New Trends in Physical Therapy for Children

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Orthopedics & Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2024) | Viewed by 17274

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, Universidad de Jaén, Jaen, Spain
Interests: posture; postural balance; vestibular diseases; rehabilitation; manual therapy; headache; migraine; neck pain; temporomandibular joint disorders; fibromyalgia
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, Campus las Lagunillas s/n, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: physiotherapy; physical therapy; electrotherapy; therapeutic exercise; pain; manual therapy; posture; rehabilitation; temporomandibular disorders; pelvic floor disorders; idiopathic scoliosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: physiotherapy; physical therapy; electrotherapy; therapeutic exercise; pain; manual therapy; posture; rehabilitation; temporomandibular disorders; pelvic floor disorders; idiopathic scoliosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical therapy is one of the disciplines aimed at improving and maintaining the physical function of patients. In recent years, physical therapy has developed rapidly. Physiotherapy aims to restore capacity, function, and autonomy after a pathological process has occurred. Injuries or sudden trauma for children, adolescents, or young athletes can be caused by sports; choosing a multidisciplinary approach based on the combination of basic research, modern technology and the latest advances in biomechanics, pharmacology, and training concepts can produce the most effective rehabilitation process recovery.

This Special Issue provides an overview of the latest developments in the field of physical therapy and its application in multiple fields, as well as being a good platform for the latest academic research results obtained in different fields of physical therapy for children and adolescents.

We invite contributors to send original research articles and systematic reviews. We look forward to receiving your contribution.

Prof. Dr. Rafael Lomas-Vega
Dr. Alfonso Ibañez Vera
Dr. Daniel Rodríguez-Almagro
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • physiotherapy
  • physical therapy
  • neuro-rehabilitation
  • postural balance
  • manual therapy
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • biomechanics
  • physical examination
  • orthopedics
  • exercise therapy
  • sport science

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2440 KiB  
Article
Clinical Application of Custom Neck Collar with Negative Sensory Feedback in Children with Intractable Torticollis
by Jeewon Yoon, Rayu Yun, Sungchul Huh, Jisoo Baik, Jae Meen Lee and Soo-Yeon Kim
Children 2024, 11(8), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11081001 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 956
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a custom neck collar with negative sensory feedback for the treatment of torticollis that was previously unresponsive to conservative or surgical treatment. Methods: Twenty-four children diagnosed with unresponsive or intractable torticollis [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a custom neck collar with negative sensory feedback for the treatment of torticollis that was previously unresponsive to conservative or surgical treatment. Methods: Twenty-four children diagnosed with unresponsive or intractable torticollis were enrolled in this two-stage, single-arm study. The ipsilateral aspect of the orthosis is adjustable in height and designed to provide support between the clavicle and the mandibular angle on the tilted side. In stage 1 (the adjustment period), the orthosis with a smooth surface was applied for 2 h per day for 3 months. In stage 2, a rough surface with a hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro©) was attached to the collar, and it was worn for a further 2 h a day for 3 months. Twenty children (mean age 63.95 ± 13.44 months) were included in the analysis. Results: The mean torticollis angle was 17.60 ± 5.65° (mean ± SD) at baseline; 14.15 ± 3.62° directly after stage 1; and 6.00 ± 3.67° directly after stage 2 (X2 = 36.685, df = 19, p = 0.000). Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility, therapeutic effect, and safety of a novel tactile feedback orthosis for the treatment of children with torticollis. The use of a custom neck collar with negative sensory feedback may be a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of unresolved or intractable torticollis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Physical Therapy for Children)
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16 pages, 1850 KiB  
Article
A Qualitative Investigation of Parent Perceptions of Home Exercises for Congenital Muscular Torticollis
by Audrey Stitt and Rebecca Operacz
Children 2024, 11(6), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060689 - 5 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2022
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe parent perceptions of the home exercise program (HEP) for infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), and how these perceptions evolved over a physical therapy (PT) plan of care. Twelve participants were recruited from a [...] Read more.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe parent perceptions of the home exercise program (HEP) for infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), and how these perceptions evolved over a physical therapy (PT) plan of care. Twelve participants were recruited from a pediatric PT clinic, and nine completed interviews at three time points. Qualitative description and an iterative approach for thematic analysis of 27 interviews yielded three themes that corresponded to the research questions. The participants’ responses were categorized into three main themes: (1) parents’ perceptions of three key exercises within the HEP, (2) internal and external sources of stress, and (3) sources of empowerment and disempowerment. Regarding the HEP, parents articulated common sentiments for three frequently prescribed exercises for the management of CMT: (1) tummy time was the fast favorite, (2) ipsilateral cervical rotation was perceived as stressful, and (3) contralateral cervical lateral flexion felt uncomfortable. Additionally, participants disclosed internal and external sources of stress (guilt, uncertainty, and the demands of returning to work) and sources of disempowerment (inconsistent messaging frompractitioners, feeling overwhelmed) and empowerment (being able to see the bigger picture and clear communication and education about the diagnosis) with respect to managing their infant’s CMT. These themes provide insight into the evolution of parent perceptions over a PT plan of care for CMT. Participants’ insights suggest a need for consistent messaging regarding the diagnosis and evidence-based management of CMT, addressing parent stress, and modifying how exercises are taught. This study contributes updated research on parents’ experiences with physical therapy and the HEP for their infant’s CMT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Physical Therapy for Children)
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16 pages, 1818 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of the Effects of Supervised versus Home Schroth Exercise Programs with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
by Kadriye Tombak, İnci Yüksel, Umut Ozsoy, Yılmaz Yıldırım and Sezen Karaşin
Children 2024, 11(3), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11030354 - 17 Mar 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3644
Abstract
(1) Background: Schroth exercise can reduce the deformity of the spine and improve the life quality and the body image of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). (2) Methods: The study began with 49 participants, aged 10–16 years old, who were diagnosed with [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Schroth exercise can reduce the deformity of the spine and improve the life quality and the body image of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). (2) Methods: The study began with 49 participants, aged 10–16 years old, who were diagnosed with AIS. At the end of the study, 37 patients were randomly assigned to either the Supervised (n = 19) or Home-Based Schroth Exercise Group (n = 18) and completed the study. Both groups were treated for seven days a week over twelve weeks. For all patients, body rotation measurements were performed with a scoliometer, surface asymmetry analysis was carried out using an Artec Eva 3D scanner, health-related quality of life was evaluated by the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire, and the perception of the cosmetic deformity was assessed by the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale (WRVAS). All the measurements were repeated before and after the 12-week treatment. (3) Results: Post-treatment scoliometric measurements showed a significant decrease in body rotation in both groups (p < 0.05). Similarly, both groups observed significant positive changes in SRS-22 and WRVAS scores (p < 005). RMS values were statistically significant in both groups; the difference was only statistically significant in the thoracic anterior arm subparameter (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusion: The Schroth exercise for both groups with AIS improved body symmetry, quality of life, and body image. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Physical Therapy for Children)
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Review

