Virtual Reality Technology in Cognitive Rehabilitation Application: Bibliometric Analysis

Area of Science:

• * Interdisciplinary research integrating computer science, neuroscience, neurology, psychology, and rehabilitation.
• * Exploration of virtual reality (VR) applications in cognitive function improvement and rehabilitation.

Background:

• * Virtual reality (VR) technology is increasingly recognized for its potential in enhancing cognitive function.
• * Growing research attention on VR-based cognitive training and rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the application status, research hotspots, and emerging trends of VR in cognitive rehabilitation.
• * Analysis of VR in cognitive rehabilitation over a 20-year period (2001-2021).

Main Methods:

• * Bibliometric analysis of 1259 papers retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (2001-2021).
• * Utilized CiteSpace, Scimago Graphica, and gCLUTO software for visual analysis of authors, countries, and keyword clustering.
• * Geographic visualization of published countries and regions.

Main Results:

• * A positive trend in annual publications on VR for cognitive rehabilitation.
• * United States and Italy lead in publications; Giuseppe Riva is the most prolific author.
• * Key research areas include neuroscience, neurology, psychology, computer science, and rehabilitation; common keywords are 'virtual reality,' 'cognition,' 'rehabilitation,' 'performance,' and 'older adult.'

Conclusions:

• * VR-based cognitive rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary field with significant potential.
• * Development of VR telerehabilitation is critical, especially post-COVID-19.
• * Challenges remain, including lack of treatment consensus and safety concerns.