Trends, impact, and future directions of ankle injury research in soccer players: A bibliometric analysis

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BACKGROUND: This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research trends in ankle injuries among soccer players, aiming to inform prevention and treatment strategies. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the Web of Science Core Collection database was conducted on July 2, 2024, for English-language original articles on ankle injuries in soccer/football players (published 1983 to July 2, 2024) using a predefined topic query. Publication trends, collaboration networks (countries/institutions/authors), journal analyses, keyword co-occurrence, and citation bursts were evaluated with VOSviewer 1.6.20, CiteSpace 6.3.R1, and R 4.3.3. RESULTS: Publication output increased substantially over the study period, with the United States leading in research output. The American Journal of Sports Medicine was a key publication venue. Author-level analyses showed contributions from multiple highly cited researchers and collaborative teams, indicating that the field has been shaped by diverse international efforts rather than by any single researcher. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the leading institution. Recent keyword analyses emphasized risk factors, injury management, and balance, reflecting increased research attention to prevention and rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Overall, the findings demonstrate a clear evolution in the field, highlighting the shift toward proactive strategies for reducing the risk and impact of ankle injuries and improving athlete care.

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