Rehabilitation Program for Orthopedic and Neurological Patients

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Community Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 9065

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Motor Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
Interests: sport traumatology

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Guest Editor
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Larissa, Greece
Interests: rehabilitation medicine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rehabilitation of orthopedic and neurological patients is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on helping individuals recover and regain their functional abilities after experiencing injuries, surgeries, or conditions related to the musculoskeletal system or nervous system. The primary goal of rehabilitation is to improve a patient's quality of life, enhance their independence, and maximize their physical as well as cognitive function.

We are sincerely inviting you to submit original research articles and reviews dealing with the rehabilitation process for patients who have undergone orthopedic surgeries, such as joint replacements, fractures, or ligament repairs, or those who have musculoskeletal injuries or conditions, such as osteoarthritis or back pain. Papers concerning patients' neurological conditions or injuries, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease, are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  1. Physical therapy.
  2. Occupational therapy.
  3. Rehabilitation exercises.
  4. Pain management.
  5. Speech and language therapy.
  6. Cognitive rehabilitation.
  7. Assistive technology.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Kaux Jean-François
Dr. Markos Sgantzos
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • orthopedic rehabilitation
  • neurological rehabilitation
  • physical therapy
  • occupational therapy
  • rehabilitation exercises
  • speech and language therapy
  • cognitive rehabilitation
  • spinal cord injury
  • stroke