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15 pages, 680 KiB  
Review
Effectiveness of Conservative Treatments in Positional Plagiocephaly in Infants: A Systematic Review
by Maria Blanco-Diaz, Maria Marcos-Alvarez, Isabel Escobio-Prieto, Marta De la Fuente-Costa, Borja Perez-Dominguez, Elena Pinero-Pinto and Alvaro Manuel Rodriguez-Rodriguez
Children 2023, 10(7), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071184 - 7 Jul 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6318
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze conservative treatments implemented to manage positional plagiocephaly in infants. Methods: This is a systematic review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, performed in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, [...] Read more.
Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze conservative treatments implemented to manage positional plagiocephaly in infants. Methods: This is a systematic review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, performed in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Articles were selected according to the eligibility criteria, regarding the effectiveness of conservative treatments in positional plagiocephaly in infants, published in the last 10 years with a score ≥3 in the PEDro Scale. Results: A total of 318 articles were identified and 9 of them were finally selected. Conclusions: Physical therapy treatment is considered as the first line of intervention in plagiocephaly with non-synostotic asymmetries and manual therapy is the method that obtains the best results within this intervention. In cases of moderate or severe plagiocephaly, helmet therapy can be an effective second-line intervention; however, the best way to prevent this condition is through counseling of parents or caregivers, and early treatment is essential for optimal therapeutic outcomes. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CDR42022306466). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Physical Therapy for Children)
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Other

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11 pages, 741 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of High-Velocity Spinal Manipulation on Quality of Life, Pain and Spinal Curvature in Children with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review
by Mario Piqueras-Toharias, Alfonso Javier Ibáñez-Vera, Ana Belén Peinado-Rubia, Daniel Rodríguez-Almagro, Rafael Lomas-Vega and Ana Sedeño-Vidal
Children 2024, 11(10), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11101167 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2944
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Scoliosis is a condition that involves deformation of the spine in the coronal plane and commonly appears in childhood or adolescence, significantly limiting a person’s life. The cause is multifactorial, and treatment aims to improve the spinal curvature, prevent major pathologies, and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Scoliosis is a condition that involves deformation of the spine in the coronal plane and commonly appears in childhood or adolescence, significantly limiting a person’s life. The cause is multifactorial, and treatment aims to improve the spinal curvature, prevent major pathologies, and enhance aesthetics. The objective of this review was to determine whether high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation is more effective than other treatments for children with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and PEDro databases were searched for both clinical trials and cohort studies. Methodological quality was assessed via the PEDro scale (for clinical trials) and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (for observational studies). The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024532442). Results: Five studies were selected for review. The results indicated moderate improvements in pain and the Cobb angle and limited improvements in quality of life. Conclusions: HVLA spinal manipulation does not seem to have significant effects on reducing spinal deformity in IS patients, nor does it significantly impact quality of life. However, this therapy may have significant effects on reducing pain in these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Physical Therapy for Children)
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