Reflection and Prospect on the Development of Exercise Science Discipline in China

As an essential branch of sports science, exercise science in China has made remarkable progress in recent years, yet continues to face several significant challenges. This paper systematically examines the current state of the development of the discipline, reflects on the main issues, and outlines the prospective directions for future research in Chinese exercise science. Key bottlenecks include the ambiguous disciplinary positioning, insufficient research support, controversies over the selection of research subjects, and a sluggish pace of international integration. Although China possesses unique strengths in this field, further enhancement of its international influence requires a closer alignment with local needs—particularly through in-depth investigations targeting the health issues faced by the Chinese population—to gradually construct a distinctive, China-specific academic framework. The paper proposes that future development should focus on redefining the discipline's positioning and fostering cross-disciplinary integration along with technological innovation. In particular, the application of intelligent technologies is emphasized as a means to optimize research questions, enhance research methodologies, and accelerate the effective translation of research outcomes. Driven by innovation and technological progress, exercise science is poised to play a pivotal role in promoting public health and supporting the implementation of national sports strategies.