Global Research Landscapes and Emerging Trends in Music Therapy for Older Adults: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

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Publication Details

Journal
F1000Research
Published
2026-09-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.187349.2
Primary Topic
Music Therapy and Health
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Global Research Landscapes and Emerging Trends in Music Therapy for Older Adults: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

Sutthisan Chumwichan, Faizul Hasan, Ratsiri Thato, Kanjanee Phanphairoj et al.
F1000Research
Music Therapy and Health
article

Global Research Landscapes and Emerging Trends in Music Therapy for Older Adults: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

Sutthisan Chumwichan, Faizul Hasan, Ratsiri Thato, Kanjanee Phanphairoj, Debby Syahru Romadlon, Patcharin Krongtham, Dneya Udtaisuk
article en

Abstract

Background Music therapy is increasingly recognised as a non-pharmacological intervention for older adults, yet no bibliometric mapping has characterised the field’s intellectual structure. Objective This analysis examined publication trends, leading contributors, collaboration networks, key themes, and knowledge gaps in music therapy research for older adults. Methods We analysed 5,253 Scopus-indexed publications from 1972 to February 2026 using (“music therapy”) AND (elderly). The “elderly” restriction ensured thematic coherence but may under-represent alternative terminology—a Discussion limitation. VOSviewer and Bibliometrix performed performance and science mapping. Keyword co-occurrence: minimum occurrence = 5, resolution = 1.0, minimum cluster size = 3. Country co-authorship: minimum 5 documents/country. Inter-rater reliability (Cohen’s κ) = 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84–0.94). Cocitation included all cited references; external highly cited papers are noted as artifacts. Results China led with 705 articles (13.4%), followed by the USA (675, 12.9%) and UK (309, 5.9%). MCP ratios ranged from 5.9% (Korea) to 31.5% (Italy). The keyword network had 1,499 items in six clusters. Top author keywords: “Aged” (4,237), “Female” (3,876), “Male” (3,579). The most cited article (Barr et al., 2013; 3,045 citations) was a citation-network artifact. University of Toronto topped institutions (92 articles); Baker FA was most impactful (h-index = 18). Conclusions Music therapy research in older adults has grown substantially, with China and the USA as major contributors. Six clusters emerged: neurological outcomes, psychological well-being, dementia, pain management, caregiving, and technological innovations. However, findings reflect only "elderly"-focused literature, not the entire field. Gaps persist in mechanistic understanding, standardised outcomes, and implementation across diverse settings. Broader systematic reviews are warranted.

F1000ResearchVol. 15
Chulalongkorn University (TH)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Music Therapy and Health
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