Defining Frailty in Chinese-Language Biomedical Literature (2014-2024): A Decade of Conceptual Evolution

Frailty is increasingly recognized as a central concept in aging research and clinical practice, which reflects reduced physiological reserve and heightened vulnerability to stressors. While extensively examined in Western biomedical literature, how frailty is defined and conceptualized in Chinese-language biomedical research remains insufficiently explored. This systematic review examined frailty definitions in Chinese biomedical publications from 2014 to 2024, analyzing definitional sources, conceptual emphases, and temporal trends. Searches across major Chinese and international databases identified 1804 eligible articles. Results show growing alignment with international frameworks, particularly through expert consensus statements, alongside improving terminological standardization. However, biomedical interpretations remain dominant, with limited attention to psychological, social, dynamic, and reversible dimensions. Emerging contributions from traditional Chinese medicine introduce distinct perspectives centred on balance and restoration. Clarifying these definitional patterns is essential for cross-cultural comparability and the development of culturally relevant frailty research and clinical practice.