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Advances in Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise and Promotion of...
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Advances in Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise and Promotion of Quality of Life

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2024) | Viewed by 23985

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Carlos Bernal-Utrera

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: neck pain; headache; therapeutic exercise
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physiotherapy is currently one of the fastest growing areas in healthcare systems, while rehabilitation is being modernized in many areas, such as neurology, cardiology, rheumatology, and traumatology. The implementation of new systems and protocols is an unstoppable advance; however, these clinical advances require a high level of evidence, so it is necessary to publish results that validate the new interventions. Exercise, telerehabilitation,

virtual reality systems, and the new pain paradigm are some of the areas of greatest impact today. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an overview of recent advances in the field of rehabilitation and to discuss clinical challenges related to pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic management, cost-effective approaches to interventions, treatment efficacy, innovative clinical perspectives, and the development of new rehabilitation protocols. Therefore, researchers in the field are encouraged to submit an original article or review for this Special Issue (case reports and short reviews are not accepted).

  • Exercise therapy
  • Telerehabilitation
  • New tends in rehabilitation
  • Pain management
  • Neurology
  • Rheumatology
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Manipulations
  • Cost-effectiveness

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Dr. Carlos Bernal-Utrera
Guest Editor

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. Healthcare 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 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

  • rehabilitation
  • occupational therapy
  • telerehabilitation
  • neurology
  • cardiovascular rehabilitation
  • exercise
  • musculoskeletal manipulation
  • rheumatology
  • pain

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 2141 KiB  
Article
Knowledge, Barriers, and Future Directions of Vestibular Rehabilitation Practice in Neurorehabilitation: An Italian Survey
by Nicola Ferri, Giovanni Morone, Jacopo Piermaria, Leonardo Manzari, Andrea Turolla, Antonio De Tanti, Irene Ciancarelli, Paolo Pillastrini and Marco Tramontano
Healthcare 2025, 13(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13010022 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1044
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Vestibular rehabilitation, an evidence-based physical therapy approach, plays a crucial role in managing and recovering from gaze and balance disorders, including those of central origin. This study, targeted at the community of Italian healthcare practitioners, is vital in understanding the application of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Vestibular rehabilitation, an evidence-based physical therapy approach, plays a crucial role in managing and recovering from gaze and balance disorders, including those of central origin. This study, targeted at the community of Italian healthcare practitioners, is vital in understanding the application of vestibular rehabilitation in neurological disorders and in identifying knowledge gaps, barriers, and future directions. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study directed at healthcare professionals involved in neurorehabilitation in Italy. The survey consisted of 29 items grouped in 4 sections, which was estimated to take approximately 10 min to complete. The questions covered socio-demographic information, professional information, clinical practice, and future perspectives on vestibular rehabilitation. Results: Out of the 435 respondents, 290 completed the survey. Most of the respondents reported either no (32.87%) or little (42.91%) experience in vestibular rehabilitation. However, most participants (72.98%) recognized the importance of vestibular rehabilitation in treating neurological disorders. The most common condition treated was stroke (46.39%), while balance training (52.69%) and visual input exercises (26.35%) were the two most frequently used strategies. The main barriers to implementing vestibular rehabilitation in clinical practice were equipment cost and insufficient skills. Conclusions: Vestibular physical therapy is a promising complementary approach in neurorehabilitation. However, the study reveals a perceived lack of basic training in vestibular assessment and therapy. This suggests that more efforts are needed to bridge this knowledge gap and make necessary equipment more accessible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise and Promotion of Quality of Life)
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13 pages, 2658 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Effects of Conventional Chest Physiotherapy and Expiratory Flow Increase Technique on Respiratory Parameters, Heart Rate, and Pain in Mechanically Ventilated Premature Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Jacqueline Carla de Macedo, Clarice Rosa Olivo, Viviani Barnabé, Eduardo Dati Dias, Íbis Ariana Peña de Moraes, Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo Tibério, Celso Ricardo Fernandes de Carvalho and Beatriz Mangueira Saraiva-Romanholo
Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2408; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232408 - 30 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1610
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Prematurity is a leading cause of infant mortality and mechanical ventilation increases respiratory complication risk. The effects of secretion removal techniques in premature infants remain a topic of ongoing debate. The aim of the study is to compare two secretion removal [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Prematurity is a leading cause of infant mortality and mechanical ventilation increases respiratory complication risk. The effects of secretion removal techniques in premature infants remain a topic of ongoing debate. The aim of the study is to compare two secretion removal techniques in premature infants on mechanical ventilation; Methods: The participants were randomized into conventional chest physiotherapy (CPT; n = 22) or expiratory flow increase technique (EFIT; n = 21) groups. Each participant completed four sessions on consecutive days with a minimum of one and a maximum of two sessions per day. We assessed peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart (HR) and respiratory rates (RR), tidal volume (VT), and pain levels at specific time points: before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, 5 min after the intervention, and 10 min after the intervention. The partial Eta squared (ŋp2) was reported to measure the effect size; Results: HR and RR increased post-intervention in both groups (p < 0.001; HR ŋp2 = 0.51; RR ŋp2 = 0.38); post hoc comparisons showed EFIT group decreased RR from the first to last session (p = 0.045). Both groups exhibited increased VT and SpO2 in all sessions (p < 0.001; VT ŋp2 = 0.40; SpO2 ŋp2 = 0.50). The EFIT group had higher SpO2 values (p = 0.013; ŋp2 = 0.15) and lower pain scores (p < 0.001; ŋp2 = 0.46) post-intervention compared to CPT; Conclusions: CPT and EFIT resulted in similar effects on short-term respiratory parameters and heart rate; however, EFIT had advantages, including lower RR, higher SpO2, and reduced pain, suggesting it may be a more effective, comfortable neonatal respiratory treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise and Promotion of Quality of Life)
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12 pages, 1429 KiB  
Article
Effects of Hypopressive Abdominal Training on Ventilatory Capacity and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Maria del Carmen Herena-Funes, Caroline Correia de Alencar, Dara María Velázquez-Torres, Elisenda Marrero García, Yolanda Castellote-Caballero, Felipe León-Morillas, Aday Infante-Guedes and David Cruz-Díaz
Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090893 - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2473
Abstract
Pelvic floor dysfunctions, associated with alterations in respiratory mechanics and, consequently, quality of life, are the cause of the most frequent gynecological problems. Pelvic floor muscle training emerges as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Pelvic floor dysfunctions, associated with alterations in respiratory mechanics and, consequently, quality of life, are the cause of the most frequent gynecological problems. Pelvic floor muscle training emerges as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of an 8-week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on the pelvic floor and its impact on improving the ventilatory mechanics and quality of life in women. Analysis of the spirometric parameters showed a significant main Group × Time effect for three parameters: the ratio of FEV1/FVC (p = 0.030), the forced expiratory flow at 75% of the expired vital capacity (p < 0.001), and the forced expiratory flow over the middle half of the forced vital capacity (p = 0.005). No statistical significance was found regarding the SF-12 questionnaire components; only differences were found over time in the physical role (p = 0.023), bodily pain (p = 0.001), and vitality (p < 0.010) domains and in the physical component summary score (p = 0.010). After an 8-week intervention of hypopressive exercises, an improvement in the ventilatory and pulmonary capacities can be observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise and Promotion of Quality of Life)
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Review

