Scientific support for strength sports: analysis of scientific resources from the Web of Science Core Collection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2025.0106Keywords:
strength sports, bibliometric mapping, VOSviewerAbstract
Background and Study Aim. Strength is a key physical attribute that contributes to success in sports. Strength training plays a crucial role in enhancing athletes' physical condition, improving skill levels, and achieving competitive success. This study aims to analyze publications on strength sports using bibliometric methods to identify priority research areas in this field. Material and Methods. The Web of Science Core Collection (WoS) bibliometric database was analyzed. A total of 589 sources published between 2021 and 2025 that met the search criteria were selected for primary analysis. Bibliometric methods were applied to process the data. VOSviewer 1.6.18 software was used for keyword analysis and direct citation analysis, including the construction of bibliometric maps, cluster density visualization, and weighted citation analysis. Results. The leading publication categories in WoS were Sports Sciences, Physiology, Orthopedics, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport, Tourism, and Rehabilitation. The highest number of publications appeared in 2022 and 2024. The top five countries in terms of publication output were Spain, Brazil, England, the USA, and Australia. The top five universities with the highest publication activity were identified. The most cited authors were also determined. The constructed bibliometric maps helped identify the main research themes and current directions in strength sports. Six research clusters were identified, covering the following topics: strength training in sports, rehabilitation and return to sport after injuries, athlete performance dynamics under strength training, strength training in fitness, strength development across different sports, and the impact of nutrition on training effectiveness. The keywords associated with each cluster were analyzed. Conclusions. A bibliometric analysis of the WoS database on strength sports has been conducted. The priority research directions in this field have been identified. These include sports-related topics, such as strength training methods, testing, and evaluation of athletes' strength, as well as rehabilitation and recreational aspects, including strength training for recovery, rehabilitation after injuries, and injury prevention. Various tests and assessment methods are used to evaluate athletes' strength. These methods must meet the principles of specificity, simplicity, reliability, and practicality. The most commonly used assessments include body composition indices, anthropometric criteria, and strength performance measures. Among strength exercises, the most frequently analyzed are the bench press, grip strength, squats, and jumps. The effectiveness of these tests for athlete monitoring, selection, and performance prediction has been confirmed.References
Lee KH, Lee JS, Lee BC, Cho EH. Relative Weights of Physical Strength Factors in Sports Events: Focused on Similarity Sports Events Group According to the Sports Physiological View. Applied Sciences, 2020;10(24): 9131. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10249131
Loturco I, Dello Iacono A, Nakamura FY, Freitas TT, Boullosa D, Valenzuela PL, et al. The Optimum Power Load: A Simple and Powerful Tool for Testing and Training. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2021;17(2): 151–159. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2021-0288
Santos JFDS, Franchini E. Developing muscle power for combat sports athletes. Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas, 2021;16(1s): 133–173. https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v16i1s.7003
Castilla-López C, Romero-Franco N. Low-load strength resistance training with blood flow restriction compared with high-load strength resistance training on performance of professional soccer players: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 2023;63(11). https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.23.14974-7
Li L, Chen Q. Aerobic training method in throwing application. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 2023;29: e2022_0361. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-8692202329012022_0361
Alonso-Aubin DA, Chulvi-Medrano I, Cortell-Tormo JM, Picón-Martínez M, Rial Rebullido T, Faigenbaum AD. Squat and Bench Press Force-Velocity Profiling in Male and Female Adolescent Rugby Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2021;35(1): S44–S50. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003336
Carvajal-Espinoza R, Talpey S, Salazar-Rojas W. Effects of physical training on change of direction performance: A systematic review with meta-analysis. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2023;18(5): 1850–1866. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541231160894
Rebelo A, Pereira JR, Valente-dos-Santos J. Effects of a preseason triphasic resistance training program on athletic performance in elite volleyball players—an observational study. German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, 2023;53(2): 163–170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-023-00877-8
Kierot M, Stendahl M, Warneke K, Wirth K, Konrad A, Brauner T, et al. Maximum strength and power as determinants of on-ice sprint performance in elite U16 to adult ice hockey players. Biology of Sport, 2024;41(1): 245–252. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2024.129470
Price T, Cimadoro G, S Legg H. Physical performance determinants in competitive youth swimmers: a systematic review. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2024;16(1): 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-023-00767-4
Beattie K, Ruddock AD. The Role of Strength on Punch Impact Force in Boxing. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2022;36(10): 2957–2969. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004252
Niewczas M, Rydzik L, Spieszny M. Relationships between the level of strength of the upper and lower limbs and indicators of technical-tactical preparation of kickboxing fighters in the K1 formula competitions. Archives of Budo, 2023;19:299–308.
