Abstract

Introduction: Physical education (PE) is a key school-based strategy for improving physical fitness (PF) among children and adolescents. However, a systematic synthesis of the most influential literature linking PE to PF development remains limited. Understanding publishing patterns and research hotspots can inform future directions in PE- and PF-related scholarship.
Objective: To conduct a bibliometric analysis of the 50 most-cited articles examining the relationship between PE and PF in school-aged children and adolescents, and to identify major contributors, thematic clusters, and evidence gaps.
Methods: A comprehensive search was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection. The 50 most-cited articles meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Citation patterns, journal productivity, country contributions, co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence were examined using Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer. Quantitative indicators—including total citations, citations per paper (CPP), and cluster mapping—were summarized.
Results: The included articles received 52– 687 citations. The United States produced the highest number of publications (n = 19; CPP = 100.3), followed by Australia and Spain (each n = 6). The most active journals were BMC Public Health (5 articles, 481 citations) and PLOS ONE (4 articles, 582 citations). Keyword analyses identified three major thematic clusters: (1) PE-based interventions, (2) health-related fitness components (aerobic capacity, muscular strength, body composition), and (3) cognitive and psychological outcomes linked to PE participation. Across studies, PE consistently improved multiple PF dimensions among children and adolescents.
Conclusion: High-impact evidence shows that well-designed school-based PE programs significantly enhance aerobic fitness, muscular strength, body composition, and overall health-related PF in youth—while also providing emerging cognitive and psychosocial benefits. However, research output remains heavily concentrated in high-income countries, indicating a need for more diverse and equitable global investigations. This bibliometric synthesis clarifies current research patterns and highlights opportunities for advancing evidence-based PE to support youth fitness development.