Exploring the knowledge structure of Korean physical activity research using topic modeling and keyword network analysis

Background and purpose: Information on topics and knowledge structures is an important indicator of trends, prospects and sustainability in research fields. Although many studies on physical activity (PA) have been published in Korea, no studies have been reported to explain knowledge structure (KS) and keyword topics. Therefore, this study intends to analyze and explain PA-related studies.

Research method: In this study, topic modeling and keyword network analysis were applied to explore the KS of domestic PA-related studies published in domestic journals. 83 journals and 782 studies published from 1996 to June 2019 were collected, and 5441 key research keywords were used as data.

Results and conclusions: Analyzing the study of physical activity in Korea, first, it is a study that reports the PA level of students from an educational point of view. Second, it is a study that verified the validity and reliability of the measurement tool. Third, a study reporting the psychological and behavioral characteristics of PA participants. Fourth, studies promoting PA participation in subjects with disabilities. Fifth, research on key topics of health and obesity is ongoing. This study can be used as basic data to explore the current status of global PA research by providing information on major themes, keywords, and trends of domestic PA research.

Knowledge structure; Research trends; South Korea; Physical activity; Network analysis; Topic modeling

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