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Bioengineering
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Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
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Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 3401

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Seong-Gil Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Therapy, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong, Republic of Korea
Interests: exercise; electromyography; gait analysis; posture; biomechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jin-Seop Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Therapy, Sunmoon University, Asan, Republic of Korea
Interests: physical therapy; biomechanics; exercise; healthcare

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue "Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation" aims to explore the latest advancements in the engineering aspects of physical therapy and rehabilitation and research related to traditional exercise therapy and physical therapy interventions. This Special Issue provides a comprehensive platform for sharing cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, engineering-driven practices, and evidence-based traditional therapeutic approaches that enhance rehabilitation outcomes and patient care.

While the focus will be on integrating and applying advanced technologies such as telerehabilitation platforms, virtual reality systems, and wearable devices, we also welcome submissions that address traditional physical therapy interventions and exercise therapy methods. These include research on improving physical function, alleviating pain, and enhancing overall quality of life through established physical therapy techniques.

Key areas of interest include designing and optimizing telerehabilitation systems that allow for remote delivery of therapy, ensuring accessibility and continuity of care for patients. The Special Issue will also delve into the application of virtual reality in rehabilitation, exploring how immersive environments can enhance motor learning, cognitive function, and patient motivation.

In addition, the Special Issue will emphasize research on wearable devices that provide real-time feedback and data-driven insights, exploring the engineering challenges and solutions related to their development for monitoring physical activity, posture, and rehabilitation progress.

Furthermore, the Special Issue will include studies on the application of robotics and assistive devices in rehabilitation and research on traditional exercise therapy and physical therapy interventions. These studies will explore how innovative technologies and conventional methods can support physical therapy by augmenting human capabilities and providing tailored interventions. Research on integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into rehabilitation technologies to enable personalized treatment plans and predictive analytics is also encouraged.

Overall, this Special Issue aims to highlight the intersection of engineering and physical therapy and the continued relevance of traditional exercise and physical therapy interventions. The research and innovations shared within this Special Issue will contribute to advancing both technology-driven and conventional rehabilitation practices, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing the overall quality of care.

Prof. Dr. Seong-Gil Kim
Dr. Jin-Seop Kim
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. Bioengineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2700 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
  • exercise prescription
  • manual therapy
  • telerehabilitation
  • telehealth
  • virtual reality
  • wearable devices
  • musculoskeletal rehabilitation
  • neurological rehabilitation
  • post-operative recovery
  • chronic pain management
  • injury prevention
  • multidisciplinary rehabilitation
  • patient-centered care
  • personalized rehabilitation
  • functional recovery
  • mobility improvement
  • pain alleviation
  • mental health in rehabilitation
  • long-term wellness

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 757 KB  
Article
Effects of Magnetic Field Therapy and Massage on Upper Trapezius Muscle Tone, Craniovertebral Angle, and Scapular Index
by Do-Youn Lee and Seong-Gil Kim
Bioengineering 2025, 12(9), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12090925 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 474
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of magnetic field therapy and massage on upper trapezius muscle tone, craniovertebral angle (CVA), and scapular index in young adults. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to a magnetic field group or a massage group (n = 15 each), [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of magnetic field therapy and massage on upper trapezius muscle tone, craniovertebral angle (CVA), and scapular index in young adults. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to a magnetic field group or a massage group (n = 15 each), receiving interventions twice a week for two weeks with a one-week follow-up. Measurements were taken at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up using MyotonPRO, lateral photographs, and anatomical distances. The magnetic group showed a greater reduction in muscle tone at post-intervention and follow-up (p = 0.015, partial η2 = 0.28, large effect) than the massage group. Elasticity decreased significantly in both groups, but follow-up values were lower in the magnetic group (p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.25, medium effect). CVA improved in both groups, with a larger change in the magnetic group and sustained gains at follow-up (p < 0.001, partial η2 up to 0.43, large effect). The scapular index increased only in the magnetic group post-intervention (p = 0.013, partial η2 = 0.49, large effect) but returned to baseline at follow-up. Magnetic field therapy appears more effective than massage for improving muscle tone, posture, and scapular alignment in the short term, and may be a valuable option for clinical postural correction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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10 pages, 941 KB  
Article
Therapeutic Role of Functional Massage in Attenuating Exercise-Induced Neuromuscular Fatigue
by Zahraa Darwich, Alaa Issa, Emma Parkin, Jada Young, Marie Eve Pepin and Moh H. Malek
Bioengineering 2025, 12(8), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12080880 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 560
Abstract
Background: Functional massage is a soft tissue intervention that combines tissue compression with specific joint movements to enhance muscle function, improve joint mobility and reduce pain. The physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) uses surface electromyography to determine the [...] Read more.
Background: Functional massage is a soft tissue intervention that combines tissue compression with specific joint movements to enhance muscle function, improve joint mobility and reduce pain. The physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) uses surface electromyography to determine the highest exercise intensity that can be sustained indefinitely. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the influence of FM on a multi-joint exercise such as cycle ergometry. Methods: Twelve healthy college-aged men volunteered for the current study. On two occasions, separated by seven days and in randomized order, subjects either completed a 14 min FM on both legs prior to an incremental cycle ergometer test to determine PWCFT, or rested for 14 min before performing the same cycling test. Results: The paired samples t-tests revealed a significant (p < 0.05) difference for the absolute and relative PWCFT values between the no-FM and FM conditions. Conclusions: These results indicate that FM may delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue for whole-body exercise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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17 pages, 4015 KB  
Article
Digitalized Thermal Inspection Method of the Low-Frequency Stimulation Pads for Preventing Low-Temperature Burn in Sensitive Skin
by HyungTae Kim, Jong-ik Song, Ji-won Seo, CheolWoong Ko, Gi-ho Seo and Sang Kuy Han
Bioengineering 2025, 12(6), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12060560 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 460
Abstract
An accurate thermal measurement of low-frequency stimulation (LFS) pads for thermotherapy was investigated using background subtraction (BGS) methods. The safety of LFS thermal pads must be investigated to prevent low-temperature burns (LTBs), because they frequently contact the sensitive skin in neck, shoulder and [...] Read more.
An accurate thermal measurement of low-frequency stimulation (LFS) pads for thermotherapy was investigated using background subtraction (BGS) methods. The safety of LFS thermal pads must be investigated to prevent low-temperature burns (LTBs), because they frequently contact the sensitive skin in neck, shoulder and abdominal regions. The thermal measurement was based on thermal imaging using the active region-of-interest (ROI) from a foreground. The shape of the LFS thermal pad consists of complicated curves, thus it is difficult to extract the foreground using conventional shapes of ROIs. We proposed the foreground extraction using background subtraction (BGS) and digital and morphological filters to time-variant thermal images. The foreground extraction was implemented using open sources and experimented for abdominal, cervical and patellar pads. The results showed that the foreground can be separated from background regardless of the size, position, orientation and shape of the pad. The thermal characteristics of the LFS thermal pads were evaluated from the complicated shapes of the foreground with high accuracy. This study demonstrated that standard deviation of pixel history (SDPH) is a simple method for the BGS, but the SDPH is useful to find the safety risk of LTBs and prevent them in advance. The results also showed that the proposed SDPH was simple but had remarkable accuracy compared with the conventional BGS methods. These BGS methods are expected to increase the reliability of products used on the human body. Further, the BGS methods can be used to inspect the temperatures of static products in industrial processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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Review

