IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. Wrestling enjoys global renown, yet scholarly exploration of the sport still needs to be expanded. This study seeks to delineate the existing body of wrestling research, pinpoint pivotal issues, and trace their evolution to guide future academic endeavors.
Materials and methods. Using the keywords “wrestling,” “professional wrestling,” and “combat sports,” a comprehensive search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The study systematically analyzed core literature in these databases published between January 1924 and March 2024. CiteSpace software was used for bibliometric analysis and data visualization. A total of 431 studies were reviewed and analyzed.
Results. Wrestling research literature has experienced significant growth, progressing from an early stage to a developmental phase and then undergoing rapid expansion. Substantial contributions from the United States and Queen Mary University of London have greatly influenced this advancement. Before 2015, research focused on fundamental topics such as adolescent development, health training, dermatology, weight management, dehydration, sports injuries, and physiological endurance. However, since 2015, there has been a noticeable shift towards more specialized and advanced areas of study, including technical and tactical analysis, epidemiology, martial arts, and sports performance studies. The key domains of wrestling research now encompass technical and tactical analysis, exercise physiology, sports medicine, psychology, and international cooperation. These developments indicate that the sport is continuously advancing and becoming increasingly sophisticated. Conclusions. Wrestling research has evolved significantly over the past century, progressing from fundamental health and safety topics to specialized areas of contemporary concern, such as technical and tactical analysis, sports medicine, exercise physiology, psychological research, and international collaboration. This shift underscores the increasingly intricate and interdisciplinary nature of the sport. The expanding realm of research offers a practical scientific foundation and methodology for coaches, athletes, and professionals while providing a clear roadmap for future research endeavors.