Sports and cognition: A visual analysis using citespace software / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is still no visual analysis using Citespace software in the field of “Sports and Cognition.” OBJECTIVE: As increasing concern has been paid on the effect of sports on cognition, to summarize the  research development in this field that can provide references for researchers in relevant fields. METHOD: Web of Science database was retrieved as the following strategy (Tl=(exercise AND cognit*) OR Tl=(exercise AND learning) OR Tl=(exercise AND memory) OR Tl=(exercise AND feeling) OR Tl=(exercise AND thinking) OR Tl=(exercise AND imagination) OR Tl=(exercise AND language) OR Tl=(exercise AND perception)) AND type of literature(Article OR Review). The length of search time was from January 1st, 1989 to December 25th, 2018. Based on the 2 175 related literature in the Web of Science database, CiteSpace software was used for visual analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In recent years, research on the field of “Sports and Cognition” has developed dramatically. The most popular countries and regions are mainly located in North America and Europe. The research in this field includes both applied research and basic research, involving almost all diseases associated with cognition. Aerobic exercise is mainly used, but it is unclear about the cognitive levels of different populations under different forms of aerobic exercises. Various classic research methods of many disciplines have been used in this field to study cognitive indicators and neurobiological indicators related to aerobic exercises. There are two major knowledge groups in this field, including “changes in cognition caused by sports” and “mechanism of cognition caused by sports.” Further cross-regional and cross-national cooperation is needed. We should strengthen the research on the mode and intensity of various kinds of exercises and seek for the optimal exercise to improve the cognitive level of different populations, and use as many indicators as possible to assess the effects of exercise on cognition.