Artificial Intelligence in Physical Education: Research Trends and Knowledge Structure

Abstract

Amid the digital revolution and rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), physical education is undergoing substantial transformation. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of English-language literature (2000–2025) indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. Using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, it examines publication trends, influential authors, core journals, national contributions, keyword dynamics, and co-citation patterns.Findings reveal: (1) a notable increase in publications since 2020, with China leading in output and the UK and South Korea showing high research impact; (2) widespread dissemination across journals in computer science, engineering, educational technology, and sports science, indicating strong interdisciplinary integration; (3) an evolution of research hotspots from “educational informatization” to “intelligent teaching,” with current emphasis on deep learning, machine learning, virtual reality, data mining, and the Internet of Things in instructional and assessment contexts; and (4) a clear trend toward personalized, immersive, and intelligent teaching models driven by AI.Overall, AI is reshaping pedagogical frameworks and practical approaches in physical education, contributing to its transition toward intelligent, data-informed, and personalized systems.