Innovative Approaches to Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Orthopaedics: Advances in Functional Recovery and Pain Management

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Orthopedics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 1050

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Policlinico di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
2. Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
Interests: orthopedic rehabilitation; hand and wrist rehabilitation; shoulder; ultrasound; infiltrative treatment
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Upper limb rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery of patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, fractures, joint replacements, and neurological impairments. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements in the rehabilitation of the upper extremity, with a focus on orthopaedic conditions. We seek contributions that examine both traditional rehabilitation methods and the integration of novel technologies, such as digital health tools, wearable devices, robotic assistance, virtual reality, and neuromuscular stimulation.

The issue will cover a wide range of topics related to the rehabilitation of the upper limb, addressing acute and chronic conditions, with particular attention to improving functional outcomes and pain management. A multidisciplinary approach is encouraged, incorporating clinical and technological advances that help accelerate recovery, reduce disability, and improve the quality of life for patients.

Topics of Interest:

  • Innovative rehabilitation technologies for upper limb disorders;
  • Advances in pain management for upper limb musculoskeletal conditions;
  • Robotic-assisted therapy and wearable devices for rehabilitation;
  • Virtual reality and digital health applications in upper limb recovery;
  • Integration of manual therapy and advanced rehabilitation techniques;
  • Multidisciplinary approaches to upper limb rehabilitation;
  • Case studies focusing on recovery after upper limb surgeries or injuries;
  • Functional outcomes and return to activity after upper limb rehabilitation;
  • Rehabilitation strategies for patients with neurological impairments affecting the upper limb;
  • Emerging treatments for reducing chronic pain and improving mobility.

The Special Issue will feature state-of-the-art research, clinical practises, and case studies, aimed at advancing our understanding of upper limb rehabilitation in orthopaedics. We encourage submissions that integrate both established and emerging therapeutic techniques to enhance patient recovery and quality of life.

Dr. Roberto Tedeschi
Dr. Danilo Donati
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • upper limb rehabilitation
  • orthopaedics
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • functional recovery
  • pain management

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

21 pages, 454 KiB  
Review
The Role of Immersive Virtual Reality in Upper Limb Rehabilitation for Subacute Stroke: A Review
by Danilo Donati, Elena Pinotti, Monica Mantovani, Silvia Casarotti, Annalisa Fini, Roberto Tedeschi and Serena Caselli
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1903; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061903 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 874
Abstract
Background: Patients with stroke sequelae experience motor impairments that make it difficult to perform many activities of daily living, resulting in reduced social participation. Immersive virtual reality (VR) provides the necessary conditions for motor learning, such as repetitiveness, intensity, and task meaningfulness, and [...] Read more.
Background: Patients with stroke sequelae experience motor impairments that make it difficult to perform many activities of daily living, resulting in reduced social participation. Immersive virtual reality (VR) provides the necessary conditions for motor learning, such as repetitiveness, intensity, and task meaningfulness, and it could be a promising rehabilitation tool for upper limb recovery in individuals with stroke sequelae. Objective: The objectives of this study are to summarize the current scientific evidence on the use of immersive VR for upper limb rehabilitation in patients with subacute stroke and to identify clinical and instrumental criteria that may inform the development of a standardized VR treatment protocol. Materials and Methods: Bibliographic research on primary and secondary studies was conducted using the keywords “subacute stroke”, “immersive virtual reality/head-mounted display (HMD)”, and “upper extremity/arm/hand” in the following electronic databases: CINAHL, PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Google Scholar. Then, we performed the selection of studies and the assessment of the methodological quality of such studies using the PEDro scale. Finally, the qualitative synthesis of the data extracted from the selected studies was carried out. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: After the selection process, five studies were included in this systematic review (two RCTs, two controlled clinical studies, one study protocol). Four studies reported significant improvements in some main outcomes after the VR intervention, including a significant increase in the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity total score, in favor of the virtual rehabilitation group. Conclusions: VR appears to be a promising rehabilitation tool for upper limb motor recovery. However, further research is needed to determine the intervention methods and long-term effects of VR on the stroke population. Full article
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