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18 pages, 567 KiB  
Review
Technological Innovations to Support Family Caregivers: A Scoping Review
by Laura Fernandez-Bueno, Dolores Torres-Enamorado, Ana Bravo-Vazquez, Cleofas Rodriguez-Blanco and Carlos Bernal-Utrera
Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2350; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232350 - 25 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1516
Abstract
Introduction: Population aging increases the risk of dependency among older adults, which in turn necessitates care, primarily provided by family caregivers. This situation leads to physical and emotional strain on these caregivers. New technologies, such as tele-education, digital platforms, or mobile applications, can [...] Read more.
Introduction: Population aging increases the risk of dependency among older adults, which in turn necessitates care, primarily provided by family caregivers. This situation leads to physical and emotional strain on these caregivers. New technologies, such as tele-education, digital platforms, or mobile applications, can offer an accessible and equitable alternative for caregiver training and self-care support. Objective: The objective of this review is to analyze interventions targeted at family caregivers, both for their own self-care and for the care of dependent individuals, using new technologies. Design: A scoping review was conducted, including a total of thirty-two articles extracted from three databases: CINAHL, Scopus, and PubMed. Articles in any language were included, with no fixed time limit, while articles with samples that included family caregivers of oncology patients were excluded. Results: Most of the interventions were conducted via videoconference, showing outcomes that indicated a reduction in depressive symptoms among family caregivers. Conclusions: The implementation of new technologies for the development of interventions presents a viable alternative to in-person sessions. These technologies have shown positive results, while also helping to overcome time and geographical barriers imposed by caregiving responsibilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise and Promotion of Quality of Life)
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15 pages, 937 KiB  
Review
Clinical Applications of Virtual Reality in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review
by Elizabeth Chaplin, Christos Karatzios and Charles Benaim
Healthcare 2023, 11(24), 3178; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11243178 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5447
Abstract
(1) Background: VR is based on a virtual world that creates sounds effects and videos that replace the real environment. Arising literature shows VR efficacy in the field of neurological rehabilitation (NR) and that its use is also taking a place in musculoskeletal [...] Read more.
(1) Background: VR is based on a virtual world that creates sounds effects and videos that replace the real environment. Arising literature shows VR efficacy in the field of neurological rehabilitation (NR) and that its use is also taking a place in musculoskeletal rehabilitation (MSR), as a treatment of various disorders that cause disability and chronic pain. (2) Aim: We discuss the role of VR in MSR, presenting its use and development on acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders, based on the most recent literature. (3) Design and Methods: Literature searches were conducted in the databases Pubmed and Medline up to 30 September 2023. The PRISMA-Scr Checklist was followed. (4) Results: A total of 51 records were included. The analysed studies were conducted within a variety of populations, musculoskeletal disorders, settings, and VR technologies. Only a few studies could statistically affirm the efficacy of VR in MSR, as mentioned for the rehabilitation of the upper limb. Nevertheless, the observed trend is an improvement of the global perceived effect compared to traditional rehabilitation. (5) Conclusion: VR allows for the personalisation of treatment with an adaptable treatment platform, which may improve the participation of the patient and increase acceptability and adherence to long-term rehabilitation programs. We provide recommendations and suggestions for future research and use of VR in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise and Promotion of Quality of Life)
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Other

