Bibliometric analysis of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze the current research status of acupuncture in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using bibliometric methods, explore current research hotspots, and predict future research trends.MethodsLiterature on acupuncture for MCI in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WOS) databases were searched from their inception to December 31, 2022. Articles were then filtered using inclusion and exclusion criteria and imported into VOSviewer 1.6.11 and CiteSpace 6.1.6msi software for descriptive analysis of publication numbers, network analysis of author/institution collaborations, and cluster analysis of keywords, as well as analysis of keyword emergence and linear relationships with time.ResultsThe Chinese and English databases included 243 and 565 relevant articles, respectively. The overall volume of Chinese and English literature was stable, with the annual volume generally increasing. In terms of countries, institutions, and authors, China had the highest number of English-language publications; however, the number of joint publications among institutions/authors was low. Research institutions were independent and dispersed, with no collaborative teams formed around a single institution/author. The hotspots in Chinese literature were “needling, treatment, electric acupuncture, nimodipine, cognitive training” and other clinical research directions. The hotspots in English literature were “acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cognitive impairment, memory, vascular dementia, mild cognitive impairment, stroke, hippocampus, injury,” and other mechanisms of action.ConclusionThe popularity of acupuncture for MCI is increasing year by year. Acupuncture for MCI, along with cognitive training, can help improve cognitive function. “Inflammation” is the frontier of acupuncture for MCI research. In the future, strengthening effective communication and cooperation among institutions, especially international cooperation, is essential for conducting high-quality research on acupuncture for MCI. This will help obtain high-level evidence and improve the output and translation of research results.

Global trends and hotspots in research on acupuncture for neurodegenerative diseases over the last decade: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

“…Bibliometrics is a statistical analysis and quantitative tool to study publications through mathematical and statistical methods for tracking the development of a certain research field over a defined time frame (Yang et al, 2023). It laid special stress on analyzing relevant information of this research field, for example, the impacts of publications, contributions of authors/institutes/countries, patterns of authorship, and the main direction of future research in the field (Zhang et al, 2020).…”

Numerical Modeling and Simulation of Non-Invasive Acupuncture Therapy Utilizing Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Diode

“…Today, acupuncture is widely used to treat a plethora of diseases, such as musculoskeletal pain, gastrointestinal disorders, stroke, gynecological diseases, neurological disorders, and various types of incurable chronic disease [1,[15][16][17][18]. During modern acupuncture therapy, very thin needles are inserted into the skin at certain specific acupoints in the human body.…”