Sensory integration research: priority scientific directions based on the analysis of Web of Science Core Collection resources

Abstract

Background and Study Aim.  Monitoring the condition of athletes is one of the leading tasks in sports science. Predicting success and skill growth is an integral part of monitoring. The fulfillment of this task requires the use of modern methods and the sensory integration analysis occupies an important place. The purpose of this article is to analyze publications on sensory integration and identify priority research areas in this field. Material and Methods. The bibliometric database Web of Science Core Collection (WoS) was analyzed. 388 sources that met the search criteria for 2013-2023 were selected for primary analysis. Bibliometric methods were used for processing the obtained information. The program VOSviewer 1.6.18 was used for keyword analysis and direct citation analysis with the construction of bibliometric maps, visualization of cluster density, and weight – citations.  Results. The leading publication categories in WoS were Neurosciences, Sport Sciences, Psychology, Psychology Experimental, Physiology, Rehabilitation. The distribution of publications by years was fairly evenly. Most publications were related to Germany and the USA. The most frequent institutions were German Sport University Cologne, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Shanghai University of Sport, Institute National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale Inserm, University of Freiburg. The most cited authors were identified. The constructed bibliometric maps allowed us to identify the leading thematic areas of research and current research directions in the field. The two most important clusters were identified. The largest cluster reflects research on balance and posture and the use of special exercises for rehabilitation in different population groups. The second cluster includes the most significant keyword in the whole map – "sensorimotor integration". The works reflect studies of sensorimotor integration, the study of movement features, and coordination and control of movement at different levels. Conclusions. The conducted bibliometric analysis of publications confirms the relevance of sensorimotor integration. A stable interest in this problem has been determined. Research in this area has neurophysiological, sports-recreational, and medical-rehabilitation directions. Neurophysiological research is aimed at analyzing balance and equilibrium and the application of various tests and functional samples. The sport context studies sensory integration in different sports. Recreational publications have investigated sensory integration as a criterion of health. The therapeutic and rehabilitation focus explores the use of sensory integration as a criterion for treatment and rehabilitation. A characteristic feature is the intersection of these directions.  There is a lack of studies devoted to sensory integration in sport dancing. There is a lack of studies aimed at studying the psychophysiological state. These types of research should be assessed as relevant.