A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Physical Activity, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythms in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the structure, development, and thematic characteristics of research on physical activity, sleep, and circadian rhythms in children and adolescents using a bibliometric approach. Methods: Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, and 256 publications were analyzed. Bibliometric indicators and science mapping techniques, including keyword co-occurrence and frequency analyses, were applied to explore publication trends and the conceptual structure of the field. Results: Scientific production has increased notably, particularly after 2018, reflecting growing interest in the interaction between physical activity, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The field is primarily driven by sleep-focused journals, with contributions from sport science, indicating increasing disciplinary convergence. Research output is geographically concentrated in a limited number of countries, led by the United States, China, and Europe. Two main thematic clusters were identified: physical activity and health-related outcomes, and sleep-related constructs. Their interaction highlights an increasing focus on the combined role of movement behaviors and sleep in health outcomes. Conclusion: Research in this field is increasingly characterized by conceptual integration within a 24-hour behavioral framework, yet remains geographically concentrated, highlighting the need for more globally distributed and integrative research to advance child and adolescent health.

Keywords

• Bibliometric analysis
• physical activity
• sleep
• circadian rhythms
• children
• adolescents
• 24-hour movement behaviors

Ethical Statement

This study is a bibliometric analysis based on secondary data sources. As no data were collected from human or animal participants, ethical approval was not required.

Çocuklar ve Ergenlerde Fiziksel Aktivite, Uyku ve Sirkadiyen Ritimler Üzerine Yapılan Araştırmaların Bibliyometrik Analizi

Abstract

Fiziksel aktivite, uyku ve sirkadiyen ritimlere ilişkin çocuk ve ergen odaklı araştırmaların yapısı, gelişimi ve tematik özellikleri bibliyometrik yaklaşım kullanılarak incelenmiştir. Yöntem: Veriler Web of Science Core Collection veri tabanından elde edilmiş ve toplam 256 yayın analiz edilmiştir. Yayın eğilimlerini ve alanın kavramsal yapısını incelemek amacıyla anahtar kelime eş-oluşumu ve frekans analizlerini içeren bibliyometrik göstergeler ve bilim haritalama teknikleri uygulanmıştır. Bulgular: Bilimsel üretimde, özellikle 2018 yılı sonrasında belirgin bir artış gözlenmiştir. Bu artış, fiziksel aktivite, uyku ve sirkadiyen ritimler arasındaki etkileşime yönelik ilginin arttığını göstermektedir. Alan, ağırlıklı olarak uyku odaklı dergiler tarafından yönlendirilmekte olup spor bilimlerinden gelen katkılar disiplinler arası yakınlaşmanın güçlendiğine işaret etmektedir. Araştırma üretimi, başta Amerika Birleşik Devletleri, Çin ve Avrupa olmak üzere sınırlı sayıda ülkede yoğunlaşmıştır. İki temel tematik küme belirlenmiştir: fiziksel aktivite ve sağlıkla ilişkili çıktılar ile uykuya ilişkin yapılar. Bu kümeler arasındaki etkileşim, hareket davranışları ve uykunun sağlık sonuçları üzerindeki birleşik rolüne yönelik artan odağı ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuç: Alan, giderek 24 saatlik davranış çerçevesi içinde kavramsal bütünleşme göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte, araştırmaların coğrafi olarak sınırlı bölgelerde yoğunlaşması, çocuk ve ergen sağlığını ilerletmek adına daha geniş coğrafi dağılıma sahip ve bütünleştirici yaklaşımlar içeren çalışmalara gereksinim olduğunu göstermektedir.

Keywords

• Bibliyometrik analiz
• fiziksel aktivite
• uyku
• sirkadiyen ritimler
• çocuklar
• ergenler
• 24 saatlik hareket davranışları

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma bibliyometrik analiz türünde olup ikincil veri kaynaklarına dayanmaktadır. Çalışmada insan veya hayvan katılımcılardan veri toplanmadığı için etik kurul onayına ihtiyaç duyulmamıştır.

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