Bibliometric and visualized analysis of dynamic balance and brain function using web of science and CiteSpace from 1995 to 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the dynamic balance of human beings and investigate the relationship between functional structure as well as functional connectivity. Through a comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis of the research literature from 1995 to 2022, we quantitatively display the development of the dynamic balance and brain structure as well as functional connection. Our objective is to present new trends and frontiers in the study of dynamic balance and brain function through bibliometrics software, providing valuable insights for future research in this domain.

Methods

The literature on dynamic balance, brain structure and functional connectivity between 1995 and 2022 was retrieved from the Web of Science database. We employed CiteSpace software to analyze various aspects, including the year of publication, journal, authors, keywords, institutions, countries, and references. Based on the analysis results, a co-reference map was generated to visually observe research hotspots and knowledge structures.

Results

A total of 1533 records were retrieved during the survey period (1995-2022), with a gradually increase in the number of annual publications. Notably, the data suggests a notable increase in publications between 2020 and 2021. The number of publications increased by 20 % from 2020 to 2021. The journal "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)" emerged as the most prolific journal. Among the cited authors, Deco and Gustavo ranked at the top. Key research terms in this field include "neural network", "functional connectivity", "dynamic", "model" and "brain". Particularly, the keyword "neural network" exhibited the strongest growth. The analysis of keywords cluster revealed the top 10 clusters of research themes. Oxford University stood out as the most productive institution, while the United States held the greatest influence with the highest number of publications and centrality. The reference cluster analysis further demonstrated the top 10 clusters in the literature.

Conclusion

Through the use of CiteSpace software, this study performed a comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis of the Web of Science research literature on human dynamic balance and brain structural as well as functional connectivity over the past few decades. This may help researchers identify new perspectives on potential collaborators as well as collaborating institutions, hot topics, and research frontiers in the research field. The results provided an intuitive displayed overview of research trends, hotspots and frontiers in this field, facilitating a general understanding of its progression. Through unremitting efforts, it provides valuable guidance and reference for future research work.

[Comparative effectiveness of various methods of physical rehabilitation in the complex treatment of patients with dyscirculatory encephalopathy with vestibulo-atactic syndrome]

Dyscirculatory encephalopathy is a complex of functional and structural changes in the brain that occur against the background of chronic insufficiency of cerebral blood flow. The high prevalence of this pathology, as well as a pronounced impact on the quality of life and working capacity of patients, determines the importance of optimizing rehabilitation measures and developing the most promising strategies for physical rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of a special complex of therapeutic (vestibular) gymnastics and training with biofeedback (BFB) on a stabiloplatform in the rehabilitation of patients with dyscirculatory encephalopathy with vestibulo-atactic syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort prospective single-center randomized comparative study of the clinical effectiveness of the author's complex of therapeutic exercises and stabilometric training with BFB in the complex treatment of patients with dyscirculatory encephalopathy with vestibulo-atactic syndrome was carried out. The study involved 40 patients aged 65-89 years who were randomized into 2 equal groups. Patients of the 1st group, against the background of drug therapy and physiotherapy, were trained on a stabiloplatform with BFB (a training game according to the manufacturer's instructions). Patients of the 2nd group performed a complex of therapeutic (vestibular) gymnastics specially designed for this study. The effectiveness of physical rehabilitation was assessed by the dynamics of (1) subjective symptoms (complaints of patients), (2) indicators of stabilometry (symmetry index, the sum of the coordination indices for the right and left legs, fluctuation) and (3) the results of functional testing using the Get up and go test, the Berg balance scale and the Tinetti mobility scale.

RESULTS

In the group of patients who performed vestibular gymnastics, in contrast to patients who participated in training using a multifunctional stabiloplatform with BFB, a statistically significant improvement was revealed when assessed by the Get up and go test and the Berg balance scale. In none of the groups, a distinct dynamics of stabilometry indicators was registered. No correlation was found between the main indicators of stabilometry and the data of functional tests.

CONCLUSION

Thus, vestibular gymnastics has demonstrated greater effectiveness in the rehabilitation of patients with dyscirculatory encephalopathy and vestibulo-atactic syndrome in comparison with stabilometric training with biofeedback. The discrepancy between stabilometry indicators and the results of functional testing in patients requires a targeted study.

[A personalized selection of choline precursors in evidence - based medicine]

The analysis of mechanisms of the neuroprotective effect of choline precursors reveals the primary effects of citicoline on the processes of repair of neuronal membranes, a decrease in the degeneration of free fatty acids, and choline alfoscerate, an increase in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Although citicoline has a lesser effect on choline secretion than choline alfoscerate, the combination of choline and cytidine in its composition is a universal tool to reduce symptoms of cerebral ischemia, to stabilize cognitive status, superior to the standard benefits of choline. Various mechanisms of the action of citicoline enable to recommend it as a drug effective both in the acute phase of the disease and in the delayed period, giving it the status of a universal nootropic compound.