A bibliometric analysis of research on fibromyalgia and physical function based on the Web of Science core collection

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition that affects multiple domains, including sleep quality, body composition and physical function (PF). Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed using traditional bibliometric laws. A search was conducted in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database on FM syndrome and PF. A total of 447 publications (388 articles and 59 reviews) were identified. Results: Annual publications output showed an exponential growth trend from 1994 to 2013 (R2 = 0.88), followed by a phase of stabilization or slower growth from 2014 to 2023 (R2 = 0.48). The United States was the most productive country worldwide. D. Clauw and D. Buskila were highlighted as the prolific and prominent co-authors. The Journal of Rheumatology and Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology were the journals with the highest number of publications. Keywords and Keywords Plus® revealed thematic clusters related to FM symptoms, mental health, the impact of FM and cognitive behavior. Discussion: Research on FM and PF appears to have entered a stabilisation phase after a period of exponential growth until 2013. Researchers in the United States and Spain lead global production. Clustering the Keywords revealed a progressive evolution from general health and assessment terms towards multidimensional approaches addressing the physical, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of FM. These clusters highlight the evolving scientific focus on symptoms, therapies, and the impact of the disease.