The aim of this study is to present a bibliometric analysis of VR for stroke studies to identify prevailing research trends and guide future scientific research.
Articles and reviews on the topic of virtual reality for stroke were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection database. The data related to publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, citations, and keywords in the studies were systematically analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.20 and Citespace 6.3.1 software.
A total of 1171 papers on the topic of VR for stroke between 1999 and 2023 were analyzed and visualized to identify research hotspots and trends in the field. The number of annual publications in this field of study has increased gradually over the past 20 years, with the number of annual publications peaking in 2022 (n=154). Publications and citations reveal that entities from North America and Italy have made significant contributions to the field.
The journal analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, with the size of the nodes representing the number of citations and the lines connecting the nodes indicating co-citation relationships. The different colours represent different clusters.
The current hotspot is concentrated on evaluating the effectiveness of VR for improving upper limb and balance functions in stroke patients. The keyword analysis indicates that the latest research is oriented to investigate the effectiveness of VR in combination with rehabilitation techniques such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy for the treatment of stroke, and the advancements in VR technology are increasingly gaining focus.
In summary, the future of VR in stroke rehabilitation is promising, with the potential to revolutionize traditional rehabilitation practices, especially in upper limb and balance recovery. By leveraging the power of immersive technology, we can create engaging, effective, and personalized rehabilitation experiences that not only enhance motor recovery but also improve the overall quality of life for stroke survivors. Ongoing research and collaboration will be crucial to fully harness the benefits of VR in this vital area of healthcare.
Our study offers insights into the current hotspots and emerging trends of VR in the treatment of stroke. These findings may serve as a guide for future research and the application of VR for stroke.
stroke
bibliometric analysis
