Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends on Tuina Manipulation for Neck Pain Treatment Over the Past 10 Years

Abstract

Tuina is an effective treatment for neck pain (NP). However, there has been no bibliometric analysis of the global application and emerging trends of tuina performed for NP. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an overview of the current state and future trends in the field. Articles about tuina for NP, published from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2023, were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace (6.1.R6) and VOSviewer (1.6.18) software were used to analyze annual trends in literature posts, countries, institutions, authors, cited references, and knowledge graphs of keyword co-occurrence, clustering, and burst using standard bibliometric indicators. The final analysis comprised 505 valid documents. The results demonstrate that the number of articles in the field of tuina therapy for NP has gradually increased over the years, showing the most active countries, institutions, journals, and authors. There were 323 keywords in the field, 322 research authors, and 292 research institutions, with the USA having the most publications (n = 140). The most published institution is Vrije University Amsterdam, and the most published journal is the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Peter R Blanpied is the most influential and most-cited author. Interventions (dry needling, massage therapy, and muscle energy techniques), common treatment sites for NP (upper trapezius), and complications (cervicogenic headache) are the top three frontiers mentioned in the field of tuina research for NP. The bibliometric study showed the current status and trends in clinical research on treating patients with NP using tuina, which may help researchers identify topics of interest and scope for future research in this field.

The top 100 highly cited articles on neck pain: A bibliometric analysis

“…Through bibliometric analysis of literature on NP treatment over the past decade, significant research gaps and potential duplication issues have been identified. Zhichao Gong conducted a bibliometric analysis of the literature about the treatment of NP using massage manipulation over the past decade, encompassing 505 articles [ 58 ]. Similarly, Jaehyeon Park undertook a review of acupuncture treatment for NP over the past two decades, examining 325 papers [ 59 ].…”

Efficacy of Combining Traditional Chinese Manual Therapy (Tuina) and Specific Therapeutic Neck Exercise in Young Adults with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“… 34 The effect of tuina is attributed to relaxing muscles and tendons, improving local blood circulation, decreasing edema and aseptic inflammation. 35 Tuina has been widely used to treat NSCNP worldwide, 36 and the efficacy has also been reported. 37 However, to our knowledge, there have been few clinical studies on the treatment of combining tuina and specific therapeutic neck exercise in NSCNP.…”

Is Standardization the Future of Traditional Chinese Tuina (Massage) Therapy? - A Reflection on “Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends on Tuina Manipulation for Neck Pain Treatment Over the Past 10 Years” [Letter]

“…We read with interest an article titled “Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends on Tuina Manipulation for Neck Pain Treatment Over the Past 10 Years” published in the Journal of Pain Research . 1 Drawing on modern physical therapy background, we aim to contribute some personal perspectives on this article and research on Tuina.…”