Multidimensional Foundations of Physical Education Curriculum Development: A Bibliometric and Science Mapping Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the development of research on the multidimensional foundations of Physical Education curriculum development through a bibliometric approach. Methods: Research data was obtained from the Scopus database for the period 2006–2025 with a total of 445 documents analyzed using ScientoPy. Analysis was conducted on publication trends, country productivity, author keywords, thematic mapping, thematic evolution, collaboration networks, and articles with the highest citations. Results: The results of the study indicate that studies on Physical Education curriculum development have experienced significant growth with the dominant themes of physical education, curriculum, pedagogy, and physical activity. Research has evolved from a traditional sports-based approach to a multidimensional paradigm that integrates physical literacy, health, critical pedagogy, technology, social justice, and educational sustainability. Western countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States still dominate publication productivity, but Asian countries, especially Indonesia and China, show very significant research growth. Furthermore, new themes such as artificial intelligence, technology integration, social justice, and the Merdeka Curriculum point to a new direction for developing a 21st-century Physical Education curriculum that is more humanistic, inclusive, and adaptive to global change. Implications: This research confirms that future Physical Education curriculum development needs to integrate aspects of pedagogy, technology, local culture, mental health, and educational sustainability to build holistic learning that is relevant to modern educational challenges. Additional materials: 73 references, 2 tables, 3 figure.