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Abstract

The study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the literature on enhancing physical education for students in higher education. Metadata were extracted from 5,349 scientific articles indexed in the Web of Science database for the period 1975-2025. The study employs bibliometric procedures to describe and visually represent the existing literature of this field over the past 50 years. Results indicate that research in this area: (a) demonstrates sustained growth in recent decades, particularly since 2008; (b) is published across a broad spectrum of journals in the categories of "Education and Educational Research," "Sport Sciences," and "Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism"; (c) is conducted by scholars from various geographical regions, with the USA, England, and Australia being the leading participating countries; (d) relies on a fragmented research community consisting of several academic groups with minimal interaction amongst them; (e) is interdisciplinary in nature and results from the convergence of research conducted in pedagogy, psychology, physiology, and sports medicine; (f) over the past 50 years has focused on seven research themes: pedagogical approaches and curriculum development in physical education; teacher training and professional development of specialists; motivation and psychological factors in student engagement; inclusive and equitable physical education practices; health assessment and sports applications; and sociocultural dimensions, including gender aspects and embodiment. The results of the bibliometric analysis will contribute to the further development and reconceptualisation of the research subject, opening prospects for identifying new directions and methodological approaches in studying the pedagogical conditions for enhancing students' physical education‎.

Keywords: Physical education of students, Physical culture in university, Physical culture in higher education, Pedagogical conditions of physical education, Physical education

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