Quantitative Identification and Evolutionary Trend Analysis of Related Disciplines of Sports Science in China in the New Era from the Perspective of Knowledge Flow

Employing methods such as literature analysis and Pareto analysis, this study, based on the knowledge flow between sports science and external disciplines since the 18th CPC National Congress, performs quantitative identification and conducts an evolutionary trend analysis of sports science related disciplines, considering both knowledge input and output perspectives. The study reveals that the volume of knowledge publications in sports science exhibited a fluctuating downward trend between the periods 2013—2017 and 2018—2022, with a notable increase in both knowledge input and output during the period 2018—2022.From the knowledge input perspective, there are 24 and 23 related disciplines respectively in these two periods, with 20 remaining stable, 3 experiencing growth, and 4 declining. From the knowledge output perspective, there are 13 and 17 related disciplines respectively in these two periods, with 12 remaining stable, 5 experiencing growth, and 1 declining. Additionally, there are 10mutually beneficial related disciplines observed under both knowledge input and output perspectives, indicating an overall wave-like upward trend in knowledge flow volume between sports science and these disciplines. The study's findings suggest several implications for the development of the discipline of sports science: 1) Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and integration,facilitating the growth of new disciplines and enhancing the knowledge flow; 2) strengthening academic research in sub-disciplines of sports science, increasing journal publications and overall knowledge quantity; 3) fostering innovation in sports science research areas, raising knowledge potential and surplus ratio; 4) and adjusting sports science educational reforms and program offerings to meet societal demands for students' professional competence.