Mapping the Evolution of Research on Low Back Pain and Quality of Care: A bibliographic analysis

Lin Pipeng; Azliyana  Azizan; Zarina Zahari; Qu Jing

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10i32.6645

Authors

Lin Pipeng Centre of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA
Azliyana Azizan Centre of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA
Zarina Zahari Centre of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA
Qu Jing Sports Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Physical Education, Minzu Normal University of Xingyi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10i32.6645

Keywords:

Bibliometric, Low Back Pain, Quality of Care

Abstract

Background:Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition affecting people of all ages and is a leading cause of disability, healthcare costs, and missed workdays, ultimately impacting quality of life. However, key research trends and hotspots in LBP and its quality of care require further exploration. Bibliometric analysis, which quantitatively and qualitatively evaluates published literature, serves as a useful tool for understanding the research landscape in this field. Significance:By comprehensively assessing the existing body of knowledge and research hotspots in the field, researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers can make more informed decisions about intervention development, strategies to improve patient outcomes, and resource allocation, respectively. Aim: To explore key trends, influential subject categories, influential countries, impactful research articles, and emerging topics related to LBP and quality of care. Objectives: To establish a deeper understanding of the global issues surrounding low back pain and underscore the critical importance of high-quality care in alleviating its burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Methods: Web of Science(WoS), Scopus databases were searched for relevant English publications(290) from inception through October 2023. Data preprocessing assured quality and relevance. We used the improved dataset to do in-depth bibliometric analysis using the analytical capabilities of the ScientoPy, VOSviewer and Biblioshiny tools. Limitations: First, it includes only a limited selection of relevant literature from WoS and Scopus, excluding potential contributions from other databases. Second, the analysis primarily focused on article titles and abstracts. Third, the restriction to English-language papers may have excluded valuable research in other languages. Findings:Analysis of 290 articles shows rising LBP research and care quality in WoS and Scopus, with rehabilitation as the top focus and Turkey as the leading contributor. Global contributions reflect LBP’s growing health significance, with collaboration key to further progress. Highly cited studies link prolonged LBP to worsening disability and quality of life, supporting a critical 14-day acute-subacute cutoff. Psychosocial factors are strong outcome predictors. Keywords formed five clusters, with future research likely focusing on methods and determinants. Implications: Our informetric analysis offers a comprehensive evidence map to guide research priorities and health policies addressing this major global disability. Future studies can expand on these methods by including larger datasets, grey literature, and real-world data to uncover deeper insights.

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