Acupuncture for Stroke: Research Trends and Promising Therapies

Acupuncture for stroke research has gained significant traction in recent years, as evidenced by a comprehensive bibliometric analysis that delves into the knowledge domain and emerging trends in this field. Stroke, a prevalent cerebrovascular disease, has long been a major health concern globally, prompting researchers to explore diverse treatment modalities beyond conventional approaches. Acupuncture, rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing neurological and motor function recovery in stroke patients, particularly when integrated with complementary therapeutic strategies. This systematic review aimed to identify key research hotspots, map the underlying knowledge structure, and analyze developmental trends in acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation.

The analysis encompassed a vast array of 2,217 relevant publications spanning from the inception of databases through 2024. Rigorous data screening protocols were employed to ensure the selection of pertinent studies for in-depth analysis. Advanced bibliometric tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer were utilized to dissect publication trends, identify leading authors and institutions, and unveil citation networks. The findings unveiled a marked surge in research activity, with China emerging as a predominant contributor to this domain, reflecting the growing global interest in exploring the efficacy of acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation.

The study highlighted key thematic areas within the acupuncture for stroke research landscape, emphasizing neurological recovery, motor function improvement, language rehabilitation, and the synergistic integration of acupuncture with diverse therapeutic strategies. Prominent keywords such as “acupuncture treatment,” “scalp acupuncture,” “electroacupuncture,” and “rehabilitation therapy” underscored the evolving priorities and focal points within this domain. The analysis not only provided evidence-based insights to steer future research endeavors but also laid a robust foundation for experimental investigations in acupuncture for stroke recovery.

Bibliometrics, as an interdisciplinary field integrating mathematics, statistics, and documentation studies, has proven invaluable in dissecting the intricate web of research literature and unveiling overarching trends and knowledge structures. By harnessing the power of data visualization tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer, researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of acupuncture for stroke research, paving the way for informed decision-making and strategic research direction.

The spatiotemporal distribution of literature underscored the internationalization of research efforts, with contributions emanating from diverse countries across the globe. China’s substantial contributions were evident, with a robust focus on traditional Chinese medicine institutions spearheading innovative research in acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation. Collaborative networks at institutional and individual levels have played a pivotal role in advancing research endeavors, with leading authors and institutions shaping the discourse and driving impactful research outcomes.

The visualization of literature sources and journal citation analysis shed light on the academic activity and influence of key journals in the acupuncture for stroke research domain. Journals like Stroke and Frontiers in Neurology emerged as pivotal platforms for disseminating cutting-edge research in this field, underscoring the critical role of specialized outlets in advancing niche research areas. The analysis of journal dual-map overlays further highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of acupuncture research, showcasing strong citation relationships across diverse fields like biology, genetics, psychology, and economics.

The exploration of keywords and prominent terms provided a nuanced view of the evolving research frontiers in stroke management. From nerve regeneration and neural plasticity to acute stroke care and quality improvement, the thematic focus spanned a broad spectrum of clinical and methodological domains. The timeline diagram delineated significant milestones and developmental stages in the field, offering a chronological narrative of key events and trends in acupuncture for stroke research.

In conclusion, the comprehensive analysis presented in this study offers a panoramic view of the evolving landscape of acupuncture for stroke research, shedding light on key trends, thematic priorities, and interdisciplinary collaborations shaping this dynamic field. As researchers continue to unravel the intricacies of stroke rehabilitation and explore the clinical potential of acupuncture, the insights gleaned from this analysis will serve as a compass guiding future research endeavors and strategic decision-making in the quest to optimize stroke care and improve patient outcomes.