Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (1): 85-98.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.01.008

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Robot-assisted therapy for upper limb of stoke: a bibliometrics analysis

QIN Qing1, LIU Ye1, YE Haiyan1, LI Chen1,2, CHEN Di1,3()   

  1. 1. China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing 100068, China
    2. Capital Medical University School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing 100068, China
    3. WHO-FIC Collaborating Center in China, Beijing 100068, China
  • Received:2024-12-12 Revised:2024-12-25 Published:2025-01-25 Online:2025-01-22
  • Contact: CHEN Di, E-mail: chendi@crrc.com.cn
  • Supported by:
    The Fundamental Research Funds for Central Public Welfare Research Institutes, conducted by China Rehabilitation Science Institute(CRSI2022CZ-17);The Fundamental Research Funds for Central Public Welfare Research Institutes, conducted by China Rehabilitation Science Institute(CRSI2022CZ-1)

Abstract:

Objective To analyze the advance of robot-assisted therapy in upper limb functions of patients with stroke.

Methods A search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection for literature on the application of robot-assisted therapy in upper limb functions of patients with stroke, from inception to November, 2024. Citespace 6.4.R1 was used to perform bibliometric analysis, including countries of origin, authors, institutions, subject areas, keywords and citation relationships, and knowledge mapping techniques were also utilized.

Results A total of 198 publications in English were included, showing an upward trend in publication volume. China, Italy and the United States ranked highest in publication counts, with the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy contributing the most. Among authors, Giulio Rosati had the highest number of publications. The top three co-occurring keywords were motor recovery, activities of daily living and neuroplasticity. Keywords with the highest citation bursts included rehabilitation robotics, virtual reality and upper limb rehabilitation. Keyword clustering identified four primary research directions: improving upper limb motor function, enhancing sensory function, increasing activities of daily living and promoting brain neuroplasticity. The research spanned several disciplines, including basic medicine, clinical medicine, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation medicine and therapy, and control science and engineering.

Conclusion Robot-assisted therapy for the upper limb function in stroke patients constitutes an innovative rehabilitation approach. Current research hotspots focus on both the design of robot-assisted therapy and their effectiveness. Findings suggest that robot-assisted occupational therapy can effectively improve upper limb function, facilitate neuroplasticity, enhance activities of daily living reliant on the upper limbs, and boost patients motivation and confidence in rehabilitation. Future research should emphasize integrating robot-assisted therapy with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, to explore its potential in precise rehabilitation strategies and the development of personalized rehabilitation programs.

Key words: stroke, robot-assisted therapy, upper limb function, rehabilitation, bibliometrics

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