Global trend in the research and development of acupuncture on low back pain during 1997 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to analyze the current state and emerging trends in research articles related to acupuncture treatment for low back pain (LBP).

Methods

The Web of Science core database was utilized to retrieve relevant literature on acupuncture therapy for LBP from January 1, 1997, to August 29, 2023. Literature metrics analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, SCImago Graphica, and Pajek. The analysis focused on annual publication volume, countries (regions), institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and references.

Results

A total of 1,434 papers on acupuncture treatment for LBP were identified, demonstrating a fluctuating growth trend over the past 25 years. Research in this field has been conducted in 57 countries, with the United States leading in terms of research output. Italy emerged as the country with the highest-quality publications, with an average citation frequency of 205.16 times. A total of 1,781 institutions contributed to research on acupuncture treatment for LBP, with Harvard University having the highest publication volume (cited 77 times). The number of authors contributing to this field reached 5,696, with In-Hyuk Ha having the highest publication count (31 papers) and Claudia-M. Witt is the most influential author (cited 2,699 times). Relevant research was published in 378 journals, with the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine having the highest publication volume (77 papers), and Spine being the most influential journal (cited 3,420 times). A total of 3,854 keywords were identified, forming six main thematic clusters: care management, nerve stimulation, complementary medicine, pregnancy pain, rehabilitation research, and musculoskeletal pain. Twelve highly cited papers with citation frequencies ≥85 times were recognized, predominantly consisting of randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion

Over the past 25 years, the number of articles published on acupuncture for LPB has shown a fluctuating trend of growth; the distribution of countries (regions) and institutions that publish articles is scattered, mainly based on inter-regional cooperation, and international cooperation is still insufficient; Journals in alternative and integrative medicine category provide references for scholars to submit manuscripts and learn about the frontiers; Acupuncture is effective and economical in the treatment of pain, and it has been widely used in the treatment of low back pain. However, the difference in efficacy between acupuncture and sham acupuncture or placebo acupuncture remains controversial. Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to consider the selection of appropriate efficacy evaluation methods in clinical trials that reflect the therapeutic advantages of acupuncture.