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Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation
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Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation

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 November 2025 | Viewed by 2259

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Andreia Noites

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Guest Editor
Department of Physiotherapy and Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Interests: physical therapy; rehabilitation; integumentary physical therapy; electrotherapy
Prof. Dr. Andreia S. P. Sousa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiotherapy and Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Interests: biomechanics; rehabilitation; human movement; postural control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on innovative and novel approaches in the field of physical therapy that improve rehabilitation outcomes for diverse populations. This Special Issue aims to bring together the cutting-edge research, clinical innovations, and evidence-based practices that are redefining the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences.

In the face of evolving patient needs and advances in technology, physical therapy is entering a new era marked by interdisciplinary approaches, precision interventions, and digital health integration. This Special Issue seeks to highlight these novel strategies and foster knowledge exchange across research, clinical, and academic communities.

We invite submissions on the following topics:

  • Innovative therapeutic techniques in musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation;
  • Integration of digital tools and tele-rehabilitation;
  • Robotics and exoskeletons in physical therapy;
  • Virtual reality, gamification, and immersive rehabilitation technologies;
  • Patient-centered care models and personalized rehabilitation plans;
  • Early intervention strategies and prevention-based approaches;
  • Outcome measures and assessment tools for novel interventions;
  • Interdisciplinary and community-based rehabilitation programs;
  • Evidence-based updates on manual therapy and functional training;
  • Education and training innovations for physical therapy professionals.

Prof. Dr. Andreia Noites
Prof. Dr. Andreia S. P. Sousa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical therapy
  • rehabilitation
  • integumentary physical therapy
  • electrotherapy
  • biomechanics
  • rehabilitation
  • human movement
  • postural control

