Evolution of Research Published in Sports and Exercise Medicine Journals: A Quantitative Analysis of Global Trends

BACKGROUND: Sports and exercise medicine is important in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of a variety of musculoskeletal presentations and injuries as well as aiding athletes' recovery and enhancing public health by promoting physical activity for all. It has evolved from a subspecialty into a distinct interdisciplinary domain. Using scientometric analysis, this study examines sports and exercise medicine's scope, history, current landscape and future directions. Utilising data from the Web of Science, covering 150,380 publications up to November 2022, trends from the early 1970s to 2022 are analysed. MAIN FINDINGS: There was gradual growth in the field between 1980 and 2000 and a significant surge post-2000. The study reveals global distribution, with the United States contributing over half of the field's output. However, questions arise about international collaboration and resource allocation. Citespace analysis visualises 26 research streams in sports and exercise medicine, with many emerging around 2000, showcasing adaptability to trends. Document co-citation and citation burst analyses highlight pivotal moments in sports medicine's intellectual history and foundational knowledge. Semantic analysis categorises sports medicine into four primary divisions: Exercise, Lower limb injuries, Physical activity, and Biomechanics in sport, emphasising its multidisciplinary nature. CONCLUSIONS: This scientometric analysis highlights sports medicine's evolution into a diverse, interdisciplinary field, with significant growth since 2000. By identifying and mapping trends, global contributions, and key research themes (Exercise variables, Lower limb injuries, Sports dynamics, and Biomechanics) this study provides valuable insights for guiding collaboration, research, and resource allocation to advance athletes' well-being and health at a population level. KEY POINTS: Sports and exercise medicine research has seen steady growth since the 1970s, with peaks in publication numbers, notably in 2020, followed by a decline attributed to changes in publication indexing practices. Analysis reveals a diverse array of 26 distinct research streams, evolving from a singular focus on anaerobic capacity to encompass modern topics like concussion management and sports psychology.