Research engagement and visibility in a specialized pediatric rehabilitation profession

INTRODUCTION: In Italy, the neuro and psychomotor therapist of developmental age (Terapista della Neuro e Psicomotricità dell'Età Evolutiva [TNPEE]) is a specialized healthcare rehabilitation professional focusing on neurological and developmental disorders in children from birth through age 18. As this profession exists exclusively in Italy and has no direct international counterpart, its scientific contribution is difficult to identify using conventional bibliographic searches. This bibliometric analysis aimed to map the identifiable TNPEE-authored scientific literature, describe publication patterns and thematic areas, and examine research output according to institutional and academic affiliation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Major scientific databases and complementary author-, institution-, network-, and citation-based search strategies were used to identify publications involving verified TNPEEs through March 8, 2025. Bibliometric indicators described publication volume and temporal trends, authorship patterns, institutional affiliations, academic appointments, and primary research areas. Temporal trend analyses were restricted to complete calendar years 1993 to 2024. RESULTS: The analysis identified 138 distinct TNPEE authors contributing to 507 publications published between 1993 and March 8, 2025. Temporal analyses of the 497 publications from complete calendar years 1993 to 2024 showed a marked increase in output over time. Research themes predominantly encompassed neurodevelopmental disorders, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular conditions, and early intervention strategies. Publication output was concentrated among the 6 TNPEEs holding university appointments, who contributed to 218 (43%) of identified publications. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study maps the visible scientific contribution of TNPEEs and highlights challenges in professional identification and bibliographic retrievability. Bibliometric data alone cannot establish the determinants of the observed concentration of research output; dedicated workforce, qualitative, and institutional studies are needed. Standardized professional identification may improve the bibliographic traceability of research contributions from nationally defined healthcare professions.