Analysis of original research articles on handball published between 1949 and 2024
a bibliometric review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22456/1982-8918.150353Keywords:
Athletic injuries, Athletic performance, Handball, Sports medicine, Motor activityAbstract
To provide an up-to-date analysis of the evolution and current state of scientific evidence on handball based on original articles published between 1949 and 2024. A bibliometric review was conducted in Scopus with a title-restricted search (“handball”). A total of 2,062 original articles across 454 sources were included. Scientific output (1949–2024) showed a 7.22% annual growth, peaking in 2022 (n=213); 2020–2024 accounted for 47.3% (n=975). Spain led authorship (n=281; 13.6%), followed by Germany (n=175) and Brazil (n=167). The most prolific institutions were the University of Southern Denmark and the University of Granada. Among journals, the Journal of Physical Education and Sport and the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research stood out. The thematic map revealed a central axis on performance/training and a highly developed injury cluster (ACL and shoulder). Scientific production on handball has grown steadily, with strong recent momentum, European leadership, and core interests in performance and injury prevention.
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