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Physical Therapy in Neurorehabilitation
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Physical Therapy in Neurorehabilitation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 8651

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marianna Papadopoulou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Athens, Greece
2. Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece
Interests: neurophysiology; motor neuron disorders; peripheral nervous system; neurorehabilitation
Dr. George K. Papadimas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
Interests: neuromuscular disorders; myopathies; muscle biopsy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neurological disorders, regardless of the underlying pathology, present a wide range of symptoms, many of which cause functional impairment in patients. Moreover, there is no cure in many of these disorders, pharmacological treatments are not sufficient in alleviating symptoms, and quality of life is thus affected. Pain is one of the most common symptoms and, at the same time, the most difficult to reduce. Instability, muscle weakness, numbness, and loss of coordination, all of which occur in neurological patients, are not responsive to drug treatment and the patients are left helpless. On those grounds, extensive attempts have been made in nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs), ranging from herbals and dietary supplements to specific physiotherapeutic interventions. The body of literature is growing slowly but steadily. NPIs are generally well tolerated and safe, and furthermore, they do not interact with pharmacological agents. Thus, NPIs offer an alternative to the management of symptoms. In this Special Issue, we welcome authors to submit papers on the advances of the use of physical therapy in patients suffering from neurological disorders.

Dr. Marianna Papadopoulou
Dr. George K. Papadimas
Guest Editors

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 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

  • physical therapy
  • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
  • muscle strengthening
  • balance exercising
  • pain
  • quality of life
  • neurodegenerative disorders
  • neuromuscular disorders
  • stroke
  • demyelinating disorders

