Mapping the Landscape of Table Tennis Research: Cognitive, Psychological, and Collaborative Insights

Abstract

Introduction

Table tennis is played worldwide and requires complex perceptual, cognitive, and motor skills. Participation may benefit physical, psychological, and cognitive health; however, the scope and structure of research in this area remain poorly characterised. This study reviewed the literature and used bibliometric analysis to examine publication trends, research output, collaboration patterns, and thematic development.

Methods

Scopus was systematically searched for English-language journal articles published from 2000 to 2024. In accordance with PRISMA guidance, 77 records were identified, of which 70 met the eligibility criteria. We analysed annual publication output, citation counts, authorship patterns, leading authors, institutions, countries, and keyword co-occurrence. VOSviewer was used for network visualisation. Research collaboration was assessed using Ajiferuke's collaboration coefficient, while Lotka's law and Bradford's law were applied to evaluate author productivity and journal dispersion, respectively.

Results

Seventy articles were included. Publication output increased over time, accompanied by expanding international collaboration and stronger links among sports science, neuroscience, and rehabilitation. The collaboration coefficient was 0.690, indicating substantial multi-authorship. The leading themes were cognitive function, executive processes, ageing, and neurological disorders. Author productivity was consistent with Lotka's law, and the journal distribution closely followed Bradford's law.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the development of table tennis and cognitive-health research. The findings identify an expanding, collaborative, and multidisciplinary field while highlighting the need for broader international participation and more rigorous intervention studies.