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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: closed (20 November 2025) | Viewed by 23735

Special Issue Editors


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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
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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

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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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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1716 KB  
Article
Between-Limb Asymmetry Assessment During a Double-Leg Drop Jump Task After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction—A Musculoskeletal Modelling Approach
by Rodrigo B. Mateus, Sílvia Cabral, Chris Richter and António P. Veloso
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12347; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212347 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 450
Abstract
Approximately two-thirds of athletes who are submitted to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) never return to their preinjury level of performance, potentially due to muscle strength deficiencies or altered loading patterns during landing or jumping tasks. This study aimed to estimate individual muscle [...] Read more.
Approximately two-thirds of athletes who are submitted to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) never return to their preinjury level of performance, potentially due to muscle strength deficiencies or altered loading patterns during landing or jumping tasks. This study aimed to estimate individual muscle forces during a double-leg drop jump task, and assess sagittal plane between-limb asymmetries in muscle forces and ground reaction forces using a musculoskeletal modelling approach, in athletes who underwent ACLR. Thirty male field-sport athletes (age: 18–35 years; mass: 84.3 ± 12.3 kg; height: 180.2 ± 8.4 cm) post-ACLR (39.8 ± 3.9 weeks) using patellar or quadriceps tendon grafts were tested. Scaled musculoskeletal models were implemented in OpenSim, and muscle forces were estimated using the Computed Muscle Control optimization method. The contralateral limb exhibited greater vertical ground reaction forces across most of the rebound phase (d = 2.01). Compared with the contralateral limb, the ACLR limb showed reduced quadriceps (d = 1.72), soleus (d = 0.95), and gluteus maximus (d = 0.83) forces, indicating deficits in knee extensor, plantarflexor, and hip extensor neuromuscular function. Smaller asymmetries were found for the gluteus medius (d = 0.60) and hamstrings (d = 0.72), while other muscles showed symmetrical activation patterns. These results reveal persistent between-limb asymmetries in muscle recruitment and loading up to nine months post-ACLR, emphasizing the importance of targeted rehabilitation to restore symmetrical neuromuscular control during explosive movements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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20 pages, 318 KB  
Article
Effects of Diaphragmatic Therapy on Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity, Stress Levels, and Sexual Life Satisfaction in Polish Women
by Joanna Golec, Sara Gamrot, Monika Michalik, Iwona Sulowska-Daszyk, Monika Nowak and Joanna Balicka-Bom
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12055; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212055 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1278
Abstract
Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in women play a key role, and their proper functioning depends on the coordinated interaction with other anatomical structures, particularly the diaphragm and deep abdominal muscles, which together constitute the so-called core stabilizing unit. The aim of this study [...] Read more.
Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in women play a key role, and their proper functioning depends on the coordinated interaction with other anatomical structures, particularly the diaphragm and deep abdominal muscles, which together constitute the so-called core stabilizing unit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing therapy on pelvic floor muscle function and stress levels in healthy women. The randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial (allocation 1:1) included 42 women aged 21–30 years who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The experimental group received diaphragmatic breathing therapy. The following assessment tools were used: Surface Electromyography (sEMG), the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire in Close Relationships (KSS) by M. Plopa, and the Perception of Stress Questionnaire (KPS) by M. Plopa and R. Makarowski. In the experimental group, a significant reduction in resting PFM activity was observed in the final stage of the measurement protocol, along with a tendency toward decreased activity during relaxation phases. A trend toward increased amplitude during phasic and tonic contractions was also noted, more pronounced after therapy than in the control group, although not statistically significant. No significant associations between stress dimensions and sexual satisfaction were found in the control group, whereas in the experimental group, higher worry, reduced sense of meaning, low agency and pessimism correlated with lower sexual satisfaction and difficulties achieving orgasm. These findings suggest that diaphragmatic breathing therapy may reduce resting pelvic floor muscle activity and perceived emotional stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
20 pages, 13750 KB  
Article
A Robotic Gamified Framework for Upper-Limb Rehabilitation
by Anahis Casanova, Natalia Sempere, Cristina Romero, Koralie Porcel, Andres Ubeda and Carlos A. Jara
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 11007; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152011007 - 14 Oct 2025
Viewed by 596
Abstract
Robotic devices have become increasingly important in upper-limb rehabilitation, as they assist therapists, improve treatment efficiency, and enable personalised therapy. However, the lack of standardised protocols and integrative tools limits their widespread adoption and effectiveness. To address these challenges, a robotic framework was [...] Read more.
Robotic devices have become increasingly important in upper-limb rehabilitation, as they assist therapists, improve treatment efficiency, and enable personalised therapy. However, the lack of standardised protocols and integrative tools limits their widespread adoption and effectiveness. To address these challenges, a robotic framework was developed for upper-limb rehabilitation in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). The framework is designed to be adaptable to various ROS-compatible collaborative robots with admittance control and potentially adaptable to other types of control, and also integrates kinematic and electrophysiological (EMG) metrics to monitor patient performance and progress. It combines data acquisition through EMG and robot motion sensors, gamification elements to enhance engagement, and configurable robot control modes within a unified software platform. A pilot evaluation with eight healthy subjects performing upper limb movements on an ROS-compatible robot from the UR family demonstrated the feasibility of the framework’s components, including robot control, EMG acquisition and synchronization, gamified interaction, and synchronised data collection. User performance through all levels remained below the controller limits of force and velocity thresholds even in the most resistive damping. These results support the potential of the proposed framework as a flexible, extensible, and integrative tool for upper-limb rehabilitation, providing a foundation for future clinical studies and multi-platform implementations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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16 pages, 2445 KB  
Article
Pilot Study of an Online Exercise Therapy Programme for Home Office Workers in Terms of Musculoskeletal and Mental Health
by Tünde Szilágyi, Ilona Veres-Balajti, Balázs Lukács, Enikő Király, Anna Mária Laczkó and Zoltán Jenei
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 10963; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152010963 - 12 Oct 2025
Viewed by 914
Abstract
(1) Background: Working from home is becoming increasingly common and has many advantages, but also negative consequences such as reduced physical activity, poor ergonomics and stress. Many people find it difficult to attend in-person rehabilitation sessions due to transportation barriers and limited access [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Working from home is becoming increasingly common and has many advantages, but also negative consequences such as reduced physical activity, poor ergonomics and stress. Many people find it difficult to attend in-person rehabilitation sessions due to transportation barriers and limited access to rehabilitation facilities. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether our online preventive exercise programme effectively improves the musculoskeletal and mental health of sedentary workers. (2) Methods: The study participants worked from home on a long-term basis. Our research group consisted of 30 people, 16 in the intervention group and 14 in the control group. The intervention group members participated in a complex preventive exercise programme three times a week for 10 weeks. The training took place online. Before and after the exercise programme, various tests were used to assess the functional status of the participants’ spine, the strength and flexibility of their core muscles (Core, Kempf and Kraus–Weber tests) and their mental state (Beck Depression Inventory). (3) Results: Significant improvement was observed in the intervention group in the Core, Kempf, Kraus–Weber and Beck tests. (4) Conclusions: Our online complex training programme proved to be effective during the evaluation. It is crucial to tailor remote rehabilitation services to the individual needs and preferences of patients and healthcare professionals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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18 pages, 1676 KB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Different AI Approaches to Stroke Patients’ Gait Analysis
by Izabela Rojek, Emilia Mikołajewska, Olga Małolepsza, Mirosław Kozielski and Dariusz Mikołajewski
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 10896; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152010896 - 10 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1331
Abstract
Despite advances in diagnostics, the objective and repeatable assessment of patients with neurological deficits (e.g., stroke) remains a major challenge. Modern methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) are of interest to researchers and clinicians in this area. This study presents a comparative analysis [...] Read more.
Despite advances in diagnostics, the objective and repeatable assessment of patients with neurological deficits (e.g., stroke) remains a major challenge. Modern methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) are of interest to researchers and clinicians in this area. This study presents a comparative analysis of different AI approaches used to analyze gait of stroke patients using a retrospective dataset of 120 individuals. The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness, accuracy, and clinical relevance of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models in identifying gait abnormalities and predicting rehabilitation outcomes. Multiple AI techniques—including support vector machines (SVM), random forests (RF), k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), and convolutional neural networks (CNN)—were trained and tested on time-series gait data with spatiotemporal parameters. Performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and area under the curve (AUC) were used to compare model results. Initial results indicate that DL models, particularly CNNs, outperform traditional ML methods in capturing complex gait patterns and providing reliable classification. However, simpler models showed advantages in interpretability and computational efficiency. This study highlights the potential and shortcomings of AI-based gait analysis tools in supporting clinical decision-making and planning personalized stroke rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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12 pages, 626 KB  
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
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968
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 KB  
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 832
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 KB  
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 682
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 KB  
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
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 848
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 KB  
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 9127
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 KB  
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 3433
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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Other

