Global research on Chinese martial arts (1974–2025): A bibliometric and visualization-based analysis using Web of Science

This study aimed to systematically uncover the research landscape and developmental trajectory of Chinese martial arts within the international academic system. The data were sourced exclusively from the Web of Science Core Collection, including the SCI-Expanded and SSCI databases. The search covered the period from January 1974 to March 31, 2025, and was limited to articles and review papers to ensure the inclusion of studies with complete research designs and clear academic contributions.

The search strategy was defined as follows: TS = (“Wushu” OR “Chinese Martial Arts” OR “Kung Fu” OR “Gongfu” OR “Taijiquan” OR “Tai Chi” OR “Tai Chi Chuan” OR “Sanda” OR “Chinese Kickboxing”) AND DT = (Article OR Review). This strategy encompassed major terminologies related to Chinese martial arts, ensuring high topical relevance and metric suitability. An initial retrieval yielded 4587 records. After excluding non-SCI/SSCI publications (n = 547), non-English articles (n = 66), book chapters (n = 8), and conference proceedings (n = 3), a total of 3963 records remained. Manual deduplication using Microsoft Excel removed 8 duplicates, resulting in a final dataset of 3955 eligible publications for scientometric analysis. The screening process is illustrated in Figure 1.

To enhance the accuracy and consistency of the retrieval process, multiple rounds of preliminary searches and keyword tests were conducted. Two researchers independently performed the final search and cross-verified the results to ensure data integrity and reliability. As this study is based exclusively on publicly available bibliometric data and does not involve human participants, ethics approval was not required.

It is noteworthy that this study did not impose language restrictions during the initial retrieval process; the search was open to all languages. However, as the Web of Science Core Collection primarily indexes international English-language journals, the final dataset predominantly comprised English publications. Chinese-language journals and theses were not included, as they are not systematically indexed by this database. Furthermore, to avoid subjective bias and data heterogeneity, this study did not incorporate other databases (e.g., PubMed, Medline), nor did it expand the dataset through manual reference list tracing. This approach was intended to ensure the objectivity of the data structure, standardization of the analytical procedures, and reproducibility of the results.

The final set of 3955 publications encompassed a wide range of research types, including interventional studies (evaluating the physical, psychological, and functional effects of martial arts), epidemiological surveys, analyses of training mechanisms and movement biomechanics, public health and rehabilitation practices, as well as empirical and review-based research on the cultural dissemination and academic development of martial arts. To ensure thematic focus, all included articles explicitly referenced Chinese martial arts in their titles, abstracts, or keywords. The full screening process is detailed in Figure 1.

To further reveal the macro-level trend of Chinese martial arts research output, basic statistical modeling was incorporated into the data analysis. Specifically, a linear regression model was applied in Microsoft Excel to examine annual publication output from 1974 to 2025, and the coefficient of determination (R²) was calculated to assess the goodness of fit of the trend line. This analysis quantitatively illustrates the trajectory of global research growth, enhancing the scientific validity and interpretability of the trend assessment.

Additionally, it should be clarified that 2 statistical counting strategies were adopted depending on the analytical dimension. The first was the actual number of publications (NP) (n = 3955) after data cleaning and deduplication, used for total output, temporal trends, and thematic analyses. The second was frequency-based counting according to author affiliations (e.g., country or institution); in coauthored papers involving multiple countries or institutions, each entity was counted once per publication. This method, resulting in higher cumulative counts than the actual number of documents, was used for analyses involving national/institutional/author productivity and collaboration networks. Distinguishing between these 2 approaches enhances metric comparability and maintains consistency across different layers of scientometric analysis.

To systematically elucidate the developmental patterns and knowledge structure of Chinese martial arts within the global scientific research system, this study employed a combination of bibliometric and visualization tools, including Bibliometrix (R 4.4.3),^[18–20] VOSviewer (1.6.20),^[21] and CiteSpace (6.2.6).^[22] This integrative approach facilitated the construction of a comprehensive knowledge map and identification of future research directions.

