Current Research, Emerging Trends, Gaps, and Opportunities in Physical Education in the ASEAN Context: A Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Introduction

Research is a central component of historical advancements for human welfare. One of the essential factors in determining the progress of any society and country’s growth is its research productivity. Several studies have undoubtedly indicated that research is beneficial and contributory to a country’s progress (Ansari & Holz, 2019), areas of specializations (Jaffe et al., 2020), and societal advancements (Acharya & Pathak, 2019). In relation, various developing countries around the globe are taking full advantage of the contributions of scientific research in strengthening their economies and minimizing their reliance on natural resources to meet the increasing demands of rising human populations (Hussain & Kerbache, 2020; Meo et al., 2013). This, in their virtue, implies that research provides growth, progress, and global development (Rossouw, 2020; Syverson, 2011; Usang et al., 2007).

Physical education (PE) has continuously captured the attention of scholars and researchers in education around the world, and it has become a vibrant field in academia. The term PE refers to a series of classes included in the school curriculum that guides learners in their physical activity participation—with the goal of becoming physically-educated citizens (Johnson & Turner, 2016). It was specifically designed to provide planned and sequential instruction to reinforce learners’ motor skills, physical fitness, self-efficacy, sportsmanship, knowledge, and emotional intelligence (Society of Health and Physical Educators [SHAPE] America, 2015). Kirch et al. (2021) asserted that PE aims at conveying the joy of exercise and educating learners in attaining a lifelong physically active lifestyle. Thus, PE classes provide opportunities for learners to increase their physical activity level, which can contribute to their daily energy expenditure (Hills et al., 2015; Sallis et al., 2012). Moreover, Daniel et al. (2022) observed that learners should participate in physical activities such as sports and exercise for their holistic development since PE can improve the physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of life. Accordingly, this means that PE is considered an essential educational process that aims to enhance human competence by performing physical activities (Daniel et al., 2022).