Global trends and hotspots of neuromodulation in spinal cord injury: a study based on bibliometric analysis

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-025-05674-7 · Published: March 3, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to permanent disability. Neuromodulation is a technology that uses electrical or magnetic stimulation to alter nerve activity and is being explored as a treatment for SCI. This study analyzes existing research to identify global trends and hotspots in neuromodulation research for SCI. Bibliometric analysis was used to evaluate publications by country, institution, author, journal, and keywords. The study found an increasing trend in publications on neuromodulation for SCI since 2005. The United States is the leading country in both publication number and citations, while 'functional electrical stimulation' and 'spinal cord stimulation' are identified as research hotspots.

Study Duration

January 1, 2005, to September 17, 2024

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The number of publications on neuromodulation in SCI showed an increasing trend from 2005 to 2024.
2
The United States ranked first in terms of the number of publications and total citations, indicating its crucial influence in the field.
3
Functional electrical stimulation and spinal cord stimulation were identified as research hotspots.

Research Summary

This study analyzed the global trends and hotspots in research on neuromodulation for spinal cord injury (SCI) using bibliometric analysis of publications from 2005 to 2024. The results showed a steady increase in publications over the past two decades, with the United States leading in both publication number and citations. Key research areas include functional electrical stimulation and spinal cord stimulation. The study highlights the growing interest and significance of neuromodulation in SCI research, providing insights for future research directions.

Practical Implications

Future Research Guidance

The study delineates current hotspots and trends, aiding scholars in designing relevant and impactful research.

Clinical Application Potential

Highlights neuromodulation's significance as a therapeutic strategy for SCI, fostering further clinical translation.

Focus on Research Quality

Encourages Chinese scholars to prioritize meaningful and original studies, focusing on research quality rather than quantity.

Study Limitations

1
Data were retrieved only from the WoSCC database published in English, potentially leading to publication or language biases.
2
Unpublished or non-WoSCC-cited publications were not incorporated.
3
Bibliometric analysis has the potential to generate biased results due to citation behaviors and publication timing.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury