Knowledge domain and emerging trends in non-invasive brain stimulation: a bibliometric analysis via CiteSpace

Abstract

Introduction. In recent decades, new non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques and protocols have been developed, as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

Objective. To identify and visualize the intellectual structure of noninvasive brain stimulation through document co-citation analysis.

Material and methods. In this study, 30854 Web of Science indexed manuscripts regarding non-invasive brain stimulation, all published from 1988 to 2022, and their 1,615,692 references were analyzed. A document co-citation network map was drawn using CiteSpace software.

Results. The most productive journal was Clinical Neurophysiology. The most productive institution and country are University College London and USA. The most productive author was Alvaro Pascual-Leone and the most cited author in the field of NIBS was Rothwell JC. In addition, the most cited study was that of Rossi et al. (2009). The safe application of NIBS and its effects on motor function or executive functions are an emerging trend in NIBS research. Conclusions. The current investigation showcased a quantitative scientometric approach and delved into the advancement of NIBS research by examining the references published in this domain. These finding can be valuable for professionals looking to gain a visual grasp of the patterns of recognition and emerging directions in the field.