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Integrative Approaches to Musculoskeletal Disorders, Health-Related Issues and Physical Fitness:...
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Integrative Approaches to Musculoskeletal Disorders, Health-Related Issues and Physical Fitness: From Diagnosis to Management

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 4975

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maciej Kochman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: physiotherapy; rehabilitation; gait; motion; body balance; body posture; physical activity; physical fitness; musculoskeletal disorders; body composition; stroke
Dr. Joanna Baran

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: physical activity from pregnancy to elderly; overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; depression, anxiety and stress; body posture defects in children and adolescents; the impact of sleep on human functioning; development; quality of life
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Musculoskeletal disorders affect a great number of people worldwide, from inactive individuals to professional athletes. They are typically characterized by pain and mobility limitations, leading to disability. By understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment of these conditions, healthcare providers can prevent long-term disability, improve quality of life, and enhance overall well-being for those experiencing musculoskeletal disorders. On the other hand, improving health-related physical fitness can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve physical and mental health, and increase performance.

This Special Issue aims to broaden knowledge about musculoskeletal disorders, health assessment and management, and physical fitness. We are pleased to invite clinicians, healthcare professionals and researchers to consider submitting their reports with a high-quality research methodology. Original research articles and reviews are welcome, including both clinical trials and observational studies evaluating physical fitness, musculoskeletal disorders, and physical and mental health issues, with a special focus on risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and management. We will also consider narrative, systematic, and umbrella reviews, as well as meta-analyses, that are within the scope. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Sport-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders;
  • Pain assessment in physically active and inactive individuals;
  • Management of health-related physical fitness;
  • Factors affecting body posture;
  • Body composition assessment;
  • Fall assessment and fall prevention strategies;
  • Diagnostic imaging used to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Maciej Kochman
Dr. Joanna Baran
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

  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • physical activity
  • physical fitness
  • injuries
  • mental health
  • health assessment
  • body composition
  • body posture
  • body balance
  • fall assessment
  • diagnostic imaging

