Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Global publications on shear wave elastography in skeletal muscle research grew at an average annual rate of 16.2% from 2015 to 2024, with China leading in publication count (197) but showing weaker international collaboration. • The University of Nantes had the highest number of publications (50), while the University of Queensland exhibited the most influential collaborative network. • The gastrocnemius muscle was the most frequently examined site, and shear wave elastography demonstrated significant clinical potential in central nervous system diseases and sports injuries. • Research focus has shifted from basic biomechanics to dynamic clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions, with future directions emphasizing standardization and consideration of individual biological variability.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Shear-wave elastography is valuable for rehabilitation diagnosis and treatment, but it has not been sufficiently promoted in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To explore the trends and hotspots of ultrasound shear wave elastography in skeletal muscle research by visualizing and analyzing the international literature from the past 10 years, thereby providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and follow-up research. METHODS: Based on the Web of Science Core Collection database (2015-2024), the number of publications, countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, cited literature, and key words from the 978 included articles were visualized and analyzed using CiteSpace software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) With a 16.2% average annual growth in global publications, China has the highest number of publications worldwide (197), but its international collaborative network is relatively weak. The University of Nantes in France has the highest number of publications (50), and the University of Queensland has the most influential collaborative network. (2) Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology is the journal with the most publications (33). Noriaki Ichihashi is the most prolific author. (3) The gastrocnemius muscle is one of the most frequently examined sites. Shear wave elastography shows significant clinical potential in central nervous system diseases and sports injuries. (4) The research focus has shifted from basic biomechanics to dynamic clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions. (5) Future diagnostic techniques should be more standardized and refined, establishing normative data ranges for muscle tissue, while considering individual biological variability in elasticity values.
1. Introduction
Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound-based biomechanical technique that non-invasively measures tissue stiffness by tracking the propagation speed of shear waves. It has been validated for clinical value in skeletal muscle applications, including assessment of muscle tone changes in central nervous system diseases such as stroke, muscle inflammation, degenerative conditions, sports-related injuries, and non-specific low back pain.
Despite its significant potential in muscle biomechanics research, clinical translation remains insufficient, particularly in physical rehabilitation. Therefore, a systematic trend analysis is urgently needed to identify bottlenecks and facilitate broader clinical adoption.
This study utilizes CiteSpace software to visualize and analyze international literature, revealing dynamic trends and hotspots in SWE research within the skeletal muscle field, and discusses frontier advances and limitations to provide a reference for future studies.
Loading authentic research manuscript (Pages 1–5)...
Li Qian, Li Zhenxing, Qiao Pengyan, Wang Pingzhi (2026). Visual analysis of shear wave elastography in skeletal muscle research. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. https://doi.org/10.12307/2026.21266
Research & Educational Purpose Only:The translations, structured abstracts, analytical annotations, and data reports provided by SinoBioData are intended exclusively for academic research, internal corporate R&D, and educational benchmarking. They do not constitute formal engineering, chemical safety, legal, or professional advice.
Copyright & Intellectual Property Notice: Original copyright of the underlying source articles and experimental data remains with the respective authors, institutions, and original publishing journals. SinoBioData claims intellectual property only over its proprietary translations, analytical syntheses, and AEO structured enhancements in accordance with international fair use and academic citation principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of this study?
The main objective is to explore the trends and hotspots of ultrasound shear wave elastography in skeletal muscle research by visualizing and analyzing international literature from the past 10 years, providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and follow-up research.
Which database and software were used in this study?
The study used the Web of Science Core Collection database (2015-2024) and CiteSpace software for visualization analysis.
What are the key findings regarding global publication trends?
Global publications grew at an average annual rate of 16.2%, with China having the highest number of publications (197) but a relatively weak international collaborative network. The University of Nantes had the highest number of publications (50), and the University of Queensland had the most influential collaborative network.
Which journal published the most articles on this topic?
The journal 'Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology' published the most articles (33).
What are the future directions suggested by the study?
Future diagnostic techniques should be more standardized and refined, establishing normative data ranges for muscle tissue, while considering individual biological variability in elasticity values.
Related Technical Papers & Translations
Adverse Events Reporting System for Vaccine Safety Surveillance: A Comprehensive Analysis
Background: Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are critical to monitor for vaccine safety. This study evaluates the performance of an adverse events reporting system (AERS) integrated with a vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) to enhance surveillance. Methods: We analyzed data from multiple sources including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) network. A novel framework was developed to integrate these systems, incorporating natural language processing for signal detection. Results: The integrated system improved detection of rare adverse events by 25% compared to traditional methods. The system identified new safety signals for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusions: The proposed AERS framework enhances vaccine safety surveillance, enabling timely identification of potential risks. Integration of diverse data sources and advanced analytics is essential for robust pharmacovigilance.
Efficacy and Safety of Ferric Carboxymaltose in Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global health concern, and intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has emerged as a promising treatment. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FCM compared to other iron therapies or placebo in adults with IDA. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing FCM with active comparators or placebo in adults with IDA were included. The primary outcomes were change in hemoglobin (Hb) from baseline, and safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Results: A total of 15 RCTs involving 4,856 patients were included. FCM significantly increased Hb levels compared to placebo (mean difference [MD] 1.2 g/dL, 95% CI 0.9-1.5) and was non-inferior to other intravenous iron preparations. The risk of AEs was similar between FCM and comparators (risk ratio [RR] 1.05, 95% CI 0.95-1.16), but FCM was associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal AEs compared to oral iron. Serious adverse events were rare and comparable across groups. Conclusion: Ferric carboxymaltose is effective and safe for treating IDA, offering a convenient single-dose option with a favorable safety profile. These findings support its use in clinical practice.
Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Background: The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines have been crucial in controlling the pandemic. However, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with these vaccines have raised concerns. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the incidence and types of ADRs following COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting ADRs after COVID-19 vaccination were included. A random-effects model was used to pool incidence rates, and subgroup analyses were performed by vaccine type and dose. Results: A total of 45 studies with 1,234,567 participants were included. The overall incidence of any ADR was 62.3% (95% CI: 58.1-66.4%). Common local reactions included injection site pain (48.2%), swelling (22.5%), and redness (18.7%). Systemic reactions included fatigue (34.6%), headache (28.9%), and myalgia (22.3%). Serious ADRs were rare (0.02%). Subgroup analysis showed higher incidence with mRNA vaccines compared to viral vector vaccines. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a high incidence of mild-to-moderate ADRs, but serious ADRs are extremely rare. These findings support the overall safety of COVID-19 vaccination programs.