The Knowledge Structure Analysis on PARA TAEKWONDO with Keyword Network Analysis

Purpose: This study sought to explore knowledge structures and domains by analyzing research conducted concerning Para Taekwondo for it to be recognized as a discipline. Method: This study sought to explore knowledge structures and domains by analyzing research conducted about Para Taekwondo for it to be recognized as a discipline. To this end, the classification and knowledge structure of the field of research on Para Taekwondo-related research were explored by using keyword-based knowledge network analysis research methods for a total of 42 Para Taekwondo-related studies conducted from 2004 to 2021. Results: First, according to the analysis of the critical keywords of Para Taekwondo-related research, the keywords that represent the highest frequency were training and intellectual impairment, which represented 26 frequency each, accounting for 10% of the total keywords. Second, fitness with nine frequencies accounted for 4 percent, followed by eight athletes keywords, seven balance keywords, seven competition keywords, and six hearing impact keywords. Secondly, the knowledge structure of Para Taekwondo-related research was analyzed as a whole. This study confirmed that the related structures were formed based on intellectual impairment and training. Thirdly, an analysis of the type of thesis related to Para Taekwondo found that major clusters were formed around the top keywords training and intellectual impairment with the highest degree centrality. Finally, the top keywords with the highest degree centrality of Para Taekwondo-related academic papers were training, intellectual impairment, athletes, and fitness. In addition, academic papers formed a major colony around training. Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, studies on various topics related to Para Taekwondo could be activated and Para Taekwondo could develop into a single academic area by expanding its scope.