inclusivity, social justice and queer communities), issues related to educational outcomes (physical literacy, social capital, assessment), as well as a wide range of issues that can be divided into health and mental well-being. The second area focuses on pedagogical research and teaching methods in physical education, including experimental teaching methods, innovative curricula, new technologies for knowledge transfer and capacity building, and the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on physical education classroom delivery and the emotional state of teachers and students. The third area is the impact of physical activity and health programmes, which is a popular area of research that includes the analysis of programmes aimed at preventing chronic diseases through physical education and supporting the physical and mental health of young people. Conclusions. After analysing the publications, the following conclusions were drawn: modern events and neoliberal ideas have influenced physical education, shifting the focus from traditional topics to social, cultural and psychological aspects of physical activity. Among the research methods, tests and interviews have gained popularity, allowing to explore the emotional and social aspects of physical activity. The COVID-19 pandemic has popularised research into the search for optimal technologies for distance learning in physical education. At the same time, topics driven by the public's need for physically fit citizens to defend Ukraine amid the military conflict remain trendy in Ukraine.