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11 pages, 1334 KiB  
Opinion
Whole Body Cryostimulation: A New Adjuvant Treatment in Central Sensitization Syndromes? An Expert Opinion
by Angelo Alito, Federica Verme, Gian Paolo Mercati, Paolo Piterà, Jacopo Maria Fontana and Paolo Capodaglio
Healthcare 2024, 12(5), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12050546 - 25 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5110
Abstract
Central sensitisation is defined as a multifactorial etiopathogenetic condition involving an increase in the reactivity of nociceptive neurons and alterations in pain transmission and perception in the central nervous system. Patients may present with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, dizziness, psychological (e.g., [...] Read more.
Central sensitisation is defined as a multifactorial etiopathogenetic condition involving an increase in the reactivity of nociceptive neurons and alterations in pain transmission and perception in the central nervous system. Patients may present with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, dizziness, psychological (e.g., depression, anxiety, and anger) and social impairment. Pain can be spontaneous in onset and persistence, characterised by an exaggerated response and spread beyond the site of origin, and sometimes triggered by a non-painful stimulus. Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) could be an adjuvant therapy in the management of this type of pain because of its global anti-inflammatory effect, changes in cytokines and hormone secretion, reduction in nerve conduction velocity, autonomic modulation, and release of neurotransmitters involved in the pain pathway. In several conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain), WBC affects physical performance, pain perception, and psychological aspects. Given its multiple targets and effects at different organs and levels, WBC appears to be a versatile adjuvant treatment for a wide range of conditions of rehabilitation interest. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of analgesic effect and potential actions on pain pathways, as well as to study long-term effects and potential uses in other chronic pain conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise and Promotion of Quality of Life)
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27 pages, 2509 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Lifestyle Interventions on the Improvement of Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
by Pablo Herrero, Paula Val, Diego Lapuente-Hernández, Juan Nicolás Cuenca-Zaldívar, Sandra Calvo and Eva María Gómez-Trullén
Healthcare 2024, 12(5), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12050505 - 20 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5571
Abstract
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition that has a great socioeconomic impact on health systems. Instead of focusing on mechanical causes and direct workload in the development of CNSLBP, genetics, psychosocial environment, lifestyle and quality of life [...] Read more.
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition that has a great socioeconomic impact on health systems. Instead of focusing on mechanical causes and direct workload in the development of CNSLBP, genetics, psychosocial environment, lifestyle and quality of life are coming to the forefront in its approach. The main objective was to analyze whether interventions aimed at modifying lifestyle can be effective in improving pain intensity and functional disability in CNSLBP. A search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SportDiscus databases was performed. Both a univariate and a multivariate network meta-analysis were applied with the difference pre/post-treatment. A total of 20 studies were included for qualitative analysis, of which 16 were randomized clinical trials with a moderate–high methodological quality and were part of the quantitative analysis. The interventions that had the greatest effect in reducing pain intensity were cognitive therapy combined with functional exercise programs, lumbar stabilization exercise and resistance exercise; meanwhile, for functional disability, they were functional exercise programs, aerobic exercise and standard care. In conclusion, a multimodal intervention aimed at changing one’s lifestyle that encompasses cognitive, behavioral, and physical aspects seems to be highly effective in improving pain intensity and functional disability caused by CNSLBP; however, it is not yet known if these improvements are maintained in the long term. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise and Promotion of Quality of Life)
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