Bibliometrix is an open-source R package designed for comprehensive scientometric analysis and knowledge mapping. It has been widely adopted in bibliometric studies across various fields.^[18,19] In this study, Bibliometrix was primarily used for data cleaning and calculating basic bibliometric indicators, including annual publication output, annual growth rate, average annual citations, identification of prolific journals and authors, and citation metrics of influential publications. Through the Biblioshiny web interface, we generated visual representations of publication trends, journal distribution, and author productivity, including metrics such as h-index and total citations (TC). Notably, the author-level indicators used in this study – NP, TC, and h-index – were automatically computed by Bibliometrix based on Web of Science citation fields, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

To further explore the knowledge structure and thematic evolution of the field, VOSviewer and CiteSpace were employed to construct keyword co-occurrence networks, clustering maps, and thematic evolution timelines. Additionally, we visualized collaboration networks among countries, institutions, and authors. VOSviewer was selected for its high-quality graphical outputs, while CiteSpace’s co-occurrence algorithms, clustering techniques, and time-slicing functions enhanced the ability to identify major research topics, collaborative groups, and their dynamic trajectories.

In summary, the integrated application of Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace provided comprehensive analytical support for this study, enabling a multidimensional depiction of the global research landscape on Chinese martial arts – from descriptive metrics to structural and temporal insights.

As shown in Figure 2, a total of 3955 publications related to Chinese martial arts were indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1974 and 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 9.41%. The average number of citations per document was 35.26, indicating a relatively high level of academic impact. A total of 12,961 authors were identified, with an average of 5.25 coauthors per publication; among them, 230 papers were authored by a single individual. The proportion of international co-authorship was 22.83%. The dataset included 5778 author keywords and 126,195 cited references, with the average publication age being approximately 7.92 years.

As shown in Figure 3, the scientific output in the field of Chinese martial arts from 1974 to 2025 exhibited a clear evolution from low-level dispersion to high-density concentration, with a significant upward trend in annual publications over time (R² = 0.669). During the initial stage (1974–1995), the annual publication count remained in single digits, with only a few years before 1993 exceeding 5 publications per year, and growth rates fluctuated considerably. Between 1996 and 2005, the annual NP steadily increased from 5 to 32, and the average annual growth rate turned positive.

Since 2006, publication volume has continued to rise, surpassing 100 articles for the first time in 2012 and reaching a peak of 373 articles in 2022, with a relatively high output level around 2020. Articles published in 2011 had an average annual citation rate of 8.48. In 2023 and 2024, the NP was 361 and 364, respectively, with average annual citation rates of 2.18 and 1.08. As of March 31, 2025, 98 articles had been published, with a year-on-year growth rate of−0.98%.

In the global research landscape of Chinese martial arts, countries exhibit notable differences in terms of publication volume, academic impact, and international collaboration (see Table 1). Overall, according to publication frequency based on author affiliations, China ranks first with a total of 5259 publications, accounting for 41.9% of the global output. The United States follows with 3598 publications, representing 24.4%.

In terms of citations, the United States leads with 50,894 TC and an average of 52.80 citations per publication. China, while having a high publication volume, shows a total of 32,835 citations, averaging 19.80 citations per paper.

Other highly cited countries include Australia (average citations = 61.10), the United Kingdom (52.70), the Netherlands (82.10), and New Zealand (100.70). Although the Netherlands and New Zealand are not among the top 10 in publication volume, they demonstrate notably high average citation rates, indicating strong academic influence.

Figure 4 illustrates the international collaboration network among countries engaged in Chinese martial arts research from 1974 to 2025. The network comprises 80 country nodes and 505 collaborative links, with an overall density of 0.1598. China (People’s Republic of China) and the United States (USA) exhibit the largest node sizes, followed by England, Australia, Canada, and Germany. No pruning algorithm was applied, ensuring that all inter-country collaborations and structural characteristics are fully retained.

According to the Corresponding Author’s Countries data (see Table 1), China accounted for 1656 publications (41.9%), with most corresponding authors affiliated domestically. The proportion of multi-country publications (MCP%) for China was 20.6%. The United States contributed 964 papers (24.4%) with an MCP% of 13.4%.

