A trend of Tai Chi in osteoporosis research: A bibliometric analysis

Tai Chi stands as a quintessential form of qigong within the realm of traditional Chinese wellness practices. It adheres to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, such as the concept of "harmony between humans and the natural environment," the balance of "yin and yang," and the integration of "physical form with mental focus." This practice highlights the importance of synchronizing the body, mind, and breath for a holistic approach to health and well-being³. Compared to other forms of exercise such as walking, running, and fitness exercises (combined with equipment like dumbbells and elastic bands), Tai Chi was performed against resistance, allowing the lumbar spine to also undergo intense external forces due to the opposition, enabling the corresponding bones, particularly the lumbar vertebrae, to receive various and multidirectional sufficient motion loads⁶.

Tai Chi significantly enhances bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar vertebrae and Ward's triangle within 8 weeks in preventing osteoporosis in middle-aged and elderly high-risk individuals⁷. Therefore, Tai Chi can be considered an effective intervention method and standard treatment plan for osteoporosis.

Furthermore, Tai Chi, an exercise rooted in Chinese tradition that emphasizes the integration of body and mind along with its distinctive features, emerges as an ideal physical activity to support individuals, especially the elderly and those prone to osteoporosis, in embracing a significant transformation in their way of living5, 8, 9. More and more researchers have begun to pay attention to Tai Chi exercise, a mind-body exercise, and have explored the health benefits¹⁰. These studies have investigated the various health-related parameters of different types of diseases related to bone density reduction, including osteoporosis¹¹, fibromyalgia12, 13, rheumatic diseases14, 15, knee osteoarthritis16, 17, and multiple sclerosis¹⁸.

Tai Chi has significant effects in preventing and alleviating osteoporosis, as well as in improving balance, flexibility, and reducing the risk of fractures and joint diseases. In recent years, a large number of publications on Tai Chi treatment of osteoporosis has emerged. However, there is a lack of macroscopic, comprehensive analysis based on statistical principles regarding the current research status, development trends, and hotspots in this field. This study conducted a bibliometric and visual analysis to visually summarize the research status in the literature related to Tai Chi and osteoporosis, explore emerging trends and research hotspots, and provide references for future research development and clinical treatment based on this CiteSpace.