Trends of Leisure Constraints Research in the Field of Sports Science

The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze the trends in leisure constraints research (LCR) within the field of sports science. A content analysis was conducted on 83 selected papers. The results revealed the following: First, the main topics of interest in LCR were categorized as leisure constraint negotiation (overcoming efforts), inequality (marginalized groups), participation motivation (intention), conceptualization of leisure constraint factors, and leisure satisfaction. Second, regarding research trends by journal characteristics, studies published in sports science journals were the most prevalent; quantitative approaches dominated research methods; questionnaires were the most frequently used data collection method; multiple sports types were the most commonly studied; regular participants were the most frequently analyzed group; and adults were the predominant age group examined. Based on these findings, this study discusses (1) the diverse application of research methods, (2) the segmentation of sports types studied, and (3) the need for increased attention to irregular participants as well as children and adolescents.