Title: Topics and research trends of health clubs management: will innovation be part of the fitness industry research interests?

Authors: Dina Alexandra Marques Miragaia; Magda Sousa Constantino

Addresses: Sport Sciences Department, University of Beira Interior, Convento de Sto. António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal ' Sport Sciences Department, University of Beira Interior, Convento de Sto. António, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal

Abstract: With the growth and competitiveness of the fitness industry, the aim of this study is to analyse how the topic of innovation have been incorporated into the research agenda, particularly in the context of gyms and health clubs. A systematic review of the literature was performed through the inclusion of articles published between 1987 and 2015. Based on the selection of the 75 articles, it is possible to identify the journals and the authors who are most interested in the investigation of this organisational context, the articles most cited by the scientific community, and the thematic clusters. Through content analysis, identifying nine clusters was made possible, which are as follows: consumer behaviour, consumer satisfaction, loyalty, quality of service, management and sports policy, innovation, value co-creation, dimensions of the fitness service, and organisational performance. This research provides relevant information, specifically for the managers, to improve their strategic decision making process.

Keywords: health clubs; gym; innovation; entrepreneurship; consumer profile; systematic review; fitness; fitness industry; consumer behaviour; consumer satisfaction; loyalty; quality of service; value co-creation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMM.2019.097023

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 2019 Vol.19 No.1/2, pp.129 - 146

Received: 04 Apr 2018
Accepted: 28 Jun 2018
Published online: 14 Dec 2018 *

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