Research trends and hotspots of post-stroke dysphagia rehabilitation: a bibliometric study and visualization analysis

Abstract

BackgroundPost-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is one of the most prevalent stroke sequelae, affecting stroke patients’ prognosis, rehabilitation results, and quality of life while posing a significant cost burden. Although studies have been undertaken to characterize the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and risk factors of post-stroke dysphagia, there is still a paucity of research trends and hotspots on this subject. The purpose of this study was to create a visual knowledge map based on bibliometric analysis that identifies research hotspots and predicts future research trends.MethodsWe searched the Web of Science Core Collection for material on PSD rehabilitation research from its inception until July 27, 2023. We used CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix R software packages to evaluate the annual number of publications, nations, institutions, journals, authors, references, and keywords to describe present research hotspots and prospective research orientations.ResultsThis analysis comprised 1,097 articles from 3,706 institutions, 374 journals, and 239 countries or regions. The United States had the most publications (215 articles), and it is the most influential country on the subject. “Dysphagia” was the most published journal (100 articles) and the most referenced journal (4,606 citations). Highly cited references focused on the pathophysiology and neuroplasticity mechanisms of PSD, therapeutic modalities, rehabilitation tactics, and complications prevention. There was a strong correlation between the terms “validity” and “noninvasive,” which were the strongest terms in PSD rehabilitation research. The most significant words in PSD rehabilitation research were “validity” and “noninvasive brain stimulation,” which are considered two of the most relevant hotspots in the field.ConclusionWe reviewed the research in the field of PSD rehabilitation using bibliometrics to identify research hotspots and cutting-edge trends in the field, primarily including the pathogenesis and neurological plasticity mechanisms of PSD, complications, swallowing screening and assessment methods, and swallowing rehabilitation modalities, and this paper can provide in the follow-up research in the field of PSD rehabilitation. The results of this study can provide insightful data for subsequent studies in the field of PSD rehabilitation.

Mapping research trends regarding the mechanism of dysphagia from 1993 to 2023: a bibliometrics study and visualization analysis

“…With the in-depth research and increasing interest in the field of swallowing disorders, studies focused on the current situation and trends in this field are needed. After reviewing the literature, we found four related visualization studies that payed attention to the dysphagia ( 20 ), post-stoke dysphagia (PSD) ( 21 , 22 ) or rehabilitation of PSD ( 23 ). Those studies analyzed the current literature or the rehabilitation on dysphagia or PSD to identify the research hotspots and frontiers using bibliometrics.…”

Commentary: Research trends and hotspots of post-stroke dysphagia rehabilitation: a bibliometric study and visualization analysis

“…We would like to share some ideas on the article “ Research trends and hotspots of post-stroke dysphagia rehabilitation: a bibliometric study and visualization analysis” (He et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Our updated search strategy is as follows: TS = (stroke OR apoplexy OR “cerebrovascular accident” OR “brain vascular accident” OR “cerebral hemorrhage” OR encephalorrhagia OR “cerebral ischemia” OR “cerebral infarction”) AND TS = (“Deglutition Disorder” OR “Swallowing Disorder * ” OR Dysphagia OR “Oropharyngeal Dysphagia” OR “Esophageal Dysphagia”) AND TS = (Rehabilitation OR Recovery OR “Physical therap * ” OR “Exercise therap * ”). The rest settings were as in the original text (He et al, 2023 ). We retrieved 1,318 related articles, including 1,077 articles and 241 reviews.…”