Global trends and hotspots of the digital therapeutics in rehabilitation: A bibliometric analysis. (Preprint)

UNSTRUCTURED Background: Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a dynamic field at the intersection of healthcare and technology, utilizing software-driven interventions to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions. Within rehabilitation, DTx has gained prominence for its potential to improve patient outcomes and refine therapeutic strategies. This paper conducts a bibliometric analysis of existing literature to uncover current research trends and offer insights for future investigations. Methods: The Science Citation Index Expanded database from the Web of Science Core Collection was used to retrieve articles and reviews related to digital therapeutics in rehabilitation. The data were subjected to systematic analysis using the VOSviewer and Citespace software tools, which facilitated the examination of publication data at the country, institutional, author, journal, citation, and keyword levels. Results: A total of 6,593 papers published between 2000 and 2024 were reviewed. The volume of publications has steadily increased over the past two decades, reaching a peak in 2022 (n = 832). Leading contributors to research output and citation impact include the USA, Italy, China, Canada, and England. Current research hotspots include the efficacy of DTx in rehabilitation, with a focus on innovative applications in psychiatric disorders, telerehabilitation, and cognitive rehabilitation. The top 10 researchers were all from Italy, and half of them were affiliated to the Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Messina, and all had higher citations than those from other Italian organisations. Conclusions: This study represents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of DTx within the rehabilitation field. It identifies current research frontiers and emerging directions, serving as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers investigating DTx's impact on rehabilitation practices.