Non-Pharmacological Therapies for Post-Stroke Spastic Paralysis: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research from 2000 to 2024

Abstract

Objective This study aims to explore the research landscape, hot topics, and future trends of non-pharmacological therapies for post-stroke spastic paralysis globally from 2000 to 2024 through a bibliometric analysis. Methods We conducted a search in the Web of Science Core Collection database to analyze literature related to non-pharmacological therapies for post-stroke spastic paralysis published between 2000 and 2024. Tools including CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, Scimago, and R language were used to identify and analyze countries, institutions, journals, references, keywords, as well as the most commonly used therapies and acupuncture points. The results were presented in the form of knowledge maps. Results The bibliometric analysis identified a total of 297 publications. Over the study period, the number of publications showed an overall upward trend. China had the highest number of publications. The journal *Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation* published the most articles. The most frequently occurring keywords were “stroke”, “reliability”, and “muscle spasticity.” The most commonly used therapy was “acupuncture.”. Conclusion From 2000 to 2024, non-pharmacological therapies have shown positive effects in improving post-stroke spastic paralysis; however, more rigorously designed large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm their long-term efficacy and mechanisms. Moving forward, international and domestic research institutions should strengthen collaboration to produce more impactful research and further explore individualized, precision rehabilitation treatment plans.