Hotspots and Trends in Spinal Cord Stimulation Research for Spinal Cord Injury: A Bibliometric Analysis with Emphasis on Motor Recovery (2014-2024).

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a key therapeutic strategy for enhancing motor recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI). This study employs bibliometric analysis to explore research trends and hotspots in SCS for motor recovery, highlighting advances and emerging directions over the past decade.

METHODS

This cross-sectional bibliometric study retrieved publications on SCS for motor recovery from the Web of Science Core Collection database (2014-2024). Key information, including annual publication trends, contributing countries, institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and highly cited references, was analyzed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer.

RESULTS

A total of 1033 publications were analyzed, demonstrating exponential growth in SCS research since 2014. The United States and Switzerland were identified as leading contributors, with prominent institutions such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University of California System driving advancements. Key authors included Grégoire Courtine and Susan J. Harkema. Research themes have evolved through four phases: foundational studies on spinal cord mechanisms, exploration of neural circuits, application of electrical stimulation for motor recovery, and advancements in noninvasive therapies such as transcutaneous SCS. Highly cited journals, including Nature and Lancet, have published transformative studies, underscoring the field's clinical and academic significance.

CONCLUSIONS

This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of SCS research for motor recovery post-SCI over the past decade. Interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation have positioned SCS as a cornerstone of SCI rehabilitation. Future efforts should focus on optimizing approaches, leveraging advanced imaging and artificial intelligence technologies, and broadening rehabilitation goals to improve outcomes for SCI patients.