Global trends and neurobiological frontiers of manual therapy in sleep disorders: integrating bibliometrics with clinical evidence - Summary - MDSpire

Global trends and neurobiological frontiers of manual therapy in sleep disorders: integrating bibliometrics with clinical evidence

  • By

  • Yixiang Wang

  • Donghai Wu

  • Yingjun Liu

  • Siying Qu

  • Yutian Chen

  • Huiqin Chu

  • Haiju Sun

  • Xiaoyu Li

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To systematically investigate the current status, research hotspots, and future trends of manual therapy for sleep disorders using a bibliometric approach, focusing on psycho-physiological outcomes.

Approach:
  • Data Retrieval: Publications related to manual therapy for sleep disorders were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC).
  • Bibliometric Analysis: Bibliometric visualizations and analyses were conducted using VOSviewer and CiteSpace.
  • Clinical Trial Assessment: Clinical trial records from PubMed were extracted to assess translational and clinical advancements.
Key Findings:
  • The analysis included 594 publications from 321 institutions across 63 countries.
  • There is a consistent annual increase in publication volume and citation impact, reflecting escalating academic interest.
  • Research frontiers include neurobiological mechanisms and circadian rhythm regulation.
Interpretation:

Research on manual therapy for sleep disorders is evolving toward multidimensional and interdisciplinary integration.

Limitations:
  • Future clinical translation requires multi-center validation to ensure generalizability.
  • Standardized sham-controlled protocols are necessary to validate findings.
Conclusion:

Manual therapy shows therapeutic effects via the regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA axis).

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