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 464 KiB  
Article
Real Versus Sham-Based Neurodynamic Techniques in the Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Tomasz Wolny and Michał Wieczorek
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14062096 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Background/Objective: To assess the effectiveness of therapy based on sliding and tensioning neurodynamic techniques in the conservative treatment of mild and moderate forms of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) compared to sham therapy. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial. The study was conducted at [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: To assess the effectiveness of therapy based on sliding and tensioning neurodynamic techniques in the conservative treatment of mild and moderate forms of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) compared to sham therapy. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial. The study was conducted at several medical clinics. Individuals diagnosed with CuTS (initially 136 subjects, of whom 91 completed the full protocol) participated in the experiment. In the experimental group (MT), sliding and tensioning neurodynamic techniques were applied, whereas in the control group (ST), a sham therapy was used, involving the performance of neurodynamic techniques in an intermediate position without following the specific neurodynamic sequence for the ulnar nerve. The therapy was administered five times per week over the course of 10 sessions. All participants underwent assessments, including nerve conduction studies, ultrasound imaging (cross-sectional area and shear modulus), pain levels, two-point discrimination sensation, cutaneous sensory perception threshold, symptoms, ability to perform certain activities, and changes in improvement following treatment. Results: A baseline assessment revealed no significant inter-group differences in all examined parameters (p > 0.05). After therapy, there was a statistically significant intra-group improvement in all parameters tested (p < 0.01). In the MT group, the intra-group differences were significant across all parameters tested (p < 0.01). However, in the ST group (sham therapy), only the shear modulus showed statistically significant changes, while the other tested parameters remained unchanged. Conclusions: Neurodynamic techniques demonstrate superior therapeutic effects compared to sham therapy in the treatment of mild to moderate forms of CuTS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neurorehabilitation)
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29 pages, 4435 KiB  
Article
Spatial Distribution Dynamics of Sensory Disturbances in the Treatment of Obesity-Related Meralgia Paresthetica Using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
by Mustafa Al-Zamil, Natalia G. Kulikova, Natalia A. Shnayder, Natalia B. Korchazhkina, Marina M. Petrova, Numman Mansur, Larisa V. Smekalkina, Zarina M. Babochkina, Ekaterina S. Vasilyeva and Ivan V. Zhhelambekov
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(2), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14020390 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1550
Abstract
Background: To date, there have been no studies on the dynamics of areas of pain, paraesthesia and hypoesthesia after the use of various transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of meralgia paresthetica. Methods: In this pilot study, we observed 68 patients with [...] Read more.
Background: To date, there have been no studies on the dynamics of areas of pain, paraesthesia and hypoesthesia after the use of various transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of meralgia paresthetica. Methods: In this pilot study, we observed 68 patients with obesity-related bilateral meralgia paresthetica. Pain syndrome, paraesthesia symptoms, and hypoesthesia were evaluated using 10-point scores. In addition, pain drawing (PD) was used to determine the area of the spatial distribution of pain syndrome and paraesthesia symptoms, and body drawing was used to determine the area of hypoesthesia. Sham TENS was performed in the control group, and effective TENS was performed in the treatment group. The treatment group consisted of two subgroups. One subgroup underwent HF-LA TENS, and the second subgroup underwent LF-HA TENS. Results: Despite the greatest analgesic effect observed from HF-LA TENS, which was assessed using scoring methods, during and after treatment, the reduction in the area of pain and paraesthesia symptoms and the area of hypoesthesia was moderate, short-term, and reversible. In contrast, LF-HA TENS had a pronounced analgesic and sustained anti-paraesthesia effect, manifested by a noticeable decrease in pain and paraesthesia symptoms area in PD, gradually increasing during the first 2 months of follow-up and accompanied by an irreversible prolonged decrease in the area of hypoesthesia. Conclusion: The areas of paraesthesia and hypoesthesia correlate with affective reactions to long-term chronic pain, which noticeably regress under the influence of LF-HA TENS compared to HF-LA TENS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neurorehabilitation)
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13 pages, 1032 KiB  
Article
Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Quality-of-Life Improvement and Sleep Deficiency in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial
by Marta Correyero-León, Javier Calvo-Rodrigo, Jorge Juan Alvarado-Omenat, Rocío Llamas-Ramos and Inés Llamas-Ramos
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(20), 6262; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13206262 - 20 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1241
Abstract
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a leading cause of chronic cyclic pelvic pain, contributing to a reduced quality of life and sleep disturbances in women. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) in improving [...] Read more.
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a leading cause of chronic cyclic pelvic pain, contributing to a reduced quality of life and sleep disturbances in women. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) in improving the quality of life, sleep, and overall health perceptions of participants compared to a control group of women with dysmenorrhea over short-term, medium-term, and long-term periods. Methods: A single-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted, with participants randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving TTNS) or a control group (receiving sham TTNS). Both groups underwent 12, weekly 30 min sessions using the NeuroTrac™ PelviTone electrostimulation device. Outcomes related to quality of life, sleep deficiency, and overall improvement were evaluated at three time points: short-term (post-treatment), medium-term (1–3 months), and long-term (6 months). Results: Of the 61 participants initially randomized (31 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group), 55 completed the study and were included in the final analysis. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the experimental group in both physical and mental health components, as measured by the SF-36v2® questionnaire, following 12 weeks of intervention, compared to the control group, persisting 6 months after the intervention. Additionally, statistically significant differences in overall improvement were noted between the two groups, as measured by the PGIC questionnaire at the end of treatment (p = 0.0103) and 6 months post-treatment (p = 0.0432). Conclusions: TTNS appears to be a safe and effective strategy for enhancing quality of life and overall health in women with PD, potentially reducing the reliance on pharmacological treatments or more invasive methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neurorehabilitation)
