Knowledge mapping analysis of sedentary behavior and mental health research: A bibliometric analysis from 2004 to...

Mental health issues exhibits a significant correlation with sedentary behavior (SB). To construct a scientific knowledge map of SB and mental health using bibliometric methods and to explore the research status, hotspots, and future trends in this field over the past 20 years.

Articles were obtained in the Web of Science core collection database, with SB and mental health topics. Simultaneously, visual analysis of the included literature was cooperation among countries/institutions, core authors, active journals, and co-occurrence of keywords, and a scientific knowledge map was drawn.

From 2004 to 2024, publications on the topic of SB and mental health have shown a rapid growth trend, albeit with a slight decline after 2022. Regarding cooperative relationships, cooperation among countries, institutions, and authors is close, with the United States, Kings Coll London, among others, occupying core positions in this field. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is the most prolific journal. Current research hotspots include "association between sedentary behavior and physical activity with health," "association of sedentary behavior with depression, anxiety, and risk factors" and "associative diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular mortality risk in children and the elderly." Future research directions maybe "influence of sedentary behavior on sleep and specific psychological disorders."

This study underscores the significant attention given to SB and mental health over the past 2 decades, providing valuable insights and guiding future research endeavors.