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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 5129

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Patsaki Irini

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Advanced Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Department, School of Health & Care Sciences, University of West Attica (UNIWA), 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: physical therapy; respiratory physiotherapy; rehabilitation; muscular weakness; ICU rehabilitation; virtual reality; innovation in rehabilitation; critical illness; prevention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. George A. Koumantakis

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Advanced Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Department, School of Health & Care Sciences, University of West Attica (UNIWA), 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: evidence-based physiotherapy practice; prevention; neuromusculoskeletal pathologies; occupational health; physical activity; exercise; low back pain
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in the field of technology and physical therapy have facilitated and augmented the recovery process in the spectrum of pathologies treated in physical therapy rehabilitation. Injuries, chronic illnesses, and different kinds of disabilities often affect peoples’ functionality and quality of life. These effects and the long recovery pathway that most would have are being described as a significant burden not only for the patient but also for society and health systems.

New insights into physical therapy rehabilitation include all new techniques and technologies that provide new possibilities and transform the rehabilitation process. New techniques such as blood flow restriction, motor imagery, clinical pilates, and emerging technologies such as virtual reality provide new opportunities to enhance function, mobility, and quality of life. These advances beyond the strict aspect of pathology could also lead the field of prevention and healthy aging, minimizing disability, and preserving healthy and mobile living. New technologies have especially managed to overcome environmental barriers and make physical rehabilitation more accessible.

We welcome the latest research developments and findings in the above areas in this Special Issue. Thus, we invite you to contribute original research articles and reviews of the literature, aiming to include high-quality papers on new techniques and technologies in the field of physical rehabilitation.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in JCM.

Dr. Patsaki Irini
Dr. George A. Koumantakis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

physical rehabilitation
new technologies
virtual reality
augmented reality
telerehabilitation
clinical pilates
blood flow restriction
manual therapy
motor imagery
electrophysical modalities
therapeutic exercises
neurology
musculoskeletal
geriatric
respiratory
acute illness
cardiovascular

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 739 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Immediate Traction Manipulation of the Ankle Joint on the Peroneus Longus, Gluteus Medius and Tensor Fascia Lata Muscles in Healthy People: A Randomized Double-Blind Study

by Rafal Studnicki, Piotr Wojslaw, Piotr Aschenbrenner, Radosław Laskowski and Piotr Łuczkiewicz

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11524; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111524 - 28 Oct 2025

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a superior ankle traction manipulation on the strength and electrical activity (surface EMG) of the peroneus longus, gluteus medius, and tensor fasciae latae muscles in healthy young adults. Methods: In total, 30 healthy participants (26 men and 4 women) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned to a Manipulation or Sham group. Muscle activity was recorded using surface EMG, and isometric strength was assessed with a Biodex dynamometer. EMG signals were normalized to session-specific maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and expressed as %MVIC for amplitude and median frequency. Baseline differences were examined with Welch’s t-tests. The primary analysis used analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on POST values adjusted for PRE, with partial eta squared (η²_p) as an effect size. Change-score comparisons (Δ = POST − PRE) and Hedges-corrected Cohen’s d were reported as sensitivity analyses. False discovery rate (FDR) correction was applied across outcomes. Results: No significant between-group differences were observed after adjustment for baseline in any %MVIC amplitude or median frequency outcome (p > 0.05, all FDR-adjusted q > 0.05). Within-group analyses showed small, nonsignificant changes in both groups, with the Manipulation group tending toward slightly greater increases in peroneus longus %MVIC amplitude (Δ = +3.1%, p = 0.033, d = 0.79, not significant after FDR correction). Descriptive data indicated similar PRE and POST values across groups for all muscles. Conclusions: When EMG activity is expressed relative to MVIC and baseline differences are controlled, a single superior ankle traction manipulation does not produce statistically significant acute changes in peroneus longus, gluteus medius, or tensor fasciae latae activity compared with a sham procedure. These findings suggest that previously reported differences may have reflected unadjusted baseline variability rather than true intervention effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Physical Therapy)

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15 pages, 241 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Website for E-Health Use for Children with Chronic Suppurative Lung Diseases: A Delphi Expert Consensus Study

by Vaia Sapouna, Aspasia Mavronasou, Konstantinos Douros, Eleni Kapreli and Eleni A. Kortianou

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9291; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179291 - 24 Aug 2025