Australia (186 publications, MCP% = 35.5%), Canada (123, MCP% = 35.0%), and the United Kingdom (123, MCP% = 33.3%) demonstrated relatively high levels of international collaboration. Countries such as Belgium (MCP% = 63.6%), Switzerland (MCP% = 45.5%), and the Netherlands (MCP% = 40.6%) had lower publication counts but higher proportions of collaborative work.

South Korea, Spain, Italy, and Japan each contributed over 50 publications, with MCP percentages ranging between 20% and 30%.

According to data from the Web of Science Core Collection, a total of 656 institutions were involved in Chinese martial arts research between 1974 and 2025, forming 2796 collaborative links and generating a multicentered institutional collaboration network, as shown in Figure 6. The overall network density was 0.013, indicating a relatively sparse but structurally connected collaboration landscape.

In terms of publication volume (Fig. 5), Harvard University ranked first globally with 488 articles. Several affiliated institutions also demonstrated considerable output, including Harvard Medical School (222 publications), Harvard University Medical Affiliates (359), Brigham and Women’s Hospital (93), and Massachusetts General Hospital (94). The University of California System followed with 246 publications, with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) contributing significantly (143 publications).

Among institutions in mainland China, Shanghai University of Sport (198 publications), Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (135), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (125), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (102), and Beijing Sport University (91) ranked among the top contributors, reflecting the active engagement of traditional sports and Chinese medicine institutions in this research domain. In Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (185 publications), The University of Hong Kong (171), and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (142) each produced over 100 publications, demonstrating strong participation in international collaborations.

From the perspective of network structure (Fig. 6), institutions such as Harvard University, the University of California System, and Shanghai University of Sport exhibited larger nodes, indicating higher publication volume. The US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) also maintained collaborative ties with multiple institutions.

The color of the links represents the chronological progression of collaborations, with red links indicating more recent partnerships, mostly emerging after 2015.

In the global research landscape of Chinese martial arts, the publication volume and academic impact of core journals exhibit a distinct hierarchical structure (see Table 2). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ranks first with 119 publications, followed by Medicine (82 publications) and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (75 publications). Although the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews has published only 35 articles in this field, it shows remarkable academic influence with a total of 5816 citations (TC) and an h-index of 29. Similarly, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation have accumulated 5756 and 3751 TC, respectively. Other journals such as PLoS ONE and Complementary Therapies in Medicine also demonstrate high productivity and visibility in this field.

Table 2 further illustrates the distribution of founding years of relevant journals. For instance, The American Journal of Chinese Medicine was established in 1981, while Frontiers in Public Health began in 2017, indicating both continuity and expansion in the range of journals publishing Chinese martial arts research over time.

Figure 13 illustrates the three-field plot of author (AU), institution (AU_UN), and country (AU_CO) collaborations in global Chinese martial arts research. In this diagram, authors are positioned in the central column, with affiliated institutions on the left and countries on the right.

At the author level, Wayne PM, Yeh GY, Zou LY, Wang CC, and Liu J are identified as the most prolific contributors in the field. Their research has predominantly focused on the application of Tai Chi in chronic disease management, mental health, and rehabilitation. Notably, Wayne PM maintains close collaborations with several leading U.S. medical research institutions.

At the institutional level, Beijing Sport University, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University are among the top publishing institutions in Greater China. In the United States, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital stand out as frequent contributors. Strong collaborative ties are observed among institutions in mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States. Key institutions in Hong Kong include The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong.

At the country level, China and the United States are the leading contributors in terms of publication volume and international collaboration. Other countries actively involved in global partnerships include the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Israel, Sweden, and Singapore.

Based on the bibliometric findings, the development of scientific research on Chinese martial arts can be broadly divided into 3 distinct phases, each characterized by specific features and driving forces.

