Evolution of brain-computer interface technologies for stroke rehabilitation: a bibliometric integration of neural decoding and functional recovery (2016, 2025)

IntroductionBrain-computer interface (BCI) technology represents a critical frontier in neurorehabilitation. This study aims to systematically analyze the global research landscape, hotspot distribution, and evolving trends of BCI interventions for upper limb rehabilitation in stroke survivors between 2016 and 2025.MethodsBibliometric analysis and systematic mapping were conducted using data from the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed. Literature was retrieved using terms related to “stroke,” “brain-computer interface,” and “upper limb rehabilitation.” Screening followed the PRISMA guidelines. Visualization and quantitative mapping were performed using CiteSpace (v.6.4.R2) and VOSviewer (v.1.6.20) to evaluate publication volume, international collaboration, and keyword co-occurrence clusters.ResultsAnnual publications increased steadily from 37 in 2016 to 104 in 2025, with 65.6% published since 2020. The United States (n = 144), China (n = 83), and Italy were the most productive countries. Keyword analysis revealed a paradigm shift from functional electrical stimulation toward robotics-assisted therapy, motor imagery, and AI-driven decoding. Significant burst strengths were observed for “closed-loop systems,” “generative AI,” and “multi-modal feedback,” indicating these as the current primary frontiers.DiscussionBCI research for post-stroke recovery is transitioning from experimental signal processing to intelligent, multi-modal, and personalized clinical systems. Bibliometric evidence confirms that integrating BCI with robotic-assisted rehabilitation or functional electrical stimulation (FES) has become the mainstream clinical trend. Future efforts must focus on improving EEG signal stability and developing user-friendly hardware to facilitate the transition of BCI from research settings to daily clinical practice. China has emerged as the second most productive country, though international cooperation with European institutions remains an area for further growth.