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Abstract

This study aimed to develop a website providing physiotherapy, exercise, and disease knowledge information as a digital tool for use with children with chronic suppurative lung diseases (CSLDs). Data were analyzed using a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach. Initially, a comprehensive list of the website’s content and functions was developed through a Focus Group study with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and parents. Afterward, two rounds of an online Delphi survey were conducted with a group of expert HCPs (pediatricians and physiotherapists) who were recruited based on their expertise in the field of pediatric physiotherapy. The Focus Groups established 10 main themes. Two rounds of Delphi questionnaires established the important items of a website, based on expert consensus from HCPs. A Delphi survey containing 36 outcomes was completed by participants from Greece. The findings support the integration of multidisciplinary and user-centered approaches in the design of a pediatric website. This website is expected to enhance disease self-management, improve treatment adherence, and support families in daily care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Physical Therapy)

14 pages, 1956 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Physical Fitness Attributes and Dynamic Knee Valgus in Adolescent Basketball Athletes

by Aleksandar Stojiljkovic, Eleni Karagianni, Varsamo Antoniou and Garyfallia Pepera

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4881; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094881 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 2013

Abstract

(1) Background: Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a common biomechanical risk factor for knee injuries, particularly in sports involving high-intensity movements, such as basketball. While neuromuscular control and structural alignment contribute to DKV, recent evidence indicates that lower limb muscle power (LLMP) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) may significantly influence DKV. This study aims to examine the relationship among LLMP, CRF, and DKV in adolescent basketball athletes. (2) Methods: A total of 104 adolescent basketball athletes (63.5% boys), 12 to 17 years old (13.87 ± 1.46 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric and demographic characteristics such as sex, age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. The Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) was used for the evaluation and prediction of the LLMP, the 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) was used for the evaluation and prediction of CRF, and the single-leg drop jump (SLDJ) was used for the evaluation of DKV via a two-dimensional (2D) kinematic analysis. Statistical analysis included Pearson and Spearman correlations, as well as multiple linear regression, to determine the relationship among LLMP, CRF, and DKV. (3) Results: A statistical analysis revealed strong correlations among LLMP, CRF, and DKV. Pearson’s correlation coefficients demonstrated significant associations between the VO₂max and frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), as well as between LLMP and FPPA (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that VO₂max and LLMP together accounted for 85% of the variance in FPPA (R² = 0.85, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight that both aerobic capacity and lower limb muscle power significantly contribute to knee valgus control among adolescent basketball players. Implementing training programs focused on improving lower limb muscle power and cardiorespiratory fitness may enhance knee stability and reduce the risk of lower limb injuries. Given the strong predictive value of VO₂max and LLMP for knee control, targeted training programs focusing on neuromuscular conditioning and aerobic capacity may be effective for injury prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Physical Therapy)

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Review

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16 pages, 3605 KB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Clinical Utility of Cardiorespiratory Optimal Point in Heart Failure Patients: Creating a New Research Gap

by Weder A. Silva, Alberto Souza Sá Filho, Plinio S. Ramos, Adriana M. Güntzel Chiappa, Vicente Aprigliano, Iransé Oliveira-Silva, Raphael Martins Cunha, James Oluwagbamigbe Fajemiroye, Rodolfo P. Vieira, Gerson Ferrari and Gaspar R. Chiappa

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3495; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073495 - 22 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 708

Abstract

The cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP) is an emerging submaximal parameter from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) that reflects the optimal balance between cardiac workload and pulmonary ventilation. Recent studies have explored the clinical utility and prognostic value of the COP in various populations, particularly in patients with heart failure (HF). This comprehensive literature review evaluated the current evidence on the COP and its potential as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. The COP has been identified as a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with elevated values being significantly associated with an increased risk. Studies have demonstrated that higher COP values correlate with greater mortality risk independent of traditional risk factors, with significant sex-based differences. Evidence suggests that COP values greater than 26 significantly influence mortality rates and lead to a worse prognosis in patients with HF. For example, individuals with a COP > 30 had an approximately six-fold higher mortality risk (17.1%) than those with a COP < 22, and the combination of a high COP (>30) + low VO₂max leads to a significant increase in the risks of adverse effects (30.9%). This underscores the importance of the COP in the clinical management and risk stratification of HF patients. While the COP shows promise as a valuable submaximal marker with significant prognostic implications, further research is needed to establish its superiority over other established prognostic markers and elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking the COP to health outcomes. Nonetheless, the ability of the COP to predict mortality and enhance risk stratification in diverse populations makes it a promising tool in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Physical Therapy)

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