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 906 KiB  
Article
Clinical Assessment of Puressentiel® Muscles and Joints Gel Aromatherapy in the Management of Osteoarthritis-Related Knee Pain
by Nicolas Barizien, Perrine Capron, Thomas Mamou, Françoise Louni, Roland Krzentowski and Paul Fogel
Healthcare 2025, 13(2), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020150 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 908
Abstract
Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions globally, causing chronic pain and limited mobility. Pharmacological treatments for OA-related knee pain come with risks, making alternative or complementary therapies attractive. This post-market trial evaluates the efficacy of Puressentiel® [...] Read more.
Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions globally, causing chronic pain and limited mobility. Pharmacological treatments for OA-related knee pain come with risks, making alternative or complementary therapies attractive. This post-market trial evaluates the efficacy of Puressentiel® Muscles and Joints gel, an aromatherapy gel with 14 essential oils, in managing OA-related knee pain. Method: In this 12-week open-label trial (NCT04736563), participants aged 45–90 with OA-related knee pain applied Puressentiel® Muscles and Joints gel twice daily for 4 weeks, following a 4-week run-in period without treatment. Pain, joint stiffness, and function were assessed using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks, and oral analgesic intake was recorded daily. Results: Significant improvements in WOMAC and VAS scores were observed during treatment (p = 0.0262; p < 0.0001, respectively) and sustained 4 weeks post-treatment (p = 0.0190; p < 0.0001, respectively). Paracetamol intake significantly decreased from baseline to the end of treatment (p = 0.0230), though anti-inflammatory intake did not change significantly. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Puressentiel® Muscles and Joints gel was well-tolerated, improved WOMAC and VAS scores, and reduced paracetamol use, presenting a viable natural option for pain management in knee OA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation Program for Orthopedic and Neurological Patients)
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9 pages, 723 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Home-Based Robotic Rehabilitation on Individuals with Disabilities in Community Settings: A Pilot Study
by Joonhwan Lee, Eunyoung Lee, Seokjoon Hong, Sunyi Shin and Byungju Ryu
Healthcare 2025, 13(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13010078 - 4 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 909
Abstract
Background: With South Korea’s growing aging population, the demand for accessible rehabilitation solutions is increasing. Home-based robotic rehabilitation presents a feasible alternative to conventional in-clinic rehabilitation. This study explores the impact of the Rebless robotic rehabilitation device in a home-based setting for people [...] Read more.
Background: With South Korea’s growing aging population, the demand for accessible rehabilitation solutions is increasing. Home-based robotic rehabilitation presents a feasible alternative to conventional in-clinic rehabilitation. This study explores the impact of the Rebless robotic rehabilitation device in a home-based setting for people with physical disabilities and their caregivers. Methods: We prospectively collected data from individuals with brain disorders or physical disabilities living in Dongdaemun-gu, from August 2023 to March 2024. Participants completed an 8-week rehabilitation program using the Rebless robotic device. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after the eight-week program, measuring motor function, caregiver burden, and quality of life. Exercises were performed three times weekly for at least 90 min total. Results: We conducted an intervention with 26 adults with physical or neurological disabilities, of which 20 completed the program. Significant improvements were observed in upper limb function within the elbow exercise group (Fugl–Meyer assessment for upper extremity, p = 0.043) and a reduction in caregiver burden across the total groups (Zarit Burden Interview, p = 0.003). However, no statistically significant changes were found in balance and mobility measures (Berg balance scale, timed up-and-go, 10 m walk test). Conclusions: Home-based robotic rehabilitation demonstrates potential for improving upper limb function and reducing caregiver burden and mental health, proving beneficial to both patients and caregivers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation Program for Orthopedic and Neurological Patients)
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9 pages, 541 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Functioning and the Integration of Patients After Traumatic Brain Injury in Their Homes and Social Environments Following Inpatient Rehabilitation
by Neža Hrastar, Klemen Grabljevec and Gaj Vidmar
Healthcare 2024, 12(22), 2211; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12222211 - 6 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Introduction: Patients with head injuries usually return to their home environments after completing rehabilitation, which is an additional challenge in the case of functional, motor or cognitive impairment. In order to identify the problems that such patients face and to objectify their problems [...] Read more.
Introduction: Patients with head injuries usually return to their home environments after completing rehabilitation, which is an additional challenge in the case of functional, motor or cognitive impairment. In order to identify the problems that such patients face and to objectify their problems with integration, we used the Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised (CIQ-R). At the same time, the validity of the translation of the questionnaire into Slovenian was checked. Methods: The CIQ-R was translated, and patients were telephoned twice, 14 days apart. In addition, they were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) during the first call. The reliability of the CIQ-R in terms of internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and Guttman’s lambda-2. The reliability in terms of repeated measures was assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC). The association between FIM and CIQ-R scores was assessed using Pearson’s correlation. Results: Internal consistency of the CIQ-R was high (α = 0.8, λ = 0.85), and there was a very high re-test stability of the overall CIQ-R score (ICC = 0.95). The cognitive component of the FIM in the home environment was linearly associated with the CIQ-R score (r = 0.8, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: The translation of the CIQ-R questionnaire into Slovenian was successfully validated, and we proved its potential suitability for clinical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation Program for Orthopedic and Neurological Patients)
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13 pages, 902 KiB  
Article
Gait Analysis of Hemiparetic Adult Patients with a Quadripod Cane and a Rolling Cane
by Bérengère Maillard, Mohamed Boutaayamou, Helena Cassol, Laurence Pirnay and Jean-François Kaux
Healthcare 2024, 12(4), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12040464 - 12 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1802
Abstract
Stroke consequences include hemiparesis and difficulty walking. Several types of canes exist to overcome these alterations, but little data compares the quadripod cane and the rolling cane in hemiparetic patients. The objective of this work is twofold: to determine whether the gait speed—the [...] Read more.
Stroke consequences include hemiparesis and difficulty walking. Several types of canes exist to overcome these alterations, but little data compares the quadripod cane and the rolling cane in hemiparetic patients. The objective of this work is twofold: to determine whether the gait speed—the most often used parameter to assess gait performance—depends on the type of cane, and to establish which spatiotemporal parameters have the most influence. Thirty-four hemiparetic patients performed 10 m walking tests at comfortable and fast speed conditions, using both canes on two different days. To objectively analyze their gait patterns, we used a tri-axial Inertial Measurement Units (IMU)-based system to record the walking signals from which we extracted the gait spatiotemporal parameters. We particularly examined the speed, stride length, and durations of stance, swing, and double support phases. The results showed that hemiparetic patients walked faster with the rolling cane during both speed conditions. These speed increases could be explained by the decrease in the stance phase duration of the affected leg, the decrease in the double support duration, and the increase in cadence. Our findings suggest that the rolling cane allows safe and faster walking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation Program for Orthopedic and Neurological Patients)
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17 pages, 1268 KiB  
Systematic Review
Language and Communication Interventions in People with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
by Nefeli K. Dimitriou, Anastasia Nousia, Eleni-Nefeli Georgopoulou, Maria Martzoukou, Ioannis Liampas, Efthimios Dardiotis and Grigorios Nasios
Healthcare 2024, 12(7), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12070741 - 29 Mar 2024
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Abstract
Although language impairment is frequently observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (pwAD), targeted language rehabilitation is often overlooked. The present study reviews published evidence on the impact of language training, either alone or in combination with cognitive training, on cognitive outcomes in pwAD. [...] Read more.
Although language impairment is frequently observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (pwAD), targeted language rehabilitation is often overlooked. The present study reviews published evidence on the impact of language training, either alone or in combination with cognitive training, on cognitive outcomes in pwAD. A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane was carried out, including studies published from inception to November 2023. A total of eight research articles (four randomized controlled trials and four observational studies) met the inclusion criteria: six assessed language training combined with cognitive training and two evaluated language rehabilitation alone. Regarding language and non-language (mainly memory, attention, and executive functions) outcomes, there was a consensus among studies that language rehabilitation (alone or in combination with cognitive training) yields positive results. Some of the articles also explored the impact on patients’ and their caregivers’ quality of life, with all but one showing improvement. Consequently, the combination of language and cognitive training leads to improvements across various cognitive domains. However, limited evidence supports the value of sole language rehabilitation. This conclusion is influenced by heterogeneity among studies (different types and duration of interventions, small participant sets, various assessment tools), and, thus, further research is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation Program for Orthopedic and Neurological Patients)
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