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 626 KiB  
Article
Effect of Taping on Postoperative Recovery Following Saphenectomy
by Raquel Michelini Guerero, Catarina Clápis Zordão, Elisa Helena Subtil Zampieri, Andreia Noites and Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9227; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179227 - 22 Aug 2025
Abstract
Post-surgical complications are common complications following saphenectomy surgery, and strategies to facilitate its resolution are essential for postoperative recovery. This study evaluated the effects of adhesive elastic taping on edema control in patients undergoing saphenectomy. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with [...] Read more.
Post-surgical complications are common complications following saphenectomy surgery, and strategies to facilitate its resolution are essential for postoperative recovery. This study evaluated the effects of adhesive elastic taping on edema control in patients undergoing saphenectomy. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 40 patients of both sexes, divided into two groups: intervention (IG), which received taping immediately after surgery combined with standard compression, and a control group, which received standard treatment with compression stockings (CG). Assessments were performed preoperatively and seven days after surgery, including limb volume (indirect calculation), edema (dielectric constant analysis), Skin Elasticity Assessment (durometer), pain (Visual Analog Scale—VAS), limb functionality (Lower Extremity Functional Scale—LEFS), and ecchymosis area (Image J, version 1.51). Both groups showed a significant increase in edema postoperatively (IG: p = 0.003; CG: p = 0.001). The intervention group exhibited a trend toward volume reduction (p = 0.069), better functionality (p = 0.006)—skin elasticity was assessed using a durometer—and fewer ecchymoses (p = 0.002). Only the control group showed a significant increase in tissue firmness (p = 0.012). No significant difference in pain was observed between groups (p = 0.203). The application of taping demonstrated beneficial effects on postoperative functional recovery and ecchymosis control following saphenectomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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10 pages, 594 KiB  
Article
Perspectives of Physiotherapists on Immune Functioning in Oncological Rehabilitation in the Netherlands: Insights from a Qualitative Study
by Anne M. S. de Hoop, Karin Jäger, Jaap J. Dronkers, Cindy Veenhof, Jelle P. Ruurda, Cyrille A. M. Krul, Raymond H. H. Pieters and Karin Valkenet
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8673; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158673 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 320
Abstract
Oncology physiotherapists frequently provide care for patients experiencing severe immunosuppression. Exercise immunology, the science that studies the effects of exercise on the immune system, is a rapidly evolving field with direct relevance to oncology physiotherapists. Understanding oncology physiotherapists’ perspectives on the subject of [...] Read more.
Oncology physiotherapists frequently provide care for patients experiencing severe immunosuppression. Exercise immunology, the science that studies the effects of exercise on the immune system, is a rapidly evolving field with direct relevance to oncology physiotherapists. Understanding oncology physiotherapists’ perspectives on the subject of immune functioning is essential to explore its possible integration into clinical reasoning. This study aimed to assess the perspectives of oncology physiotherapists concerning immune functioning in oncology physiotherapy. For this qualitative research, semi-structured interviews were performed with Dutch oncology physiotherapists. Results were analyzed via inductive thematic analysis, followed by a validation step with participants. Fifteen interviews were performed. Participants’ ages ranged from 30 to 63 years. Emerging themes were (1) the construct ‘immune functioning’ (definition, and associations with this construct in oncology physiotherapy), (2) characteristics related to decreased immune functioning (in oncology physiotherapy), (3) negative and positive influences on immune functioning (in oncology physiotherapy), (4) tailored physiotherapy treatment, (5) treatment outcomes in oncology physiotherapy, (6) the oncology physiotherapist within cancer care, and (7) measurement and interpretation of immune functioning. In conclusion, oncology physiotherapists play an important role in the personalized and comprehensive care of patients with cancer. They are eager to learn more about immune functioning with the goal of better informing patients about the health effects of exercise and to tailor their training better. Future exercise-immunology research should clarify the effects of different exercise modalities on immune functioning, and how physiotherapists could evaluate these effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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11 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of an Intervention Program for Informal Carers of Children Admitted to a Rehabilitation Centre
by Sónia Morais, Rui Esteves Pimenta, Carminda Morais, Rui Macedo, Inês Ribeiro and Pedro Lopes Ferreira
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8544; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158544 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 287
Abstract
Health literacy improves informal caregivers’ knowledge and ability to provide care. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of a group-based intervention on the health literacy of informal caregivers of children with special health needs (SHNs). The intervention focuses on [...] Read more.
Health literacy improves informal caregivers’ knowledge and ability to provide care. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of a group-based intervention on the health literacy of informal caregivers of children with special health needs (SHNs). The intervention focuses on movement, hydrotherapy, walking, and relaxation, with three evaluation stages. Participants included 34 informal caregivers of children with SHNs, recruited at a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. We collected sociodemographic data of the participants and measured their health literacy through the short-form version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16). Around 70% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 41.06 ± 4.98 years, and nearly 85% were married or in a de facto union. About 26% were unemployed, and more than 65% had completed secondary education or higher. The mean scores of the HLS-EU-Q16 were statistically significantly higher throughout the intervention, with differences over the evaluation stages [F(2,56) = 75.55; p < 0.05]. A structured, dynamic, and group-based intervention plan showed improvements in the health literacy of the participants, with an increase in the percentage of participants with sufficient and excellent levels of health literacy at the end of the intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
17 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Feasibility and Perceptions of Telerehabilitation Using Serious Games for Children with Disabilities in War-Affected Ukraine
by Anna Kushnir, Oleh Kachmar and Bruno Bonnechère
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8526; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158526 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 248
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using serious games for the (tele)rehabilitation of children with disabilities affected by the Ukrainian war. Additionally, it provides requirements for technologies that can be used in war-affected areas. Structured interviews and Likert scale assessments were [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using serious games for the (tele)rehabilitation of children with disabilities affected by the Ukrainian war. Additionally, it provides requirements for technologies that can be used in war-affected areas. Structured interviews and Likert scale assessments were conducted on-site and remotely with patients of the tertiary care facility in Ukraine. All participants used the telerehabilitation platform for motor and cognitive training. Nine serious games were employed, involving trunk tilts, upper limb movements, and head control. By mid-September 2023, 186 positive user experiences were evident, with 89% expressing interest in continued engagement. The platform’s accessibility, affordability, and therapeutic benefits were highlighted. The recommendations from user feedback informed potential enhancements, showcasing the platform’s potential to provide uninterrupted rehabilitation care amid conflict-related challenges. This study suggests that serious games solutions that suit the sociopolitical and economic context offer a promising solution to rehabilitation challenges in conflict zones. The positive user experiences towards using the platform with serious games indicate its potential in emergency healthcare provision. The findings emphasize the role of technology, particularly serious gaming, in mitigating the impact of armed conflicts on children’s well-being, thereby contributing valuable insights to healthcare strategies in conflict-affected regions. Requirements for technologies tailored to the context of challenging settings were defined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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Review

