Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (24): 6400-6409.doi: 10.12307/2026.202

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Scientometric deconstruction of developmental dynamics in upper-limb rehabilitation robotics: evidence network analysis via CiteSpace

Wang Feifei, Wang Zhennan   

  1. Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, Liaoning Province, China
  • Received:2025-06-27 Revised:2025-09-19 Online:2026-08-28 Published:2026-02-05
  • Contact: Wang Zhennan, Associate professor, Master’s supervisor, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, Liaoning Province, China
  • About author:Wang Feifei, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, Liaoning Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Dalian University of Technology Enterprise-Commissioned Scientific Research Project, No. HX20240114 (to WZN [project participant])

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Upper limb rehabilitation robots have emerged as an indispensable component in global healthcare systems. Despite the extensive body of research in this field, which primarily focuses on areas such as development and application, there remains a significant need for comprehensive, systematic literature analysis to thoroughly examine the current research landscape, identify emerging hotspots, and predict future trends in this domain. 
OBJECTIVE: To conduct a visual analysis of research status, hotspots, and trends in the field of upper limb rehabilitation robots over the past decade using CiteSpace software, with the aim of identifying key research directions and providing intuitive references for researchers. 
METHODS: This study systematically retrieved literature related to upper-limb rehabilitation robotics from CNKI and the Web of Science Core Collection published between January 1, 2015, and March 13, 2025. CiteSpace 6.1.R1 software was employed for visualized analysis of included literature, covering key dimensions such as publication volume, authors, institutions, keywords, clusters, and bursts. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) A total of 1 054 articles were included, involving 659 authors. The United States held the highest overall ranking in terms of both research publication volume and centrality in this field. Among the contributing institutions, Northeast University and Univ Shanghai Sci&Technol ranked the highest in publication volume. Visualization analysis indicated an overall upward trend in upper limb rehabilitation robotics research, yet revealed limited collaboration among researchers and institutions. Key research domains encompassed core technological methodologies, robot design and optimization, control strategies and algorithms, clinical application and evaluation, and integration of emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. (2) Future research can focus on technological fusion and intelligent system upgrades, interdisciplinary collaborative innovation, and refinement of clinical applications to drive sustained advancements in this field.


Key words: CiteSpace, upper limb rehabilitation robot, bibliometrics, visualization analysis, research hotspots

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