Introduction and objective: In recent years, load monitoring and analysis have become increasingly important in athletic training. The aim of this study was to provide a background for businesses and institutes to prepare for the implementation of load training and analysis in sports training, utilizing visual analysis of CiteSpace (CS) software.
Material and methods: A total of 169 original publications were obtained from Web of Science using a comprehensive list for analysis with the CS scientometrics program. The parameters included range (2012-2022), visualization (display of completely integrated networks), precise collection criteria (top 10%), node form (institution, author, area, reference cited; referenced author, key words, and journal), and trimming (pathfinder, slice network).
Results: Visual analysis of load monitoring and analysis for use in athletic training showed that 'questionnaire' was the most popular topic area in 2017 with 51 citations, while 'training programmes' emerged as a new area of study with 8 citations. In 2021 and 2022, the terms 'energy expenditure', 'responses', 'heart rate', and 'validity' gained popularity, increasing from a strength of 1.81 to 1.1. Liverpool John Moores University was the top institution, collaborating with 14 other organizations. The leading authors in this field were Close, Graeme L., and Gastin, Paul B. Most publications were found in the 'SPORTS MED' journal, with authors primarily based in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
Conclusions: The findings of the study highlight the potential frontiers of load training analysis in the research and management of sports, emphasizing the importance of preparing businesses and institutes for the implementation of load training, and analysis in athletic training.
Keywords: CiteSpace; energy; load monitoring; sports; sustainability.