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Advances in Physical Therapy for Sports-Related Injuries and Pain
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Advances in Physical Therapy for Sports-Related Injuries and Pain

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 1994

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Rafał Gnat

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: sports physical therapy; physiotherapy; biomechanics; motor control; motion analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Maciej Biały

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: sports physical therapy; orthopaedic physical therapy; physiotherapy; musculoskeletal pain; musculoskeletal dysfunction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of the Healthcare journal. Sports participation is widely recognized for its physical, psychological, and social benefits; however, pain and injuries are common challenges that can impact performance, longevity, and overall well-being. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization, especially for athletes with disabilities, who may face unique physiological and biomechanical challenges. Recent advancements in rehabilitation techniques, assistive technologies, and evidence-based therapies provide new opportunities to enhance recovery, reduce injury risk, and improve athletic performance.

This Special Issue aims to explore new approaches to sports injury management, rehabilitation, and adaptive physical therapy techniques. It aligns with the journal’s mission to advance healthcare solutions and evidence-based clinical practices. By highlighting leading-edge research, we seek to improve outcomes for professional and recreational athletes, including those participating in adaptive sports.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and systematic reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Evidence-based physical therapy interventions for sports-related injuries and pain;
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation strategies for athletes;
  • Biomechanics in injury and rehabilitation;
  • Injury patterns and prevention strategies in para-sports;
  • Adaptive rehabilitation techniques for athletes with physical and neurological impairments;
  • Assistive devices and digital health (virtual reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, etc.) in sports rehabilitation;
  • Psychological and psychosocial aspects of sports injuries

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Rafał Gnat
Dr. Maciej Biały
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. 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

  • sport
  • injury
  • acute pain
  • chronic pain
  • physical therapy
  • physiotherapy
  • rehabilitation
  • disability

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

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 570 KB  
Article
The Role of Stabilization Exercise in Preventing Pain and Postural Defects in Young Football Players
by Sebastian Kluczyński, Kornelia Korzan, Piotr Sorek, Tomasz Jurys, Andrzej Knapik and Anna Brzęk
Healthcare 2025, 13(16), 1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13161983 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 408
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Maintaining proper posture and preventing musculoskeletal pain are essential for the healthy development of young football players. Contemporary concepts of postural control emphasize the importance of the lumbopelvic-hip complex and the activation of deep trunk muscles. This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Maintaining proper posture and preventing musculoskeletal pain are essential for the healthy development of young football players. Contemporary concepts of postural control emphasize the importance of the lumbopelvic-hip complex and the activation of deep trunk muscles. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured core stabilization training program on postural parameters and pain reduction in young football players. Methods: A total of 182 male football players, aged 9–15 years, were enrolled and allocated to either the intervention or control group. The 12-week intervention consisted of exercises targeting both local and global trunk stabilizers. Assessments included measurements of spinal curvatures, trunk rotation angles, lower limb loading symmetry, and postural stability using the TMX-127 digital inclinometer (Saunders Group Inc., Chaska, MN, USA) and the Baseline scoliometer (Fabrication Enterprises, Inc. New York, USA). Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Repeated-measures statistical analyses were performed with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in trunk rotational parameters, with reductions in ATR values at C7/Th1 (−0.54°) and L5/S1 (−0.49°). SATR values decreased by −0.28° between the second and third assessments. Symmetry of lower limb loading under eyes-open conditions improved significantly (p < 0.00195). No significant changes were observed in dynamic balance, as assessed by the Y-Balance Test (p > 0.05). Pain intensity decreased from 3.33 to 2.55 on the VAS, reflecting a reduction of 0.78 points. Conclusions: Systematic core stabilization training enhances postural quality and reduces the occurrence and severity of musculoskeletal pain in young football players, with lasting effects—except for postural control under conditions of reduced visual input. This type of training represents an effective physioprophylactic strategy, supporting postural control and lowering the risk of injuries. To maintain these benefits, continued training that incorporates balance and proprioceptive exercises is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy for Sports-Related Injuries and Pain)
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13 pages, 720 KB  
Article
Early Postoperative Evaluation of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition, Anterior Knee Laxity, and Kinesiophobia After ACL Reconstruction: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
by Florian Forelli, Yoann Demangeot, Agathe Dourver and Adrien Cerrito
Healthcare 2025, 13(13), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13131481 - 20 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Background: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI), anterior knee laxity, and kinesiophobia are key barriers to recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). While each has been independently studied, their interrelationships during the early postoperative phase remain unclear. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 56 patients [...] Read more.
Background: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI), anterior knee laxity, and kinesiophobia are key barriers to recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). While each has been independently studied, their interrelationships during the early postoperative phase remain unclear. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 56 patients (mean age: 26.5 ± 5.7 years) who underwent ACLR using hamstring autografts. Clinical AMI grading, GNRB® arthrometer measurements of anterior tibial translation, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11) were used to assess neuromuscular inhibition, mechanical laxity, and psychological fear, respectively. All evaluations were performed at 34.9 ± 4.2 postoperative days. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman correlation. Results: No significant differences in TSK-11 scores were observed across AMI grades (p = 0.327). Similarly, anterior laxity did not differ significantly between AMI groups (p = 0.182). Correlation between GNRB measurements and TSK-11 scores was non-significant (rho = −0.220, p = 0.103). Conclusions: In the early phase following ACLR, AMI, anterior laxity, and kinesiophobia appear to be independent domains. These findings suggest that early postoperative rehabilitation should address each dimension individually. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore their potential interactions over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy for Sports-Related Injuries and Pain)
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Review

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23 pages, 1798 KB  
Review
Think Outside the Block: Rehabilitation Continuum After ACL Reconstruction with Adaptive Macro-Blocks—A Narrative Review
by Giandomenico Campardo, Roberto Ricupito, Carlotta Vercesi, Firas Mourad, Georgios Kakavas and Florian Forelli
Healthcare 2025, 13(19), 2480; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192480 (registering DOI) - 29 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background: Conventional rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction often follows a rigid, phase-based model. This structure may overlook individual differences in healing, neuromuscular control, and psychological readiness, leading to low return-to-sport rates and a high risk of reinjury. Methods: This narrative review proposes [...] Read more.
Background: Conventional rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction often follows a rigid, phase-based model. This structure may overlook individual differences in healing, neuromuscular control, and psychological readiness, leading to low return-to-sport rates and a high risk of reinjury. Methods: This narrative review proposes a flexible rehabilitation framework based on overlapping progression blocks. Inspired by principles of strength and conditioning, motor learning, and cognitive training, this model emphasizes continuous, individualized development instead of fixed timelines. Results: The proposed model integrates essential components—such as joint mobility, muscle activation, motor control, and psychological factors—throughout the entire recovery process. Functional testing is redefined as a dynamic and ongoing diagnostic tool that helps clinicians identify areas needing further development, rather than acting as a simple pass/fail gateway. Progression is guided by demonstrated readiness rather than time or phase completion. Conclusions: Rehabilitation using adaptive, overlapping progression blocks offers a more holistic and responsive approach. It allows for better personalization, supports safer decision-making, and improves the transition back to sport through sustained development of physical and cognitive capacities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Therapy for Sports-Related Injuries and Pain)
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