Initiation Phase (1970s–1990s): During this period, martial arts-related publications were sparse and thematically scattered, mostly consisting of case reports or qualitative observations, with little systematic investigation. This can be attributed to 2 main reasons: first, martial arts were traditionally transmitted as practical skills, and thus lacked integration with scientific research paradigms; second, martial arts were largely viewed as cultural or competitive activities, and their relevance to medical research was not widely recognized. In Western scientific discourse at the time, practices like Tai Chi were often considered “Eastern mystical wellness arts” rather than credible health interventions. A representative early contribution is the experimental study by Jin, which explored the physiological and emotional effects of Tai Chi practice. The study found that Tai Chi could increase heart rate, enhance norepinephrine excretion, lower cortisol levels, and improve emotional states.^[31] These early efforts laid foundational groundwork for future exploration.

Expansion Phase (2000s): In the early 21st century, driven by the emergence of concepts such as “integrative medicine” and “exercise prescription,” martial arts began to be more frequently incorporated as intervention modalities in clinical research. This phase was supported by Chinese government initiatives (e.g., the inclusion of Tai Chi in national fitness programs) and a growing Western interest in complementary and alternative medicine.^[32] Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were launched during this period, covering a range of conditions such as arthritis, cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes, and fall prevention among the elderly.^[32–34] These high-quality studies substantially improved the academic credibility of martial arts-based research.

Specifically, Wolf et al^[35] reported that a 15-week Tai Chi intervention led to a 47.5% reduction in the risk of multiple falls, while also improving physiological and psychological indicators such as blood pressure regulation and fear of falling. Song et al,^[36] in a randomized controlled trial involving elderly women with osteoarthritis, found that 12 weeks of Sun-style Tai Chi significantly alleviated joint pain and stiffness, improved balance and abdominal muscle strength, and reduced perceived difficulties in physical functioning, whereas the control group showed no improvements or even experienced functional decline during the same period. Li et al^[37] conducted a 6-month RCT including 256 older adults and found that the Tai Chi group significantly outperformed the control group in reducing fall frequency and fall-related injuries, as well as in improving functional balance (e.g., Berg Balance Scale and one-leg standing tests), with a 55% reduction in fall risk and sustained effects after 6 months. Later, Li et al^[38] conducted another RCT among patients with Parkinson disease, confirming that 24 weeks of Tai Chi training significantly enhanced balance control (as measured by maximum stability and directional control), and outperformed resistance training and stretching groups in gait stride, functional reach, and fall incidence, with the intervention effects remaining significant 3 months post-intervention. These studies not only provide strong clinical evidence but also expand the application scope of Chinese martial arts in neurodegenerative diseases and elderly health management.

Deepening Phase (2010s–present): The past decade has marked a period of deepening and diversification. On one hand, a large number of meta-analyses and systematic reviews have summarized the effects of Tai Chi, Qigong, and related practices across various populations and health outcomes,^[39–42] confirming their benefits while also noting limitations (e.g., small sample sizes or methodological heterogeneity). On the other hand, research themes have expanded, delving into the underlying mechanisms, long-term adherence, and psychosocial benefits of martial arts interventions.^[24,43] A particularly notable trend is the surge in interdisciplinary research. For example, some studies now incorporate neuroimaging techniques to examine structural and functional changes in the brain following Tai Chi practice^[44]; others employ biomarkers to assess the regulatory effects of Qigong on immune and inflammatory responses.^[45] More recently, martial arts have been integrated with emerging technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop innovative intervention models.^[46] These developments reflect a paradigm shift in the field – from merely answering “does it work” to investigating “why and how does it work.”

In sum, the progression of martial arts research illustrates a trajectory of increasing scientific integration – from marginality to mainstream, from experiential practice to evidence-based validation, and from macro-level phenomena to micro-level mechanisms. This evolution not only signifies methodological advancement but also reflects sociocultural drivers, as traditional Chinese martial arts become more globally accepted through the lens of scientific legitimacy.^[47] With the participation of new-generation researchers and the advancement of research methodologies, Chinese martial arts scholarship is poised to enter a more mature and stable phase, contributing to the development of a theoretically grounded, evidence-informed exercise intervention framework with Chinese characteristics.

