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Sarcopenia, Musculoskeletal, and Neuromuscular Disorders: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Perspectives

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Dear Colleagues,

The field of rehabilitation medicine and physical therapy has rapidly evolved, offering innovative approaches to improve motor recovery and functional independence in individuals with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. Sarcopenia and related muscle dysfunctions have emerged as key contributors to disability, frailty, and reduced quality of life. Recent advances in exercise-based interventions, task-oriented training, and neurorehabilitation strategies have highlighted the importance of personalized rehabilitation models. This Special Issue aims to collect high-quality original research, clinical trials, and reviews addressing assessment methods, therapeutic strategies, and functional outcomes in sarcopenia, musculoskeletal pain, and neurological recovery. We welcome contributions that explore the interface between muscle physiology and innovative rehabilitation technologies to enhance clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Dr. Do-youn Lee
Dr. Myoung-Kwon Kim
Guest Editors

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15 pages, 1147 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Gamified Virtual Reality on Muscle Strength and Physical Function in the Oldest Old—A Pilot Study on Sarcopenia-Related Functional Outcomes

by Żaneta Grzywacz, Justyna Jaśniewicz, Anna Koziarska, Joanna Macierzyńska and Edyta Majorczyk

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020621 - 13 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia is an age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, reducing mobility and functional independence and increasing the risk of falls. Non-pharmacological interventions remain the most effective strategies to prevent or delay its progression, with exercise recognized as the primary approach. Virtual reality (VR)-based training has recently emerged as a promising tool to promote physical activity; however, its application among the oldest-old individuals remains underexplored. This is a randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate the effects of VR-based intervention using the game “Beat Saber” on muscle strength and selected physical performance indicators related to sarcopenia risk in older adults. Methods: Thirty-eight residents (mean age: 87.2) of a long-term care facility were randomly assigned to either a VR group or a control group. The VR group participated in 12 supervised VR-based training sessions of 20 min per session, three times per week for four weeks. Handgrip strength, the arm curl test, 30-s chair stand, a 2-min step-in-place test, and an 8-foot up-and-go test were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Linear mixed-model analyses revealed significant group-by-time interactions for upper- and lower-limb strength (handgrip, arm curl, chair stand; p < 0.05), favoring the VR group. Agility and endurance (8-foot up-and-go, 2-min step-in-place) showed no significant interactions. In the VR group, the 30-s chair stand performance correlated positively with the arm curl and the 2-min step-in-place tests results, while handgrip strength correlated with the arm curl performance. In the control group, the 30-s chair stand test results correlated strongly with the 8-foot up-and-go and 2-min step-in-place tests, but no significant correlations were found for handgrip strength. Conclusions: The findings indicate short-term functional benefits of VR exercise among the oldest-old adults. VR-based training appears to be an effective and well-tolerated method to enhance physical performance in individuals aged 80 and older and may represent a valuable strategy for improving functional performance indicators associated with sarcopenia risk in adults aged 80 years and older. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia, Musculoskeletal, and Neuromuscular Disorders: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Perspectives)

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15 pages, 1532 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Task-Oriented Training on Gait Outcomes and Balance in Individuals with Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Myoung-Ho Lee and Do-Youn Lee

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8766; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248766 - 11 Dec 2025

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Background/Objectives: Task-oriented training (TOT) is a functional, goal-directed rehabilitation approach that promotes motor recovery after stroke through repetitive, task-specific practice; however, its overall effects on gait and balance in stroke survivors remain unclear. This systematic review- and meta-analysis-based study aims to evaluate the effects of TOT on gait and balance in patients with stroke. Methods: Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus were performed. Eligible studies involving TOT interventions in patients with stroke were included, and methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was then performed to estimate pooled effect sizes. Results: In total, 17 randomized controlled trials involving 888 participants were included. Compared with control interventions, TOT significantly improved gait speed (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27–0.69, p < 0.0001), gait endurance (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27–0.71, p < 0.0001), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.08–0.82, p = 0.02), and timed up and go test performance (SMD = −0.28, 95% CI: −0.47 to −0.09, p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis of the BBS revealed differences based on stroke phase. Conclusions: Task-oriented training effectively improves gait and balance in stroke survivors and should be considered a key component of post-stroke rehabilitation. Future studies should explore its long-term effects and determine optimal training parameters according to stroke phase and patient characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia, Musculoskeletal, and Neuromuscular Disorders: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Perspectives)

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