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11 pages, 685 KiB  
Article
An Exploratory Study on the Effects of Souchard Postural Gymnastics in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Camptocormia: A Quasi-Experimental Approach
by Emanuele Amadio, Matteo Mencio, Alessandra Carlizza, Francescaroberta Panuccio, Giovanni Sellitto, Ilaria Ruotolo, Rachele Simeon, Anna Berardi and Giovanni Galeoto
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(20), 6166; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13206166 - 16 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968
Abstract
Background/Objective: Parkinson’s disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, leads to motor and non-motor impairments, affecting quality of life. Camptocormia can be one of the motor signs of PD, characterized by a severe and abnormal forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine that typically [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Parkinson’s disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, leads to motor and non-motor impairments, affecting quality of life. Camptocormia can be one of the motor signs of PD, characterized by a severe and abnormal forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine that typically occurs when walking or standing. The following study aims to verify whether postural gymnastics can be an effective treatment for trunk control, balance, activities of daily living, and general well-being in patients with early-stage PD and camptocormia. Methods: Nine participants (mean age 67.7 ± 7.8) with early PD (Hoehn and Yahr Scale ≤ 2) received 10 biweekly physiotherapy sessions. Outcomes were measured using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) along with trunk mobility and muscle tests according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Results: Statistically significant results were noted in the PDQ-39 mobility, ADLs and emotional well-being subscales and in the BBS; statistically significant improvements were also seen in trunk mobility and muscle strength. Conclusions: This study shows that the postural gymnastic treatment, according to Souchard, in patients with PD’s camptocormia has obtained good results and has the potential timprove mobility and balance, encouraging and motivating patients in their rehabilitation journeys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neurorehabilitation)
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9 pages, 223 KiB  
Article
Postural Stability in Children with Cerebral Palsy
by Andrzej Szopa and Małgorzata Domagalska-Szopa
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(17), 5263; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13175263 - 5 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1405
Abstract
Background: A lack of postural control is one of the key problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The goals of the present study were to assess static postural stability in children with mild CP using a force platform compared to that of [...] Read more.
Background: A lack of postural control is one of the key problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The goals of the present study were to assess static postural stability in children with mild CP using a force platform compared to that of typically developing peers and to identify differences in static stability between children with hemiplegic and diplegic CP. Methods: This study included 45 children with hemiplegic CP and 45 children with well-functioning diplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System; GMFCS scores between I and II) who were patients of local paediatric rehabilitation centres. The testing procedure included two interrelated parts: (1) the analysis of the body weight distribution and (2) the posturometric test (the centre of pressure; CoP measurements) using the force platform. Results: The results of the present study show that children with CP, compared to their TD peers, demonstrated significantly higher values for all of the analysed indexes of postural stability. The obtained results indicate differences in disorders of static postural stability between children with hemiplegic and diplegic CP. Compared to their TD peers, children with hemiplegic CP showed greater body weight asymmetry between the affected and unaffected sides of the body and greater CoP sway in the medial–lateral direction. In contrast, children with diplegic CP exhibited greater CoP displacements in the anterior–posterior direction. Conclusions: The findings of the present study show that (1) children with CP have increased static postural instability compared to their TD peers and (2) children with diplegic CP exhibit weaker mediolateral stability in standing, whereas children with hemiplegic CP show reduced anterior–posterior stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neurorehabilitation)
11 pages, 234 KiB  
Article
The Effectiveness of an Exercise Program on Muscle Strength and Range of Motion on Upper Limbs, Functional Ability and Depression at Early Stage of Dementia
by Panagiotis Papamichail, Maria-Louiza Sagredaki, Christina Bouzineki, Sophia Kanellopoulou, Epameinondas Lyros and Anna Christakou
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(14), 4136; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13144136 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2035
Abstract
Background: Dementia involves the loss of cognitive abilities and represents a decline from the prior level of function, which impairs functional abilities in day-to-day life. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effectiveness of an exercise program on the [...] Read more.
Background: Dementia involves the loss of cognitive abilities and represents a decline from the prior level of function, which impairs functional abilities in day-to-day life. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effectiveness of an exercise program on the muscle strength and range of motion of the upper limbs, the functional status, and the depression of elderly people with early stage dementia. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 elderly people with early stage dementia who were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group of 30 participants each. The experimental group received a 12-week Otago exercise program with 45 min duration of each session. The control group received usual care without doing exercise. The outcome measures of muscle strength and range of motion of the upper limbs, the functional status, and the depression were assessed by valid instruments and tests at the beginning and at the end of the intervention program. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney tests examined the differences between the two groups at the end of the 12-week exercise program. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups in the entire outcome measures (functional ability F = 9.35 p < 0.05; muscle strength right hand F = 32.33, p < 0.05 left hand U = 95.50 p < 0.01; e.g., range of motion shoulder extension U = 104.00 p < 0.01), except depression. Conclusions: Both muscle strength and range of motion of the upper limbs, as well as the functional ability, were improved by the exercise program. Further research is needed to investigate the present results, in particular to explore the long-term cognitive, behavioral, and functional status outcomes of exercise in the early stages of dementia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy in Neurorehabilitation)
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