Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (22): 5859-5866.doi: 10.12307/2026.186

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Visualization analysis of dynamic evolution of hot topics in the field of physical activity and neural plasticity

Deng Qing 1, 2, Zhang Yeting 3, Mou Xiangqian 4, Wang Qingjun 4   

  1. 1School of Physical Education, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing 211171, Jiangsu Province, China; 2School of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China; 3Civil Aviation Security College, Civil Aviation Flight University of China, Guanghan 618307, Sichuan Province, China; 4School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210097, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Received:2025-08-01 Accepted:2025-08-23 Online:2026-08-08 Published:2025-12-29
  • Contact: Wang Qingjun, MD, Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210097, Jiangsu Province, China
  • About author:Deng Qing, MD, Lecturer, School of Physical Education, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing 211171, Jiangsu Province, China; School of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, numerous studies have shown that physical activity significantly promotes neural plasticity, contributing to improvements in cognitive abilities and neurological health. However, the current state and dynamic evolution of the research field on "physical activity and neural plasticity" have not been systematically organized and analyzed. This lack of comprehensive understanding may hinder accurate predictions regarding the future development trends in this area.
OBJECTIVE: Using bibliometric methods, we analyzed the dynamic evolution trajectory of research topics in the field of physical activity and neural plasticity, organized the development trends and the evolution of the knowledge framework in this area, and provided directional references for subsequent research.
METHODS: Relevant literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database (www.webofscience.com) using the following search strategy: TS=(("physical activity" OR exercise OR "motor activity" OR "physical exercise" OR "aerobic exercise" OR "physical training") AND ("neuroplasticity" OR "brain plasticity" OR "neural plasticity" OR "cognitive plasticity" OR "brain adaptability")). A total of 2 098 eligible articles were screened and included. Co-word analysis and visualization analysis were performed using SciMAT software. Keyword maps, strategic coordinate maps, and topic evolution path maps were created to reveal the dynamic evolution process of research topics in the field of physical activity and neural plasticity.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Research in the field of physical activity and neural plasticity exhibits a strong development trend. Studies are becoming more comprehensive, and there is substantial potential for future development. This field encompasses five main evolutionary directions: "physical activity," "adult mice," "stem cells," "individual differences," and "randomized controlled trials," which have resulted in 15 sub-evolutionary pathways. Topics such as "the elderly," "animal models," and "diseases" are expected to become key areas of focus for future research. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies use randomized controlled trials and optimized experimental designs for animal models to investigate the long-term effects of physical activity on neural plasticity and cognitive function, along with the underlying mechanisms involved. Furthermore, there should be a focus on the clinical validation of multimodal interventions in specific populations.


Key words: physical activity, neuroplasticity, visualization analysis, thematic evolution, SciMAT

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