Ulupınar S, Özbay S, Gençoğlu C, İnce İ. Performance Differences Between Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestlers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2021;35(11): 3270–3279. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004129
Magnani Branco BH, Franchini E. Developing maximal strength for combat sports athletes. Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas, 2021;16(1s): 86–132. https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v16i1s.7002
Němá K, Kozák T, Berta P, Intersexual Differences and Relationship of Specific and General Muscle Strength of Young Sports Climbers. Montenegrin Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2025;14(1): 3–9. https://doi.org/10.26773/mjssm.250301
Ferrer-Uris B, Arias D, Torrado P, Marina M, Busquets A. Exploring forearm muscle coordination and training applications of various grip positions during maximal isometric finger dead-hangs in rock climbers. PeerJ, 2023;11: e15464. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15464
Rokowski R, Michailov M, Maciejczyk M, Więcek M, Szymura J, Draga P, et al. Muscle strength and endurance in high-level rock climbers. Sports Biomechanics, 2024;23(8): 1057–1072. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2021.1916577
James LP, Haycraft JAZ, Carey DL, Robertson SJ. A framework for test measurement selection in athlete physical preparation. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2024;6: 1406997. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1406997
Woodhouse LN, Tallent J, Patterson SD, Waldron M. International female rugby union players’ anthropometric and physical performance characteristics: A five-year longitudinal analysis by individual positional groups. Journal of Sports Sciences, 2022;40(4): 370–378. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1993656
Khomenko RV, Antropova EV, Zavadyak II. Operational monitoring of functional parameters in strength sports. Human Sport Medicine. 2023; 23:39–46. https://doi.org/10.14529/hsm23s106
Comfort P, Haff GG, Suchomel TJ, Soriano MA, Pierce KC, Hornsby WG, et al. National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Weightlifting for Sports Performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2023;37(6): 1163–1190. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004476
Brumitt J. Develop Power and Core Strength with Kettlebell Exercises. Performance Training Journal, 2010;9(5): 19–21.
Ross JA, Keogh JWL, Wilson CJ, Lorenzen C. External kinetics of the kettlebell snatch in amateur lifters. PeerJ, 2017;5: e3111. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3111
Rufo-Tavares W, Barbosa De Lira CA, Zimerer C, Santos Andrade M, Soares Leopoldo A, Perez AJ, et al. Short-term detraining is not enough to reduce positive adaptations of kettlebell training on power and strength variables in physically active women. Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche, 2019;178(1–2). https://doi.org/10.23736/S0393-3660.17.03690-7
Pierce KC, Hornsby WG, Stone MH. Weightlifting for Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach, 2022;14(1): 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/19417381211056094
Manocchia P, Spierer DK, Minichiello J, Braut S, Castro J, Markowitz R. Transference Of Kettlebell Training To Traditional Olympic Weight Lifting And Muscular Endurance: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2010;24: 1. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JSC.0000367164.33477.62
Podrigalo LV, Rovnaya O, Iermakov S, Yermakova T, Potop V. The Application of the Index Method to Assess the Condition of Armwrestling Athletes with Different Levels of Sports Mastery. Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 2019; 242–256. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/187
Prontenko K, Griban G, Bloshchynskyi I, Boyko D, Lolko O, Andreychuk V, et al. Development of power qualities of cadets of Ukrainian higher military educational institutions during kettlebell lifting training. Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity, 2019;11(3): 27–38. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.11.3.04
Chan M, MacInnis MJ, Koch S, MacLeod KE, Lohse KR, Gallo ME, et al. Cardiopulmonary Demand of 16-kg Kettlebell Snatches in Simulated Girevoy Sport. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020;34(6): 1625–1633. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002588
Howells RJ, Spathis JG, Pearson J, Latella C, Garrett JM, Owen PJ, et al. Impacts of squat attempt weight selection and success on powerlifting performance. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 2022;62(4). https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.21.12140-1
Lopes-Silva JP, Franchini E, Kons R. Para Powerlifting Performance: A Retrospective Analysis Considering Origin of Impairment, Sport Classification, and Sex. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2024;103(4): 356–362. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002307
Pearson J, Spathis JG, Van Den Hoek DJ, Owen PJ, Weakley J, Latella C. Effect of Competition Frequency on Strength Performance of Powerlifting Athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020;34(5): 1213–1219. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003563
Latyshev M, Tropin Y, Podrigalo L, Boychenko N. Analysis of the Relative Age Effect in Elite Wrestlers. Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology, 2022;22(3): 28–32. https://doi.org/10.14589/ido.22.3.5
Podrihalo OO, Podrigalo LV, Bezkorovainyi DO, Halashko OI, Nikulin IN, Kadutskaya LA, et al. Analysis of grip strength and somatotype features of armwrestling athletes of different skill levels. Physical Education of Students, 2020;24(2): 120–126. https://doi.org/10.15561/20755279.2020.0208
Conti E, Ceravolo AC, Cavatton A, Quarantelli M, Ilika O, Varalda C. Kettlebell sport: Endurance weight lifting. description and analysis of the performance model. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 2020;20(5), 2659–2664. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2020.05362
Prontenko K, Griban G, Aloshyna A, Bloshchynskyi I, Kozina Z, Bychuk O, et al. Analysis of Cadets’ Endurance Development at Higher Military Educational Institutions during the Kettlebell Lifting Training. Sport Mont, 2019;17(2). https://doi.org/10.26773/smj.190601
Podrihalo OO, Podrigalo LV, Kiprych SV, Galashko MI, Alekseev AF, Tropin YM, et al. The comparative analysis of morphological and functional indicators of armwrestling and street workout athletes. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 2021;25(3): 188–193. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2021.0307
Hindle B, Lorimer A, Winwood P, Brimm D, Keogh JWL. The biomechanical characteristics of the strongman atlas stone lift. PeerJ, 2021;9: e12066. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12066
VOSviewer version 1.6.18. [Internet]. VOSviewer, 2021. [updated 2024 Jun; cited 2024 Sep 28]. Available from: https://www.vosviewer.com/
He Q. Knowledge discovery through co-word analysis. Libr Trends, 1999;48:133–59.
Smith LC. Citation analysis. Libr Trends, 1981;30:83–106.
Van Eck NJ, Waltman L. Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping. Scientometrics, 2010;84(2): 523–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-009-0146-3
Podrigalo L, Iermakov S. Duplicate references in the ‘Introduction’ and ‘Discussion’ sections of scientific articles on physical education and sports. Pedagogy of Health, 2023;2(2): 65–73. https://doi.org/10.15561/health.2023.0203
Iermakov S, Podrigalo L, Podrigalo O, Yermakova T, Jagiello W. Means and methods of physical activity in the context of prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (analysis of Russian-language scientific resources) and the perspective of implementing the unique achievements of the “Polish School of Safe Falling”. Arch Budo, 2022; 18: 121–143.
