Visual analysis of shear wave elastography in skeletal muscle research

• 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.