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Physical Therapy in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders: From Current Evidence to Clinical Practice

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 10112

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Carlos Romero-Morales

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Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
Interests: ultrasound imaging; sport; tendinopathy; health; musculoskeletal injuries
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. José Luis Alonso-Pérez

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1. Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
2. Musculoskeletal Pain and Motor Control Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
Interests: pain; ligaments; muscles; ultrasonography; musculoskeletal disorders; tendons

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is widely known that physical therapy comprises many approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of different pathologies and disorders. Pain conditions of the neuromusculoskeletal system were associated with disability and a decrease in health-related quality of life. There is consistent evidence about the impact of physical therapy in neuromusculoskeletal disorders, however standardized protocols for the evaluation, prevention and the management of the pathologies that required physical therapy interventions are still needed.

Furthermore, novel evidence-based diagnosis methods and therapies, such as motion analysis, ultrasound imaging, exercise and movement rehabilitation programs, manual therapies, neurological rehabilitation, electrotherapy, and thermotherapy may have benefits in neuromusculoskeletal disorders. We invite researchers from across the world to contribute their expertise, insights, and findings in the form of novel and original research articles and reviews for this Special Issue, entitled “Physical Therapy in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders: from current evidence to clinical practice”.

The purpose of this Special Issue of Applied Sciences is to highlight the benefits of physical therapy for the prevention, diagnostic and management of different pathologies and syndromes related to the health of the general population.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Romero-Morales
Prof. Dr. José Luis Alonso-Pérez
Guest Editors

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Keywords

physical therapy
pain
musculoskeletal disorder
assessment
rehabilitation

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attributes Required by Physiotherapists to Increase Adoption and Implementation of Practice Management Software: A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups

by Eduardo Arza-Moncunill, Rodrigo Martín-San Agustín, Noemí Moreno-Seguro, Adrián Escriche-Escuder and Francesc Medina-Mirapeix

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1853; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051853 - 23 Feb 2024

Viewed by 490

Abstract

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to identify the practice management software (PMS) attributes required by physiotherapists to improve software design and development in order to increase the adoption and implementation of software and minimize the impact on the workflow of the clinic. (2) Methods: In total, 27 graduated physiotherapists with clinical and management expertise and experience in management software for physiotherapy services participated in six focus groups. Research staff members recorded, transcribed, and analyzed the focus groups, using a thematic analysis to code and classify the comments. (3) Results: A total of 43 categories of coded statements divided into 12 subthemes and five broad themes were identified and compiled in two core areas of content: clinical care and administrative tasks. In order to improve the adoption and implementation of physiotherapy PMS, this research provides experiential knowledge on the inefficiencies perceived by physiotherapists regarding current software programs and the specific attributes to assist practice management and facilitate workflows. The focus group analyses led us to map the multifaceted framework for physiotherapy PMS. (4) Conclusion: These findings provide valuable information as to what aspects are meaningful for the future design and development of physiotherapy PMS, thus providing guidance to both software developers and to end-users when benchmarking software solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders: From Current Evidence to Clinical Practice)

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16 pages, 1599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Nexus of Cervical Proprioception, Postural Stability, and Impeding Factors in Cervical Spondylosis: Insights from Reposition Errors, Limits of Stability, and Mediation Analysis

by Khalid A. Alahmari and Ravi Shankar Reddy

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010193 - 25 Dec 2023

Viewed by 586

Abstract

Cervical proprioception and postural stability play crucial roles in maintaining optimal head and neck positioning, yet their relationship and implications in cervical spondylosis (CS) remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate cervical proprioceptive reposition errors, limits of stability, and their association in individuals with CS while considering the mediating effects of pain and kinesiophobia. The primary objectives are to compare cervical proprioceptive reposition errors and limits of stability variables between individuals with CS and age-matched healthy controls, explore their associations within the CS group, and determine the mediating roles of pain and kinesiophobia. A cross-sectional study recruited 60 individuals with CS and 60 healthy controls. Cervical joint reposition errors (JREs) were assessed using a cervical range-of-motion device, while limits of stability were evaluated using a computerized dynamic posturography system. Pain, kinesiophobia, and demographic data were collected. Parametric tests, correlation analyses, and multiple regression were employed for data analysis. Individuals with CS exhibited significantly higher cervical JREs in flexion, extension, and rotation compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). Within the CS group, correlations revealed associations between JREs and limits-of-stability variables (p < 0.05). Mediation analysis demonstrated significant direct and indirect effects of pain and kinesiophobia on the relationship between JREs and limits-of-stability variables in the CS group (p < 0.005). CS is associated with impaired cervical proprioception, increased reposition errors, and compromised postural stability. This study highlights the interplay between proprioception, stability, pain, and psychological factors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions in individuals with CS to enhance functional outcomes and quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders: From Current Evidence to Clinical Practice)

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12 pages, 1717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis Accelerates Functional Muscle Regeneration in Mice

by Fermín Valera-Garrido, Ramon Margalef, Marc Bosque, Francisco Minaya-Muñoz and Manel M. Santafé

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 10014; https://doi.org/10.3390/app121910014 - 05 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1715

