University educational inclusion in Latin America and its relationship with recreation, Physical Education, and sports: bibliometric trends (2000–2025)

Authors

  • María Lorena Mantuano Borbor Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena
  • Diana Elizabeth Reyes Mantuano Universidad Tecnológica ECOTEC - Ecuador
  • Maria Alejandra Abril Bobadilla Universidad Tecnológica ECOTEC - Ecuador
  • Maria Lorena Reyes Mantuano

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117627

Keywords:

Educational inclusion, Physical Education, inclusión educativa, recreación, universidad

Abstract

Introduction: University educational inclusion has been consolidated as a key axis to guarantee equitable access and full participation in higher education. In Latin America, it acquires special relevance due to the region’s historical social, economic, and cultural inequalities, as well as the diversity of students with different conditions and trajectories.

Objective: To analyze bibliometric trends in the scientific production related to university educational inclusion in Latin America and its connection with recreation, physical education, and sport, during the period between 2000 and 2025.

Methodology: The study was developed under a quantitative approach, based on concrete data, adopting a bibliometric design with an exploratory and descriptive scope.

Results: The corpus of 18 reviewed documents shows a growing trend toward addressing university educational inclusion, especially from the second decade of the 21st century onward.

Discussion: The analyzed literature coincides with what several authors have stated, evidencing that community-based initiatives for inclusive development in Latin America respond to an increasingly pressing social need, and that academic research supports and legitimizes these processes.

Conclusions: Colombia stood out as the regional leader in publications on inclusion in higher education, while Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Cuba made relevant contributions, albeit in smaller proportions.

References

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Published

16-10-2025

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Section

Original Research Article

How to Cite

Mantuano Borbor, M. L., Reyes Mantuano, D. E., Abril Bobadilla, M. A., & Reyes Mantuano, M. L. (2025). University educational inclusion in Latin America and its relationship with recreation, Physical Education, and sports: bibliometric trends (2000–2025). Retos, 73, 607-618. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117627