The bibliometric analysis reveals that current research on Chinese martial arts is highly concentrated in the domains of health promotion and disease rehabilitation. This focus aligns closely with the core traditional value of martial arts – strengthening the body and preserving health – and is consistent with the global priorities in health sciences. According to high-frequency keywords and clustering results, major research themes include: balance/fall prevention, arthritis/bone mineral density, cognitive function/Alzheimer disease, chronic disease rehabilitation (e.g., COPD, heart failure), and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. These topics are closely tied to typical geriatric and chronic disease-related health issues, indicating a high degree of alignment between martial arts research and the health demands of an aging global population.^[30] Take fall prevention as an example: the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified falls among older adults as a major public health concern, and physical activity interventions are considered one of the most effective prevention strategies.^[48] Tai Chi, through enhancing lower limb strength, improving vestibular function, and stimulating proprioception, has been shown to significantly reduce fall risk among the elderly and to improve balance control in individuals with Parkinson disease.^[38,49] Based on robust clinical evidence, Tai Chi training programs have been widely integrated into community-based balance interventions for older adults in many countries.^[50] This not only underscores the practical value of martial arts in public health but also reflects their transition from cultural heritage to evidence-based intervention tools within modern healthcare systems.

In the realm of mental health, many individuals with chronic diseases also experience comorbid psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Identifying non-pharmacological approaches to improve patients’ psychological well-being has become a major focus in medical research. Owing to their unique combination of physical activity and meditative relaxation, Tai Chi and Qigong are increasingly recognized as mind-body exercises that promote psychophysiological integration. Numerous studies have reported their positive effects in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.^[51] Meta-analyses indicate that Tai Chi can significantly reduce depression scores and anxiety levels in middle-aged and older adults (standardized mean difference ≈ –0.5 to–0.7, P < .001), with effects comparable to those of conventional aerobic exercise.^[52] As a result, Tai Chi is now being increasingly incorporated into comprehensive mental health intervention programs, particularly as a psychological support modality for elderly patients with chronic conditions.^[29]

Cognitive function has also emerged as a prominent research hotspot in recent years. Mild cognitive impairment, regarded as a high-risk stage for Alzheimer disease, is a key target for preventive interventions. Exercise is known to slow the progression of cognitive decline, and Tai Chi – requiring memory of movement sequences, sustained attention, and motor coordination – has been hypothesized as an ideal intervention for cognitive enhancement. Recent systematic reviews have shown that Tai Chi practiced for 12 weeks or longer can significantly improve global cognitive performance and executive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment,^[53] providing evidence-based support for its application in this population. Furthermore, RCTs have begun exploring the impact of Tai Chi on early-stage Alzheimer patients, including the use of neuroimaging techniques to observe changes in brain structure and function.^[54] These interdisciplinary studies are expected to enrich our understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which Tai Chi may influence cognitive outcomes.

In addition to the diversification of research themes, the academic dissemination platforms of Chinese martial arts have exhibited a distinct stratified structure and evolving trajectory, further reflecting the expanding scope of interdisciplinary integration in this field. The current journal ecosystem reveals a dual-layer pattern characterized by both “high productivity” and “high impact.” For example, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Medicine, and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health lead in publication volume, spanning disciplines such as traditional medicine, public health, and exercise science. In contrast, although journals such as the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society publish fewer articles, they demonstrate substantial academic influence in domains like systematic reviews, rehabilitation medicine, and geriatrics due to their high citation rates and h-index values. Overall, the dissemination landscape of martial arts research is evolving into a decentralized structure rooted in complementary and alternative medicine, while progressively extending toward rehabilitation and health promotion.

From a temporal perspective, the evolution of journals also reveals a shift from traditional to modern scholarly platforms. Early journals, such as The American Journal of Chinese Medicine (established in 1981), laid the foundation for international communication of martial arts research. In recent years, the rapid emergence of open-access journals such as Frontiers in Public Health and Complementary Therapies in Medicine has expanded dissemination channels, enhancing global visibility and interdisciplinary reach. These trends indicate a gradual integration and reconstruction of Chinese martial arts within contemporary scientific paradigms.

