Research in Sports Management and Movement Behavior

A Scientometric Analysis of a Decade of Research on Focus of Attention in Children (2013–2023): Patterns, Trends, and Gaps

Articles in Press

Author

Zahra Pooraghaei Ardakani

Allameh Tabataba,i

Abstract


Abstract

Introduction : The present study aims to analyze research articles from the past decade in the field of attentional focus among children and adolescents using a scientometric approach.

Methods: This descriptive and review-based study utilized a specific search strategy in the Web of Science (WoS) citation database. A total of 29 relevant articles on attentional focus published between 2013 and 2023 were selected and analyzed using HistCite and VOSviewer software.

Resultss: The findings revealed that the main research topics included motor performance, motor learning, and motor control, with a predominant emphasis on external focus of attention. Moreover, research attention toward adolescents was found to be lower compared to children. The most active journals in this field were Human Movement Science and Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Prominent authors such as Wulf, Abdollahipour, and Pesta received the highest number of scientific citations. In terms of international collaboration, countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia were leading, with the U.S. showing strong connections with Iran and the Czech Republic, playing a key role in scientific networks.

Conclusion: The results indicate that the role of attentional focus instructions in motor learning and performance particularly in children and adolescents is an emerging and evolving area. However, attentional instructions in these age groups, who possess developing cognitive characteristics, have been understudied so far. This analysis emphasizes that enhancing international collaboration and focusing on existing research gaps can pave the way for future investigations.

Keywords: Sports performance, children and adolescents, cognitive development, attentional strategies, scientometric study



Abstract

Introduction : The present study aims to analyze research articles from the past decade in the field of attentional focus among children and adolescents using a scientometric approach.

Methods: This descriptive and review-based study utilized a specific search strategy in the Web of Science (WoS) citation database. A total of 29 relevant articles on attentional focus published between 2013 and 2023 were selected and analyzed using HistCite and VOSviewer software.

Resultss: The findings revealed that the main research topics included motor performance, motor learning, and motor control, with a predominant emphasis on external focus of attention. Moreover, research attention toward adolescents was found to be lower compared to children. The most active journals in this field were Human Movement Science and Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Prominent authors such as Wulf, Abdollahipour, and Pesta received the highest number of scientific citations. In terms of international collaboration, countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia were leading, with the U.S. showing strong connections with Iran and the Czech Republic, playing a key role in scientific networks.

Conclusion: The results indicate that the role of attentional focus instructions in motor learning and performance particularly in children and adolescents is an emerging and evolving area. However, attentional instructions in these age groups, who possess developing cognitive characteristics, have been understudied so far. This analysis emphasizes that enhancing international collaboration and focusing on existing research gaps can pave the way for future investigations.

Keywords: Sports performance, children and adolescents, cognitive development, attentional strategies, scientometric study


Keywords

Sport performance
children and adolescents
cognitive development
attentional strategies
scientometric study
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Research in Sports Management and Movement Behavior

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 October 2020