Evolution and trends in wheelchair rugby research: A bibliometric review

This study aimed to analyze the evolution and trends of scientific research on wheelchair rugby. A comprehensive search of the Scopus database was conducted from inception to January 2026. In total, 190 articles published between 1998 and 2025 were analysed, yielding a compound annual growth rate of 7.47%. Output increased markedly in recent years, with 2021-2025 representing 35.79% of the total production, and peak annual volumes observed in 2022 (n=21) and 2018/2021/2023 (n=14 each). Based on corresponding-author country, the United Kingdom led productivity, followed by Poland, Canada. Highly cited studies focused on psychosocial determinants of participation, competition demands, and wheelchair configuration/coaching. Keyword co-occurrence identified three clusters: (i) performance and wheelchair-sport constructs, (ii) demographic and study-design descriptors, and (iii) exercise physiology. Overall, the field has consolidated, while core and emerging topics may guide future research, and evidence-informed practice in adapted sport.