In summary, disciplines such as sports science, rehabilitation medicine, geriatrics, psychology, and neuroscience have increasingly converged in the study of martial arts. This interdisciplinary collaboration has facilitated a paradigm shift from traditional cultural practices to evidence-based health interventions. Looking ahead, the involvement of emerging fields such as bioinformatics and sports biomechanics may enable breakthroughs at the mechanical, biomarker, and molecular levels. For instance, the use of wearable sensors and artificial intelligence can enable fine-grained assessments of Tai Chi movements, thereby elucidating their specific effects on balance control. Similarly, the application of epigenetic tools may uncover how practices like Qigong modulate gene expression associated with aging. These advancements will provide a robust foundation for translating martial arts into digital health strategies and precision medicine, thereby expanding their practical value in future healthcare applications.

Based on the findings of this scientometric analysis, the global research on Chinese martial arts demonstrates several notable strengths while also presenting areas for improvement to inform future directions. First, the growing body of evidence-based research constitutes a major advantage. An increasing number of high-quality RCTs and systematic reviews support the efficacy of martial arts interventions.^[10] In recent years, international research on Tai Chi and related traditional martial arts has intensified, with evidence-based support significantly strengthened. Existing systematic reviews have shown that Tai Chi plays a positive role in improving cognitive function, cardiorespiratory endurance, mental health, and chronic disease management.^[14,55,56] In the past few years, a growing number of RCTs and meta-analyses have further expanded its application scope. Li et al^[57], through a Bayesian network meta-analysis, identified significant cognitive benefits of Baduanjin and Tai Chi. Siu et al in 2021 reported in a large-scale RCT that Tai Chi led to sustained improvements in sleep quality among older adults.^[58] Allen et al in 2025 emphasized in their review that Tai Chi stands out as one of the most evidence-supported non-pharmacological therapies for osteoarthritis and is now widely recognized as a leading mind-body intervention.^[59] Other studies have further confirmed its potential in alleviating cancer-related fatigue^[60]; improving VO₂ max^[61]; regulating autonomic nervous function^[62]; and enhancing body composition among adolescents.^[63] These findings suggest a wide range of applications across diverse populations and functional domains. As a result, Chinese martial arts have become one of the few traditional exercise therapies included in Western clinical guidelines. Tai Chi, in particular, has been recommended by the American Geriatrics Society for fall prevention, as noted in the guidelines published between 2001 and 2010,^[64–66] and has also been incorporated into the 2012 and 2019 osteoarthritis management guidelines issued by the American College of Rheumatology, where it is endorsed as a core non-pharmacological treatment for patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis.^[67,68] Second, current research themes align closely with pressing public health needs. International research hotspots focus predominantly on healthy aging and chronic disease management. Tai Chi, for instance, offers a safe and effective exercise modality for older adults, with proven benefits in reducing healthcare burden and enhancing quality of life.^[69] Third, martial arts research exhibits a high degree of international engagement. While China and the United States lead in research output, over 80 countries have contributed to this field, reflecting growing global recognition and validation of the health value of Chinese martial arts.^[9] Notably, countries such as Australia and Canada have not only fostered local academic interest in Tai Chi but have also integrated martial arts into community-based rehabilitation programs.^[14] This broad and diverse international participation has infused the field with cross-cultural perspectives and theoretical innovation. Overall, nearly 5 decades of research have led to the establishment of a research paradigm that integrates both Western scientific methodologies and traditional Chinese practices. This evolving framework emphasizes rigorous experimental design while respecting the cultural specificity of traditional martial arts, laying a solid foundation for advancing the depth and scope of future investigations.

