Knowledge structure and evolutionary trends in the application of surface electromyography in musculoskeletal pain rehabilitation

Chen Yuanyue; Shen Junfan; Yu Cui; Lu Jianxia; Hu Wenxuan; Zhu Jun; Guo Chuan

doi:10.12307/2026.770

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Surface electromyography,as a non-invasive neuromuscular monitoring technique,enables real-time quantification of muscle function status.It offers significant advantages in musculoskeletal pain diagnosis and treatment,efficacy assessment,and therapeutic optimization,providing objective evidence for precision diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the current research status,hotspots,and evolutionary trends of surface electromyography application in musculoskeletal pain rehabilitation through bibliometric analysis. METHODS:Relevant literature on surface electromyography in musculoskeletal pain rehabilitation from 2000 to 2025 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database.CiteSpace 6.4.R1 software was used to analyze countries,institutions,authors,journals,key words,etc. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 507 articles were included in the bibliometric analysis.From 2000 to 2025,the number of publications on surface electromyography in musculoskeletal pain rehabilitation exhibited a fluctuating upward trend.China produced the highest number of publications,while Italy exhibited the highest centrality.Aalborg University ranked first in both highest number and centrality of publications.Anders Christoph from Germany was the most prolific author,and the journal with the highest co-citation frequency was Journal of Electromyography&Kinesiology.Application research on surface electromyography in musculoskeletal pain rehabilitation exhibits interdisciplinary characteristics,spanning neurology,molecular science,biology,sports medicine,rehabilitation,and physical education.Core keywords in this field include musculoskeletal pain,surface electromyography,and low back pain,with current research hotspots focusing on muscle performance,spine,and therapeutic exercise.Over the past two decades,surface electromyography has been widely adopted as a non-invasive monitoring technique in musculoskeletal pain rehabilitation.Research has expanded from fundamental theory to clinical applications and occupational health,indicating that future academic exploration will unfold in diverse and multifaceted directions.