Integrating sports industry development with national health promotion: A biomechanics-informed study of the healthy China strategy
Authors: Zhang Gaoyang , Wang Shunyong 
Published: January 2025

China’s strategic objective of promoting national health is in line with the integration of the sports business with sports promotion programs. Biomechanics, which delves into the mechanical aspects of human movement and its interaction with the surrounding environment, is a linchpin in this integration. When it comes to the construction of sports venues and sports equipment development, biomechanical principles are fundamental. For example, the selection of surface materials for tracks, courts, and fields must consider factors such as ground reaction forces, coefficient of friction, and energy dissipation. These biomechanical parameters not only influence an athlete’s performance but also play a crucial role in injury prevention. Policies promoting the development of sports venues, increasing public access to recreational facilities, and investing in community health programs remain essential for expanding sports participation and promoting fitness. Through an examination of policy frameworks, economic benefits, and social impacts, this study identifies key factors facilitating this integration. Technological advancements, such as the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) and force-sensitive sensors in sports equipment and training facilities, enable real-time monitoring of biomechanical variables like joint angles, muscle activation, and movement velocities. Public-private collaborations can then leverage these technologies to develop innovative biomechanics-based sports products and services, making them more accessible to the general public. The findings of this study emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive strategy for sports promotion and sector expansion. This strategy should not only focus on economic gains but also aim to achieve superior health outcomes. Biomechanics-informed sports promotion allows for a more in-depth understanding of how different physical activities impact the human body’s biomechanics. This knowledge can be used to customize exercise programs according to an individual’s anthropometric and biomechanical characteristics, ensuring maximum effectiveness and safety. From a social perspective, a health-conscious society with widespread access to sports resources can significantly enhance the quality of life. By minimizing the risk of injuries through biomechanics-optimized sports facilities and equipment, individuals can engage in a more active lifestyle, leading to a reduction in healthcare costs. Moreover, as people participate in sports events, fitness challenges, and wellness campaigns, the shift in public attitudes towards fitness can strengthen social cohesion and community engagement. In conclusion, this study offers recommendations for future legislation and programs to enhance the integration of the sports sector with public health promotion. By fully integrating biomechanics into the development of the sports industry, we can ensure a substantial contribution to the “Healthy China” goals, fostering a more robust sports economy and a healthier society.