Research hotspots and global trends in transcranial magnetic stimulation for stroke neurorestoration: A 30-year bibliometric analysis

Stroke patients often experience various functional impairments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique, and has gained widespread attention over the past 30 years for its application in stroke. The present study used bibliometric and content analysis methods to explore the research hotspots and future trends of TMS in stroke, with an aim to provide benefits for subsequent research. Publications and reviews related to TMS in stroke from 1992 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Data visualization and analysis were performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica. We included 1666 papers in the analysis and noted an increasing trend in annual publication volume. Collaboration network analysis revealed close cooperation among scholars from these major countries and institutions. Emerging keywords included TMS, stroke, recovery, rehabilitation, rTMS, plasticity, cortex, excitability, upper limb, and tDCS. Keyword citation bursts appeared to be shifting toward clinical applications, including functional connectivity, systematic reviews, double-blind studies, connectivity, injury, and dysphagia. Our study indicates substantial growth in TMS publications and citations in stroke rehabilitation since 2006, suggesting a maturing field that is advancing toward more sophisticated treatment protocols. The increasing relevance of TMS in neurological and rehabilitative applications highlights its potential for promoting post-stroke recovery. Emerging keywords such as brain functional connectivity, systematic reviews, and double-blind studies highlight a shift toward clinical applications. The future of TMS in stroke rehabilitation promises continued growth, interdisciplinary approaches, and improved patient outcomes.