Despite the notable progress achieved, several critical challenges persist in current research on Chinese martial arts. Chief among them is the issue of methodological heterogeneity. Although a substantial number of RCTs have been conducted, considerable variation remains in intervention modalities, movement styles, training frequency, and duration, thereby compromising the comparability and reproducibility of study outcomes.^[70] For instance, the existence of multiple Tai Chi schools leads to significant variation in the forms used across studies.^[71] A systematic review on knee osteoarthritis highlighted that different Tai Chi styles yielded inconsistent effects on functional improvement.^[72] These discrepancies underscore the need to standardize intervention protocols – such as defining core movement components, session duration, and frequency – to enhance the scientific rigor and generalizability of evidence-based studies. Second, there is a relative lack of mechanistic research. Existing literature predominantly focuses on “whether” martial arts interventions are effective, while insufficient attention is paid to “how” they exert their effects. This gap limits the theoretical credibility of martial arts therapy within modern biomedical paradigms. For example, while Tai Chi has been shown to alleviate depression, its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Some scholars hypothesize involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system regulation, but direct experimental validation is lacking.^[73] Similarly, practices such as Qigong are often described in traditional terms such as “regulating qi and nourishing the mind,” yet their physiological foundations – possibly involving vagal nerve activation or changes in brainwave activity – are not well substantiated by empirical data. To address these gaps, future research should incorporate advanced techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), neuroelectrophysiology, and biomarker monitoring to elucidate the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying martial arts interventions. Such efforts will strengthen the scientific legitimacy of Chinese martial arts and enhance their global acceptance as evidence-based health practices.

Furthermore, the current scope of research on Chinese martial arts remains limited. International academic inquiry in this field is predominantly focused on Tai Chi and Health Qigong, while scientific investigations into other forms – such as Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) or traditional weapons-based routines – are sparse. This imbalance may partly stem from the inherent difficulty of designing RCTs for combat-oriented disciplines, yet it also reflects a broader neglect of martial arts diversity. In fact, practices such as Sanda may offer unique benefits for youth development, particularly in enhancing psychological resilience and self-defense capabilities, thus warranting exploration from the perspectives of sports sociology or educational science. Likewise, the performative and aesthetic aspects of martial arts routines may be examined in relation to psychological constructs such as self-efficacy and social participation.^[74] Therefore, future research should be encouraged to incorporate both competitive and performance-oriented elements of martial arts – within safe and ethically sound frameworks – to enrich the dimensionality of martial arts scholarship.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge the regional and publication biases that may affect this field. Since the present study relies solely on the Web of Science Core Collection, a substantial body of research indexed in other international databases and Chinese-language sources was not included. This may introduce a degree of publication bias, particularly in underestimating the domestic prominence of certain research topics within China. For instance, traditional Chinese exercise forms such as Baduanjin and Wuqinxi have been widely studied in China but are underrepresented in English-language publications. Similarly, topics related to the cultural dissemination or historical evolution of martial arts are often published in Chinese and thus fall outside the scope of this scientometric analysis. To address this limitation, we recommend future studies to integrate data from Chinese-language databases such as CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) to provide a more comprehensive and balanced global overview – encompassing both Western and Eastern academic perspectives. Nevertheless, we contend that English-language literature sufficiently reflects international research trends, particularly in the domains of natural science and medical research.

Based on the above analysis, future research on Chinese martial arts can be deepened and expanded along several key directions: First, there is a pressing need to strengthen mechanistic investigations by employing multidisciplinary approaches to elucidate the underlying pathways of martial arts interventions – such as neural regulation, endocrine modulation, and immune responses. For example, neuroimaging techniques could be used to reveal how Tai Chi influences brain functional connectivity, while changes in inflammatory markers or stress-related hormones before and after practice could provide insight into physiological mechanisms.^[75] Second, enhancing research design quality is critical. Future studies should promote high-quality RCTs through multicenter and international collaborations. Integrating these with systematic reviews and meta-analyses will improve the strength and grade of evidence. Notably, large-scale RCTs on Tai Chi for fall prevention, jointly conducted by institutions in China and the United States, could serve as a benchmark. Third, innovation in intervention delivery is essential. This includes integrating martial arts with modern technologies – for instance, developing motion monitoring systems based on wearable sensors or embedding Tai Chi practice into telehealth and virtual reality platforms to enhance user adherence and engagement. Preliminary studies have already demonstrated promising outcomes using internet-based Tai Chi interventions.^[76] Fourth, the target populations and outcome measures of martial arts research should be expanded. While most current studies focus on older adults, future research should include adolescents and working adults. Additionally, evaluations should go beyond physical health to include psychosocial outcomes such as social participation, cultural identity, and life satisfaction. Fifth, international cooperation and the development of standardized protocols should be prioritized. Establishing globally aligned guidelines for intervention reporting and study design – such as adapting CONSORT and TIDieR frameworks for Tai Chi trials – will enhance reproducibility, transparency, and international impact.^[77]