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16 pages, 581 KiB  
Review
Sprint Training for Hamstring Injury Prevention: A Scoping Review
by Roberto Tedeschi, Federica Giorgi and Danilo Donati
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 9003; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15169003 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 474
Abstract
Background: Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are among the most common and recurrent injuries in sports involving high-speed running. While eccentric training has demonstrated efficacy in reducing HSI risk, the role of sprint training as a preventive strategy remains underexplored and often misinterpreted [...] Read more.
Background: Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are among the most common and recurrent injuries in sports involving high-speed running. While eccentric training has demonstrated efficacy in reducing HSI risk, the role of sprint training as a preventive strategy remains underexplored and often misinterpreted as solely a risk factor. Methods: This review aimed to systematically map the available evidence on the role of sprint training in hamstring injury prevention, identifying mechanisms, outcomes, and potential synergies with other strategies. This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and PEDro) were searched up to October 2024. Studies were included if they involved adult athletes and examined the effects of sprint training, ≥80–90% maximal sprint speed (MSS), on hamstring injury prevention, muscle architecture, or functional outcomes. All databases were searched from inception to 15 October 2024, and the screening and data-charting process was completed on 30 April 2025. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Sprint exposure, when combined with eccentric strengthening and biomechanical optimisation, led to injury reductions ranging from 56% to 94%. Eccentric interventions produced fascicle length increases of up to 20% and strength gains of 15–20%. Improvements in sprint technique and neuromuscular control were also reported. Biomechanical risk factors, including pelvic tilt and hip extension deficits, were linked to increased HSI risk. The most common eccentric protocols included Nordic Hamstring Exercises (NHE), Razor Curls, and hip-dominant exercises, typically performed 1–2 times per week for 4 to 8 weeks. Conclusions: High-speed sprint training, when properly programmed and integrated into comprehensive preventive strategies, may enhance tissue resilience and reduce HSI risk. Combining sprint exposure with eccentric strengthening and technical coaching appears to be more effective than isolated interventions alone. Practically, these results support the systematic inclusion of progressive high-intensity sprint exposure in routine hamstring-injury-prevention programmes for field-sport athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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18 pages, 1351 KiB  
Review
Functional and Neuroplastic Effects of Cross-Education in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review with Bibliometric Analysis
by Jorge M. Vélez-Gutiérrez, Andrés Rojas-Jaramillo, Juan D. Ascuntar-Viteri, Juan D. Quintero, Francisco García-Muro San José, Bruno Bazuelo-Ruiz, Roberto Cannataro and Diego A. Bonilla
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8641; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158641 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 536
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) results in prolonged muscle weakness, impaired neuromuscular control, and delayed return to sport. Cross-education (CE), unilateral training of the uninjured limb, has been proposed as an adjunct therapy to promote bilateral adaptations. This scoping review evaluated the functional [...] Read more.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) results in prolonged muscle weakness, impaired neuromuscular control, and delayed return to sport. Cross-education (CE), unilateral training of the uninjured limb, has been proposed as an adjunct therapy to promote bilateral adaptations. This scoping review evaluated the functional and neuroplastic effects of CE rehabilitation post-ACLR. Following PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro were searched up to February 2025. A bibliometric analysis was also conducted to report keyword co-occurrence and identify trends in this line of research. Of 333 screened references, 14 studies (price index: 43% and low-to-moderate risk of bias) involving 721 participants (aged 17–45 years) met inclusion criteria. CE protocols (6–12 weeks; 2–5 sessions/week) incorporating isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises demonstrated strength gains (10–31%) and strength preservation, alongside improved limb symmetry (5–14%) and dynamic balance (7–18%). There is growing interest in neuroplasticity and corticospinal excitability, although neuroplastic changes were assessed heterogeneously across studies. Findings support CE as a feasible and low-cost strategy to complement early-stage ACLR rehabilitation, especially when direct loading of the affected limb is limited. Standardized protocols for clinical intervention and neurophysiological assessment are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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