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24 pages, 1981 KB  
Systematic Review
Aerobic Training on Mental Health in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
by María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile, Agustín Aibar-Almazán and Fidel Hita-Contreras
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9572; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179572 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2250
Abstract
Introduction: Mental health problems in children and adolescents are a growing public health concern. Aerobic physical activity has been identified as a promising, accessible, and low-cost intervention to promote psychological well-being. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines [...] Read more.
Introduction: Mental health problems in children and adolescents are a growing public health concern. Aerobic physical activity has been identified as a promising, accessible, and low-cost intervention to promote psychological well-being. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a pre-registered PROSPERO protocol. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL for randomized controlled trials published until December 2024, with no language restrictions. Eligibility criteria included interventions based on aerobic physical activity among children and adolescents (5–18 years) reporting outcomes on mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, self-esteem, mood, resilience). Methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale. Results: From 828 initial records, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria and 19 were included in the meta-analysis. The trials, conducted in diverse countries and settings, applied structured aerobic interventions (e.g., running, dancing, cycling, active games) with durations of 6–30 weeks. The pooled results showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and stress, with the largest effects observed in stress reduction and self-esteem enhancement. Conclusions: Aerobic physical activity appears to be an effective and feasible strategy to improve mental health in children and adolescents. Its integration into school and community programs is recommended as a preventive and complementary approach to traditional treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches of Physical Therapy-Based Rehabilitation)
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