Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (14): 3687-3693.doi: 10.12307/2026.028

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Hydrogels: multifunctional effects from sports injury treatment to sports performance enhancement

Zhang Shuai, Zhu Jiabin   

  1. Harbin Sport University, Harbin 150006, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • Received:2025-01-24 Accepted:2025-04-07 Online:2026-05-18 Published:2025-09-12
  • Contact: Zhu Jiabin, Professor, Harbin Sport University, Harbin 150006, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • About author:Zhang Shuai, MD, Harbin Sport University, Harbin 150006, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • Supported by:
    National Social Science Fund Annual Project, No. 22BTY082 (to ZS)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hydrogel materials have shown unique application prospects in sports injury repair, sports monitoring, and flexible electronic devices due to their excellent high hydration, biocompatibility, self-healing ability, and adjustability.
OBJECTIVE: To review the basic properties and classification of hydrogels and their current application in sports injuries. 
METHODS: PubMed, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases were searched with Chinese and English search terms “hydrogel materials, athletic sports, flexible sensors, wearable devices, sports injuries, sports performance.” 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Hydrogels can be divided into physical cross-linked hydrogels and chemical cross-linked hydrogels according to the cross-linking mode, natural hydrogels and synthetic hydrogels according to the source, and traditional hydrogels and smart hydrogels according to the response characteristics. Self-healing hydrogels have good self-healing ability and can automatically repair after sports injuries, reduce secondary injuries, and improve the treatment effect. Smart hydrogels can change their properties according to external stimuli and adapt to different usage requirements, showing good application prospects in sports monitoring and auxiliary treatment. The application of hydrogels in flexible electronic devices provides a new technical path for real-time data collection and athlete health monitoring. Despite this, the current application of hydrogels in the field of sports injuries still faces some technical difficulties, such as mechanical properties, durability, and large-scale production of materials. With the continuous advancement and innovation of technology, hydrogel materials will play an increasingly important role in improving sports performance, promoting sports rehabilitation, extending the service life of equipment, and improving sports safety.


Key words: hydrogel material, flexible sensor, wearable device, sports injury, sports performance

CLC Number: