Navigating trends in research related to vestibular function tests through scientometrics

Research on vestibular function tests has advanced significantly over the past century. This study aims to evaluate research productivity, identify top contributors, and assess global collaboration to provide a comprehensive overview of trends and advancements in the field.

A scientometric analysis was conducted using publications from the Scopus database, retrieved on January 5, 2024. The search focused on vestibular function tests, including articles, reviews, and conference papers published between 1911 and 2023. Descriptive statistics were calculated in Microsoft Excel, while publication trends were analyzed through annual growth rate (AGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and doubling time (DT). VOSviewer software was used to visualize collaboration networks, and keyword analysis refined thematic trends.

From 34,134 initial publications, 26,267 were analyzed after applying filters. The majority (82.89%) were in English. Publication output has shown continuous growth, with key milestones in 1969 and 2017 when annual publications exceeded 100 and 1,000, respectively. The RGR, AGR, and DT showed increased publication activity after 1969. The United States consistently led in publication output, with significant global collaboration in recent years. A substantial increase in number of keywords and their dense connections over the years reflects richer and more holistic research in the field as time progresses.

The study demonstrates the growing importance of vestibular function research, driven by global collaboration and technological advancements. While findings guide future research and policy, further work is needed to enhance the generalizability of insights across diverse populations. Continued investment in research is essential for developing innovative diagnostics and treatments to improve patient outcomes.