OCCUPATIONAL BIOMECHANICS RESEARCH: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THEMATIC EVOLUTION AND MODELLING TRENDS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJIREV.825023Keywords:
Biomechanical Risk Modelling, Occupational Biomechanics, Predictive Safety Analytics, Science Mapping, Thematic EvolutionAbstract
Occupational biomechanics has developed into a diverse and steadily expanding field. It is shaped not only by advances in kinematics and modelling but also by changing workplace demands and technological pressures. This study presents a bibliometric mapping of research published from 1990 to 2025. This study utilises Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) to examine publication trends, geographical patterns, thematic evolution, and the modelling approaches. A total of 128 publications formed the final dataset, which was analysed using ScientoPy to trace performance indicators and shifts in authors’ keywords. The findings indicate a gradual increase in research activity, with significant growth after 2005. The United States emerges as the leading contributor, followed by Canada and the Netherlands, while several countries show emerging but modest contributions. Thematic patterns also change considerably over time, where early work emphasised biomechanical modelling and movement mechanics, while later periods introduced ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, manual handling, and, most recently, wearable sensors and integrated cognitive–physical ergonomics. This bibliometric analysis further reveals that biomechanical, musculoskeletal, skeletal, digital human, and response surface models each contribute distinct analytical strengths. The results indicate a shift in the field from laboratory-based modelling toward applied, technology-enabled, and context-sensitive inquiry. The study emphasised the need for deeper interdisciplinary engagement and future exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven analytics in occupational biomechanics.
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