Podrigalo LV, Shi K, Podrihalo OO, Volodchenko OA, Halashko OI. Main research areas in kickboxing investigations: an analysis of the scientific articles of the Web of Science Core Collection. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 2022;26(4): 244–259. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2022.0404
Piatysotska S, Podrigalo L, Olkhovyі O, Yefremenko A, Ashanin V. Priority areas of scientific research in the field of esports: an analytical review based on publications in the scientometric database. Sport i Turystyka. Środkowoeuropejskie Czasopismo Naukowe, 2023;6(4): 109–136. https://doi.org/10.16926/sit.2023.04.06
Mateluna Núñez CA, Zavala-Crichton JP, Monsalves-Álvarez M, Olivares-Arancibia J, Yáñez-Sepúlveda R. Effects of weightlifting training on sprint, jump and change of direction performance in athlete. Retos, 2021;44: 464–476. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v44i0.88670
Thompson SW, Olusoga P, Rogerson D, Ruddock A, Barnes A. “Is it a slow day or a go day?”: The perceptions and applications of velocity-based training within elite strength and conditioning. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2023;18(4): 1217–1228. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541221099641
De Salles Painelli V. Risks and Recommendations for Resistance Training in Youth Athletes: A Narrative Review with Emphasis on Muscular Fitness and Hypertrophic Responses. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 2023; https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-023-00251-y
Long C, Ranellone S, Welch M. Strength and Conditioning in the Young Athlete for Long-Term Athletic Development. HSS Journal®: The Musculoskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery, 2024;20(3): 444–449. https://doi.org/10.1177/15563316241248445
Makaruk H, Starzak M, Tarkowski P, Sadowski J, Winchester J. The Effects of Resistance Training on Sport-Specific Performance of Elite Athletes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Journal of Human Kinetics, 2024;91: 135–155. https://doi.org/10.5114/jhk/185877
Čaušević D, Čović N, Abazović E, Rani B, Manolache GM, Ciocan CV, et al. Predictors of Speed and Agility in Youth Male Basketball Players. Applied Sciences, 2023;13(13): 7796. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137796
Drigny J, Guermont H, Reboursière E, Gauthier A. Shoulder Rotational Strength and Range of Motion in Unilateral and Bilateral Overhead Elite Athletes. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 2022;31(8): 963–970. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2021-0342
Beato M, Fleming A, Coates A, Dello Iacono A. Validity and reliability of a flywheel squat test in sport. Journal of Sports Sciences, 2021;39(5): 482–488. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1827530
Siquier-Coll J, Grijota FJ, Bartolome I, Montero J, Munoz D. Anthropometric and physical condition analysis of young female handball players. Difference between categories. J. Sport Health Sci. 2020, 12, 364–372.
Freire R, Hausen M, Sanders GJ, Itaborahy A. Anthropometric, Physiological, and Neuromuscular Profiles of Elite Female Basketball Players Across Court’s Position. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 2023; https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-023-00249-6
Jacobs J, Olivier B, Brandt C, Jafta G. Physical Profiles of All-Rounders, Batters, and Bowlers in Sub-Elite Women’s Cricket. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2024;38(6): 1095–1102. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004747
Morenas-Aguilar MD, Rodriguez-Perea A, Chirosa-Rios LJ, Jerez-Mayorga D, Vila H, Avalos Solitario AB, et al. Reliability of a handball specific strength test battery and the association with sprint and throwing performance in young handball players. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 2024;64(4). https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.23.15530-7
Scanlan AT, Wen N, Guy JH, Elsworthy N, Lastella M, Pyne DB, et al. The Isometric Midthigh Pull in Basketball: An Effective Predictor of Sprint and Jump Performance in Male, Adolescent Players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2020;15(3): 409–415. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0107
De Lima E Silva FX, De Araujo Ribeiro-Alvares JB, De Souza Roberti L, Mocellin MP, Baroni BM. Field Hip Stability Isometric Test (F-HipSIT): Reliability of Assessing the Hip Posterolateral Muscle Strength in Sports Settings. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 2024;33(6): 478–483. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2023-0146
Honorato RDC, Franchini E, Lara JPR, Fonteles AI, Pinto JCBDL, Mortatti AL. Differences in Handgrip Strength-Endurance and Muscle Activation Between Young Male Judo Athletes and Untrained Individuals. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 2021;92(1): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2019.1699233
Turnes T, Silva BA, Kons RL, Detanico D. Is Bilateral Deficit in Handgrip Strength Associated With Performance in Specific Judo Tasks? Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2022;36(2): 455–460. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003441
Zaccagni L, Toselli S, Bramanti B, Gualdi-Russo E, Mongillo J, Rinaldo N. Handgrip Strength in Young Adults: Association with Anthropometric Variables and Laterality. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020;17(12): 4273. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124273
Ignatoglou D, Paliouras A, Paraskevopoulos E, Strimpakos N, Bilika P, Papandreou M, et al. Pole Dancing-Specific Muscle Strength: Development and Reliability of a Novel Assessment Protocol. Methods and Protocols, 2024;7(3): 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/mps7030044
Dantong Wang, Shaowei Wang, Juhao Hou, Meng Yin. Construction of a sport-specific strength and conditioning evaluation index system for elite male wheelchair badminton athletes by the Delphi method. Journal of Men’s Health, 2023;19(9):82–91. https://doi.org/10.22514/jomh.2023.087
Folhes O, Reis VM, Marques DL, Neiva HP, Marques MC. Maximum Isometric and Dynamic Strength of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes According to Weight Class and Competitive Level. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022;19(14): 8741. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148741
Véliz CV, Cid FM, Rodríguez MJ. Relationship of strength, power, and body composition with sports performance in young swimmers in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Retos-Nuevas Tendencias en Educacion Fisica Deporte y Recreacion. 2020;38:300–305.