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 507 KiB  
Article
A Quasi-Experimental Controlled Study to Evaluate the Effects of a Kinesiologic Approach—The Canali Postural Method—To Posture Reprogramming for Non-Specific Low Back Pain
by Saverio Sabina, Daria Monteleone, Pierpaolo Mincarone, Patrizia Maiorano, Roberto Guarino, Maria Rosaria Tumolo, Carlo Giacomo Leo, Antonio Giordano and Mirko Zisi
Healthcare 2025, 13(8), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13080869 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 960
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with most cases classified as non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Various treatments exist, among which are physical exercises that promote flexibility, mobility and core stabilization, improving muscle function and body posture. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with most cases classified as non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Various treatments exist, among which are physical exercises that promote flexibility, mobility and core stabilization, improving muscle function and body posture. The Canali Postural Method (CPM) is a kinesiological method that offers a personalized approach to postural reprogramming. This study compares the effects of the CPM and generic exercises in individuals with NSLBP. Methods: Subjects with NSLBP were engaged in a four-week intervention either based on a CPM reprogramming phase (CPM group) or generic exercises for the control group (CG). The CPM group underwent an assessment phase to identify the possible musculoskeletal causes of compensatory postural arrangements. The functional disability and pain level were assessed before, immediately after and 3 months post-intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Thirty-five subjects per group participated, with the CPM group averaging 38.6 ± 10.1 years and the CG 40.2 ± 12.1 years. The CPM group experienced significantly greater pain relief both immediately post-intervention and at the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001). While the disability perception decreased in both groups, the CPM group showed superior improvement at the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The CPM represents promise for enhancing motor control and quality of life, suggesting potential benefits for other musculoskeletal issues. Future research should explore its broader applications and underlying physiological mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Approaches to Musculoskeletal Disorders, Health-Related Issues and Physical Fitness: From Diagnosis to Management)
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34 pages, 2062 KiB  
Article
Examining the Relationship Between Urinary Incontinence and Women’s Physical Activity Engagement: Barriers and Disclosure Patterns
by Amanda J. M. Gard and David Lavallee
Healthcare 2025, 13(8), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13080856 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 412
Abstract
Background: This study investigates the relationship between urinary incontinence (UI) and women’s participation in physical activity (PA). Women are less active than men across their lifespan, and while interventions aim to bridge this gap, the unique challenge posed by UI remains underexplored. UI [...] Read more.
Background: This study investigates the relationship between urinary incontinence (UI) and women’s participation in physical activity (PA). Women are less active than men across their lifespan, and while interventions aim to bridge this gap, the unique challenge posed by UI remains underexplored. UI disproportionately affects women and often results in reduced self-confidence and avoidance of PA. Methods: Employing a mixed-methods design, the study utilised an online survey (n = 345) and semi-structured interviews (n = 14) to explore women’s experiences of UI during PA and its perceived impact relative to other barriers. Results: Findings reveal that UI ranks prominently among barriers to PA, yet disclosure is infrequent without direct prompting. Participants highlighted anxiety, embarrassment, and the inadequacy of PA environments in accommodating UI-related needs as critical deterrents. Interviews further uncovered a lack of practitioner knowledge regarding UI, with many women favouring privacy-centric approaches to address their concerns. Conclusions: The study underscores the necessity for tailored interventions, practitioner education, and inclusive PA environments to enhance participation and mitigate UI’s impact. These findings contribute to broader efforts to promote gender equity in PA and improve women’s health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Approaches to Musculoskeletal Disorders, Health-Related Issues and Physical Fitness: From Diagnosis to Management)
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9 pages, 203 KiB  
Article
Spinal Alignment and Pain: An Assessment of Amateur Road Cyclists—A Pilot Study
by Wojciech Kasperek, Aleksandra Kielar, Mirosław Pasierb, Monika Vaskova, Beata Ružbarska, Wojciech Czarny and Mariusz Drużbicki
Healthcare 2025, 13(2), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020129 - 11 Jan 2025
Viewed by 697
Abstract
Background: Cycling involves specific body positions that, when maintained for prolonged periods, may affect spinal curvature and increase the risk of pain-related issues. This study aimed to evaluate sagittal spinal curvatures, the prevalence of pain in spinal segments, and their interrelation among amateur [...] Read more.
Background: Cycling involves specific body positions that, when maintained for prolonged periods, may affect spinal curvature and increase the risk of pain-related issues. This study aimed to evaluate sagittal spinal curvatures, the prevalence of pain in spinal segments, and their interrelation among amateur road cyclists. Methoods: The research included 30 male participants aged 18–48 years. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Laitinen scale, while spinal curvature was evaluated with an electronic inclinometer. Results: Results showed no statistically significant differences in spinal curvature angles between cyclists with and without pain complaints (p = 0.056). However, tendencies were noted, such as higher mean VAS scores for lower back pain (4.90) compared to neck pain (3.38), and variations in parameters like Beta, LL, and KGP. Conclusions: While the findings did not confirm clear distinctions, they suggest trends indicating potential links between spinal curvatures and pain occurrence. These results underscore the importance of further studies involving larger cohorts to verify these observations and explore the biomechanical adaptations associated with amateur cycling. Insights from such research could inform strategies for preventing and managing spinal pain among cyclists. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Approaches to Musculoskeletal Disorders, Health-Related Issues and Physical Fitness: From Diagnosis to Management)
10 pages, 843 KiB  
Article
Maternal Parity Effect on Spine Posture Changes and Back Pain During Pregnancy
by Michał Popajewski, Magdalena Zawadka, Alicja Wójcik-Załuska and Paweł Milart
Healthcare 2024, 12(22), 2202; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12222202 - 5 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1721
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy can significantly alter posture and stability, thereby affecting spine curvatures. A positive relationship between the number of full-term pregnancies and the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) has been reported previously. This study aimed to analyze the impact of pregnancy on [...] Read more.
Background: Pregnancy can significantly alter posture and stability, thereby affecting spine curvatures. A positive relationship between the number of full-term pregnancies and the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) has been reported previously. This study aimed to analyze the impact of pregnancy on spine posture and LBP. Methods: Thirty pregnant females who were nulliparous (Group 1, n = 15) or had one or two pregnancies (Group 2, n = 15) were examined using the photogrammetric method in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Further, a correlation analysis was conducted among the body mass index (BMI), pain intensity (VAS scale), and spine posture parameters. Results: The parous groups did not differ significantly in the parameters of the spinal posture. The thoracic angle decreased in trimester II compared to trimester I (157.77° vs. 160.55°, p = 0.004), which, according to the measurement methodology used, means that the thoracic kyphosis curvature increased. BMI was associated with the angle of trunk inclination in trimester I in Group 1 (r = 0.54, p = 0.04), as well as with the thoracic angle in trimesters II and III in Group 2 (r = 0.54–0.62, p < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation between pain intensity and spine posture parameters was more frequently observed in Group 2. Conclusions: Parity does not affect spine posture during pregnancy or pain intensity. The intensity of LBP was associated with spine posture changes during pregnancy, but the character of association differs between groups of parity. Alterations in spine posture should be monitored during pregnancy to prevent back pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Approaches to Musculoskeletal Disorders, Health-Related Issues and Physical Fitness: From Diagnosis to Management)
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