Healthcare Accessibility in Musculoskeletal Disabilities: A Bibliometric Analysis

2026

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DOI 10.4103/wkpj.wkpj_14_26
Data confidence 70 medium
How this score is calculated

It is built from checkable properties of the record itself: whether the article has a DOI, how many independent sources confirmed its data, whether the required fields are filled in, and how recent the latest confirmation is. Disagreement between sources and a missing identifier lower it. A value of 80 or above means the record was published without further checking; 60 to 79 means it is published at reduced confidence, with a manual check advisable. A record verified by an editor by hand is never pushed below 90 by a recalculation. This scores our data about the article, not the article itself.

Abstract

A BSTRACT Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, contributing to functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Growing disease burden, population aging, and persistent inequalities in access to health care and rehabilitation have increased research interest in this field. However, the global structure and development of research on healthcare accessibility in musculoskeletal disabilities remain insufficiently explored. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the PubMed database. A comprehensive search strategy combining Medical Subject Headings terms and Title/Abstract keywords was applied. The search was performed on March 27, 2026. After applying filters (human studies, adults), 2106 publications were included. Data were analyzed using the bibliometrix R-package (Biblioshiny), evaluating scientific production, country productivity, collaboration networks, and keyword co-occurrence. Results: Scientific output increased markedly, especially after 2015. The United States was the leading contributor, followed by China, Brazil, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Collaboration analysis showed strong global connections, particularly between North America, Europe, and Asia. Thematic analysis identified key areas related to innovation, knowledge systems, and healthcare accessibility. Conclusion: Research in this field is rapidly expanding and increasingly interdisciplinary. Despite this growth, disparities in healthcare access persist. Strengthening international collaboration and integrated approaches is essential to improve access to care and reduce the global burden of disability.