Camarco NF, Neto IVDS, Ribeiro E, Andrade AJM. Anthropometrics, Performance, and Psychological Outcomes in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes. Biology, 2022;11(8): 1147. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11081147
Zouita Ben Moussa A, Zouita S, Ben Salah F, Behm D, Chaouachi A. Isokinetic trunk strength, validity, reliability, normative data and relation to physical performance and low back pain: a review of the literature. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2020;15(1): 160–174. https://doi.org/10.26603/ijspt20200160
Rogers SA, Hassmén P, Alcock A, Gilleard WL, Warmenhoven JS. Intervention strategies for enhancing movement competencies in youth athletes: A narrative systematic review. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2020;15(2): 256–272. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954119900664
Bell L, Ruddock A, Maden-Wilkinson T, Rogerson David. Overreaching and overtraining in strength sports and resistance training: A scoping review. Journal of Sports Sciences, 2020;38(16): 1897–1912. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1763077
Restrepo EAL, Giraldo CM, Gómez DAG. Effect of a nine-week strength training protocol on the prevention of overuse injuries in junior tennis players. Randomized controlled trial. Viref-Revista de Educacion Fisica. 2023;12(1):1–52.
Zemková E. Strength and Power-Related Measures in Assessing Core Muscle Performance in Sport and Rehabilitation. Frontiers in Physiology, 2022;13: 861582. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.861582
Akinoğlu B, Kabak B, Ünüvar E, Kocahan T. Investigation of the relationship between hamstring flexibility and hamstring and quadriceps muscle strengths in athletes. Medicina dello Sport, 2020;73(3). https://doi.org/10.23736/S0025-7826.20.03582-6
Sancese A, Taylor L, Walsh G, Byrd E, Delextrat A. Effects of sprint versus strength training on risk factors for hamstring injury in football players. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 2023;63(4). https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.22.14529-9
Higbie S, Kleihege J, Duncan B, Lowe WR, Bailey L. Utilizing Hip Abduction Strength to Body-Weight Ratios in Return to Sport Decision-Making After ACL Reconstruction. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2021;16(5). https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.27346
Olds M, McLaine S, Magni N. Validity and Reliability of the Kinvent Handheld Dynamometer in the Athletic Shoulder Test. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 2023;32(7): 764–772. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2022-0444
Hartshorne MT, Turner JA, Cameron KL, Padua DA. Strength of the Uninvolved Limb Following Return to Activity After ACL Injury: Implications for Symmetry as a Marker of Sufficient Strength. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2024;19(6). https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.117547
Shen MY, Yin HH, Miao Z. Control effect of functional strength training for aerobics sports injury. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 2020;70(10):94–97.
Valencia Sánchez WG, Hoyos Manrique JE, Bedoya Chavarría WE, Agudelo Velásquez CA. Are there differences in maximal strength, flexibility, and body composition in CrossFit® competitors according to their category?. Retos, 2023;47: 866–877. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v47.95614
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Leonid Podrigalo, Kostiantyn Tymchenko, Volodymyr Perevoznyk, Bogdan Semeniv, Volodymyr Paievskyi, Olexandr Halashko
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright Holder - Author(s). more
Abstract views: 1113 / PDF downloads: 814
