Global Trends in Tai Chi Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

Area of Science:

• Integrative and Complementary Medicine
• Public Health
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Tai Chi is a widely adopted mind-body practice in therapy and public health.
• Bibliometric analyses are crucial for understanding research trends and impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated global bibliometric overview of Tai Chi research.
• To map publication performance, collaborations, and thematic clusters using VOSviewer.
• To identify key research themes and future directions.

Main Methods:

• Scopus database was searched for articles and reviews mentioning Tai Chi.
• Publications from 1978 to 2025 were analyzed (n=2253).
• VOSviewer software was used for network and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Tai Chi research shows steady growth, particularly in the last decade.
• China leads in publications; the US leads in citations, indicating a dual-core research landscape.
• Key research themes include motor function, musculoskeletal and chronic disease management, psychological health, and cognitive aging.

Conclusions:

• Tai Chi research is expanding but lacks visibility in mainstream medical journals.
• Future research should prioritize methodological rigor, mechanistic studies, long-term designs, and community applications.
• Enhanced international collaboration and clinical integration are essential for advancing Tai Chi's role in health.