Through this bibliometric analysis of global research trends in Chinese martial arts, we not only acquired extensive objective data and identified clear developmental patterns but also gained insights into broader theoretical implications and practical value. Theoretically, this study demonstrates how traditional sports culture can undergo value reconstruction through contemporary scientific inquiry. Martial arts, originating from traditional Chinese philosophy and combat techniques, are now scientifically reinterpreted for their health-promoting functions. For instance, the health benefits of Tai Chi can be assessed and explained using Western medical indicators – such as attributing balance improvement partly to enhanced proprioception and vestibular adaptation mechanisms. This provides a vivid example of the theoretical concept of “integration of tradition and modernity,” illustrating that traditional exercise modalities are not opposed to modern science but can rather complement and enrich each other. Through scientific investigation, certain traditional concepts acquire new interpretations; for example, the concept of “Qi” can be understood in terms of psychophysiological relaxation responses. Simultaneously, traditional martial arts provide a substantial repository of intervention techniques for contemporary medicine. This paradigm of integration offers valuable insights for the scientific exploration of other traditional health practices, such as yoga and Tai Chi standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang). From an epistemological perspective, the development of martial arts research has expanded the theoretical boundaries of exercise science and rehabilitation medicine, enabling mainstream scientific systems to embrace and incorporate elements of non-Western traditional wisdom, thus achieving a more diverse and inclusive knowledge framework.

Practically, the outcomes of martial arts research have been extensively applied to clinical and community health practices, significantly benefiting the general population. For instance, Tai Chi fall-prevention programs have been widely implemented in retirement homes and community centers across numerous countries, guided by trained instructors. Research evidence has demonstrated that such programs effectively reduce fall incidence and associated healthcare costs among older adults.^[29] Similarly, in various cancer rehabilitation centers in the United States, Tai Chi and Qigong are employed to help patients alleviate treatment-related side effects, improve sleep quality, and enhance emotional well-being, with highly positive outcomes reported.^[43] Additionally, studies have explored using traditional practices like Five-Animal Exercises (Wuqinxi) to assist in drug addiction rehabilitation, yielding promising results.^[78] This represents an innovative expansion of martial arts applications into the domain of public health.

For China specifically, the advancement of martial arts research also holds significant value for cultural dissemination. As rigorous research is increasingly published in high-quality international journals and gains recognition among global scholars, the scientific validity and unique cultural value of Chinese martial arts are internationally acknowledged. Such recognition enhances China’s cultural soft power and facilitates the global promotion of martial arts. With the ongoing accumulation of research evidence, martial arts are expected to attract broader audiences worldwide. From a health policy perspective, governments around the world increasingly emphasize the importance of non-pharmacological interventions in chronic disease management. Martial arts research provides policymakers with valuable evidence, enabling them to confidently integrate practices such as Tai Chi into national health guidelines and fitness promotion initiatives.

In summary, the development of research on Chinese martial arts has enriched academic theory and generated far-reaching impacts on health practice. It demonstrates the modern value of traditional culture, promoting convergence among diverse cultural achievements within the medical field, and contributing positively to the global health philosophy of “prevention-oriented, mind-body harmony.” As research continues to advance, we believe Chinese martial arts will play an increasingly significant role in maintaining and promoting human health, and their scientific foundations and humanistic values will be more integrally presented to the world.