Global Trends of Cognition-Targeted Interventions in Chronic Lung Disease: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis

To map the research landscape and synthesize randomized evidence on cognitive interventions for adults with chronic lung disease (CLD).

This two-stage study involved: (i) bibliometric mapping of Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) (Jan 2005-May 2025) to evaluate output, collaboration, and thematic trends via VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix; and (ii) narrative synthesis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in adults (≥18 y) with chronic lung diseases and validated cognitive outcomes, identified from WOSCC, Scopus, and PubMed (to May 1, 2025). Screening, data extraction, and RoB 2 assessment were conducted in duplicate.

Bibliometric mapping (2005-2025) of 3,474 publications showed sustained growth, broad international collaboration, and a shift from epidemiology to mechanisms and patient-centered outcomes. Fifteen RCTs, mostly in stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), assessed inspiratory-muscle/breathing training, aerobic-resistance or dance exercise, exercise with behavioral/educational components, multimodal cognitive-lifestyle programs, and pharmacological/nutritional or acute physiological therapies Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were the most common cognitive measures, alongside executive-function tests. Methodological quality was generally moderate.

Bibliometrics and randomized-trial synthesis reveal a rapidly growing, globally connected CLD-cognition field moving from epidemiology toward mechanistic and patient-centered research. Multimodal PR, especially exercise and inspiratory-muscle training, shows neurotherapeutic promise, but substantial gaps persist in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) and non-COPD populations.