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25 pages, 1152 KB  
Review
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pulmonary Diseases: A Systematic Review of Effects on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Dyspnea, and Quality of Life
by Alessia Bramanti, Colomba Pessolano, Marina Garofano, Angelo Antonio Maglio, Michele Ciccarelli, Luana Budaci, Mariaconsiglia Calabrese, Andrea Marino, Francesco Loria, Francesco Corallo, Placido Bramanti, Carmine Vecchione and Alessandro Vatrella
Bioengineering 2025, 12(9), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12090931 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 473
Abstract
(1) Background: Chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs), such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, are often accompanied by psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), including digital and virtual reality (VR) formats, have emerged as promising non-pharmacological approaches to improve [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs), such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, are often accompanied by psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), including digital and virtual reality (VR) formats, have emerged as promising non-pharmacological approaches to improve symptom management and well-being. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs—delivered in-person or digitally—on anxiety, depression, disease-related stress, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life in individuals with CPDs. (2) Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2005–2025). Thirteen studies (8 randomized controlled trials, 5 non-randomized) met inclusion criteria. Outcomes assessed included psychological distress, physical symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. (3) Results: MBIs were associated with improvements in anxiety, depression, stress, and HRQoL in several studies. Interventions were generally well-tolerated and effective across various delivery methods, including digital and VR-based formats. Improvements were especially notable when interventions were tailored and sustained. (4) Conclusions: MBIs, including digital and VR-delivered formats, show promise in supporting psychological and physical outcomes in CPD populations. They represent a feasible and complementary tool in modern respiratory care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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Other

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36 pages, 4960 KB  
Systematic Review
The Effects of Rehabilitation Programs Incorporating Breathing Interventions on Chronic Neck Pain Among Patients with Forward Head Posture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Seri Park, Kihyun Kim and Minbong Kang
Bioengineering 2025, 12(9), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12090947 - 31 Aug 2025
Viewed by 566
Abstract
The effectiveness of breathing interventions on postural alignment, pain reduction, and functional improvement in patients with forward head posture (FHP) and chronic neck pain remains uncertain. Previously conducted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involved breathing interventions were identified through searches of the PubMed, [...] Read more.
The effectiveness of breathing interventions on postural alignment, pain reduction, and functional improvement in patients with forward head posture (FHP) and chronic neck pain remains uncertain. Previously conducted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involved breathing interventions were identified through searches of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies were included if they applied diaphragmatic breathing, breathing muscle training, or feedback breathing exercises for at least 2 weeks to chronic neck pain (duration ≥ 3 months) and/or forward head posture. The craniovertebral angle (CVA), the visual analog scale (VAS), and the neck disability index (NDI) were the primary outcome measures. The results showed that breathing interventions had a moderate effect size in terms of improving the CVA. Limited effects were observed for pain reduction, and improvements in neck disability approached statistical significance. However, despite these positive findings, the overall evidence was rated as ‘very low certainty’ in the GRADE assessment, primarily due to high heterogeneity among studies, limited sample sizes, and the potential for unit-of-analysis errors in diagnosis-based subgroup analyses. Consequently, their overall effectiveness in chronic neck pain was limited. Future research is needed to explore a multidisciplinary approach to neck pain using standardized protocols and larger samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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