Abstract

Muscle regeneration after a traumatic injury can take an excessively long period of time. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the action of percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) accelerates muscle regeneration in cases of partial muscle injuries. The gastrocnemius muscle from adult Swiss male mice was inoculated with bupivacaine. The PNE protocol was applied 48 h after treatment with bupivacaine. Immunofluorescence techniques were performed 72 h after treatment with bupivacaine to evaluate the synaptic contacts. The end plate noise was recorded by electromyography after treatment with bupivacaine. Bupivacaine induced a local injury in muscles, axons were retracted, and the endplate noise decreased at 72 h, while the endplate noise increased in the injured limb where PNE had been applied. Seven days later, the functional values were the same as the controls and they were maintained for 10 days. The endplate noise was significantly greater on the limb treated with the electric current when compared to the limb receiving only bupivacaine, indicating that the use of galvanic current facilitated muscle regeneration at least from a functional point of view. The application of PNE during muscle regeneration in an animal model reduces the recovery time of the damaged muscle tissue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders: From Current Evidence to Clinical Practice)

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9 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foot Anatomical Structural Variations Increase the Risk of Falls in Older Adults

by Almudena Sánchez-Sanjuan, Carlos Romero-Morales, Javier Alfaro-Santafé, Alejandro-Jesús Almenar-Arasanz, Antonio Gómez-Bernal and Helios Pareja-Galeano

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 9825; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12199825 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1614

Abstract

Falls are common among older adults. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between foot anatomical structural variations and balance in older adults and quantify foot posture and stabilometry as predictors of fall risk. This case-control study of older adults classified cases or controls according to falls in the last five years. All subjects were healthy women and men > 65 years old (n = 164), who were divided into two groups: 83 individuals who had suffered from a fall in the previous five years (case group) and 81 individuals who had not suffered from a fall (control group). Hallux abductus valgus (HAV) and tailor’s bunion are stability-determining factors. Women have a higher probability of falling. HAV (p = 0.042) and tailor’s bunion (p = 0.069) also increased the fall probability. Morphological foot variations (HAV and tailor’s bunion) linked to gender and age increase fall risk among older adults. In women fallers with HAV, there was a higher possibility of falling (63.9%). According to age, in older adults with HAV, the percentage of falls is high (62%). Fallers with tailor’s bunion (60.7%) are more numerous than fallers without this pathology. Older adults with HAV and tailor´s bunion had twice the probability of suffering a fall than older people without foot anatomical structural. Foot morphology is decisive in falling risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders: From Current Evidence to Clinical Practice)

10 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Field Body Fat Percentage Assessment in Professional Soccer Players

by Maria Martinez-Ferran, Eleh Rafei, Carlos Romero-Morales, Margarita Pérez-Ruiz, Alberto Lam-Meléndez, Diego Munguia-Izquierdo and Helios Pareja-Galeano

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12020727 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2979

Abstract

Body composition is a determinant of performance in soccer. To estimate the body fat percentage (%BF), dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is effective though this method is expensive and not readily accessible. This study examines the validity of widely used field methods based on anthropometric data and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Participants were 21 male Spanish First Division soccer players aged between 22 and 35 years. In each participant, body fat mass was determined by BIA and using 18 anthropometric equations including skinfold (SKF) measurements. DXA was used as reference. Correlation with DXA measurements was excellent for all equations and separate SKF measurements yet only moderate for BIA. However, only the equation recently developed for use in soccer players based on iliac crest and triceps SKFs showed no significant or standardized differences with DXA-derived %BF and these measurements also had the lowest bias. Our findings suggest that when DXA is not available, the best field method for %BF assessment in footballers is the equation based on iliac crest and triceps SKF. As another good option, we propose the sum of triceps, subscapular, supraspinal, and abdominal SKFs, as this combination also showed good correlation with DXA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders: From Current Evidence to Clinical Practice)

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 3896 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bibliometric and Visual Analysis of the Scientific Literature on Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) for Pain Treatment

by Federica Monaco, Sergio Coluccia, Arturo Cuomo, Davide Nocerino, Daniela Schiavo, Gilda Pasta, Francesca Bifulco, Pasquale Buonanno, Vittorio Riccio, Marianna Leonardi, Francesco Perri, Alessandro Ottaiano, Francesco Sabbatino, Alessandro Vittori and Marco Cascella

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010636 - 03 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1505

Abstract

Background: Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) is a minimally invasive peripheral neuromodulation approach implemented against chronic neuropathic and mixed pain. This bibliometric study aims to quantitatively evaluate the output of PENS for pain treatment in the scientific literature. The main purpose is to stimulate research in the field and bridge potential scientific gaps. Methods: Articles were retrieved from the Web of Science (WOS) database. The search key term was “percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (All Fields) and pain (All Fields)”. Year of publication, journal metrics (impact factor and quartile, Q), title, document type, topic, and citations were extracted. The join-point regression was implemented to assess differences in time points for the publication output. The software tool VOSviewer (version 1.6.17) was used for the visual analysis. Results: One thousand three hundred and eighteen articles were included in the knowledge visualization process. A linear upward trend for annual new publications was found. Almost two-thirds of the documents were published in top-ranked journals (Q1 and Q2). The topic “efficacy” was prevalent (12.81%). Concerning article type, the search strategy yielded 307 clinical investigations (23.3%). Articles were cited 36,610 times with a mean of 42.4 citations per article. Approximately one-half of the articles were cited less than 23 times in a range of 21 years. The semantic network analysis for keywords found eight clusters. The analysis of collaborative efforts among researchers showed five thematic clusters including 102 authors with a minimum of five documents produced in collaborations. Most partnerships involved the United States, England, and Germany. Conclusions: despite the upward trend in the number of publications on the subject and the publication of articles in top-ranked journals, there is a need to increase scientific collaborations between researchers and institutions from different countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders: From Current Evidence to Clinical Practice)

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