Global research trends and hotspots of pelvic floor dysfunction from 2000 to 2024: a bibliometric analysis

This study aims to elucidate the current landscape of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) research, identify key research hotspots, and forecast future trends.

A literature search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database for articles related to PFD published between January 1, 2000, and July 16, 2024, using the search query "pelvic floor dysfunction". The bibliometric analysis was performed utilizing the VOSviewer, R Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace tools to quantitatively assess publication trends and qualitatively evaluate research themes and collaborative networks within the PFD field.

We analyzed 1,366 publications. The results showed an average annual growth rate of 11.5 % over the past 24 years. The United States was the leader in research output, while China showed the fastest growth. The University of Sydney had the most significant contribution to this field of research. In addition, the International Urogynecology Journal was found to be centrally positioned within the discipline. Dietz HP, Bo K, and Delancey JOL are the researchers who have made the most substantial contributions to the progress of the PFD field. Cluster analysis of keywords and references identified recent research hotspots and provided insight into future research directions.

This study delineated the global research status and trends in PFDs. We identified diagnostics, diverse treatments, pregnancy-related impacts, and population-specific issues as current research hotspots. Future efforts should be focused ontranslating basic research into clinical applications, developing individualized prevention strategies, and establishing comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to the treatment of PFDs.