This paper, titled “Global research trends in sarcopenia: a bibliometric analysis of exercise and nutrition (2005–2025),” authored by Runqian Zhang, Jiaxin Wang, Huijuan Xi, Yue Cheng, and Bei Han, provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current research landscape in exercise and nutritional interventions for sarcopenia. Published on May 16, 2025, in Frontiers in Nutrition, this study aims to identify emerging areas of interest and offer scientific insights for future research in this critical field.
Sarcopenia, defined as a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder involving the accelerated loss of muscle mass and function, is a significant cause of physiological decline, particularly in the elderly. It is closely associated with aging and is classified as an age-related disease, estimated to affect approximately 30% of individuals aged 65 and over, with prevalence reaching 50–60% among those aged 80 and above. The global elderly population is projected to reach two billion by 2050, which is expected to lead to a concomitant rise in sarcopenia and associated health issues. Given its severe impact on quality of life and potential reduction in life expectancy, there is an urgent need to optimize clinical strategies for sarcopenia. Current primary strategies involve exercise and nutritional interventions, with evidence suggesting that integrating both approaches is more effective.
To achieve its objectives, the study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using 886 publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and SCOPUS databases between January 1, 2005, and January 1, 2025. The research employed sophisticated visualization tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze various aspects of the research landscape, including annual publications, keyword evolution, journal contributions, author and country networks, institutional collaborations, and citation patterns. The methodological approach was designed to construct a visual and analytical atlas of the domain focused on exercise and nutritional interventions for sarcopenia.
Key findings from the analysis reveal several important trends:
- Consistent Upward Trajectory in Publications: The number of publications has shown a consistent upward trend over the last two decades, with a notable increase observed since 2015, indicating growing researcher interest in the field. The annual output is predicted to reach approximately 132 ± 8 publications by 2025.
- Geographical Shift in Research Leadership: There has been a transition of research leadership from traditional centers in the United States and Europe to emerging Asian contributors, particularly China, reflecting its increasing focus on elderly health due to its aging population.
- High-Frequency Keywords and Core Concepts: Analysis identified core concepts such as “Skeletal Muscle” (Betweenness Centrality Degree, BCD 0.13), “Resistance Exercise” (BCD 0.11), and “Muscle Strength” (BCD 0.13). Nutritional components like “Dietary Protein” (BCD 0.19), “Vitamin D” (BCD 0.14), and “Amino Acids” (BCD 0.18) also formed distinct research clusters. This suggests that the primary objective of interventions is to enhance skeletal muscle strength and mass.
- Thematic Domains: Cluster analysis revealed five thematic domains: Protein Metabolism (Cluster 1), Body Composition Assessment (Cluster 2), Resistance Training Modalities (Cluster 3), Frailty Syndromes (Cluster 4), and Metabolic Regulation (Cluster 5).
- Temporal Keyword Evolution: The research has shifted from foundational terms like “human skeletal muscle” and “amino acids” to clinical outcome measures such as “gait speed,” “physical function,” and “inflammation“. More recent hotspots include links between sarcopenia and conditions like cachexia and inflammation, as well as the assessment of “gait speed”.
- Prominent Publications and Organizations: The most frequently cited reference is “Sarcopenia: European consensus on definition and diagnosis: Report of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People” by Cruz-Jentoft AJ, published in 2010. Other highly cited works include those from the International Sarcopenia Initiative (EWGSOP and IWGS) and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), which have significantly influenced clinical diagnosis and treatment guidelines for sarcopenia.
The study concludes that the research trend in sarcopenia is shifting from focusing on symptoms to exploring underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, there is an increasing emphasis on utilizing exercise and nutritional interventions to address the disease burden and health management of multiple chronic diseases associated with sarcopenia, such as sarcopenic obesity, osteosarcopenia, and steatosarcopenia. The authors underscore the critical need for enhanced international cooperation to surmount challenges like inconsistent definitions and geographical variations, ultimately improving the efficacy of future research and policy development in sarcopenia management.
Reference: Zhang, R., Wang, J., Xi, H., Cheng, Y., & Han, B. (2025). Global research trends in sarcopenia: a bibliometric analysis of exercise and nutrition (2005–2025). Frontiers in Nutrition, 12, 1579572. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1579572
