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Life
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Recent Advances in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal
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Recent Advances in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 3901

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Miguel Ángel Rosety-Rodríguez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Move-It Research Group, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Plaza Fragela, s/n, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
Interests: physical exercise; health; functional rehabilitation
Prof. Dr. Jorge Góngora-Rodríguez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
Interests: physical therapy; sport; injuries

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting millions of people annually and accounting for a substantial portion of global healthcare expenditure. This significant prevalence and socioeconomic impact highlight the urgent need to optimize rehabilitation treatments.

Musculoskeletal rehabilitation is undergoing a revolution driven by the convergence of science, technology, and personalized medicine. By understanding each patient's unique genetic makeup and leveraging emerging technologies such as virtual reality and robotics, we can design highly personalized and effective treatments. This new era of rehabilitation offers hope to millions of people, improving their quality of life and optimizing injury recovery.

However, the future of physical therapy extends even further into the realm of personalized medicine. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence, along with a deep understanding of individual genetics, we will be able to redefine the boundaries of rehabilitation.

This Special Issue of Life seeks to explore the latest advancements and complementary techniques aligned with the principles of personalized medicine. By focusing on precise and efficient interventions, we will not only accelerate patient recovery but also optimize long-term outcomes, setting new standards in physiotherapy and sports medicine.

We invite you to be part of this innovative initiative.

Prof. Dr. Miguel Ángel Rosety-Rodríguez
Prof. Dr. Jorge Góngora-Rodríguez
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. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 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

  • musculoskeletal rehabilitation
  • emerging technologies
  • virtual reality
  • artificial intelligence
  • inflammatory genetics
  • physiotherapy
  • sports medicine
  • functional recovery

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

Published Papers (5 papers)

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731 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Bone–Cartilage Interface Healing in Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation: Effects of BMAC Augmentation and Rehabilitation Protocols
by Robert Gherghel, Ilie Onu, Ana Onu, Ioana-Irina Rezus, Ovidiu Alexa, Daniel Andrei Iordan, Luana Andreea Macovei and Elena Rezus
Life 2025, 15(7), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071066 - 3 Jul 2025
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different rehabilitation protocols following osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) in patients with focal osteochondral defects of the femoral condyle, using the MOCART 2.0 knee score as a primary imaging outcome. Twenty-nine patients were divided into three [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different rehabilitation protocols following osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) in patients with focal osteochondral defects of the femoral condyle, using the MOCART 2.0 knee score as a primary imaging outcome. Twenty-nine patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 9) received OAT with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and a 12-week two-phase rehabilitation program; Group 2 (n = 11) received OAT with a 12-week program without BMAC; and Group 3 (n = 9) received OAT with a shortened 6-week program. At the 12-month follow-up, Group 1 demonstrated a superior cartilage repair quality, with the highest mean MOCART 2.0 score (96.1), compared to Group 2 (80.2) and Group 3 (71.7). Notably, complete defect filling was observed in five patients in Group 1 versus four in Group 2 and only one in Group 3. The integration and surface integrity were also better preserved in Group 1. The addition of BMAC and an extended, progressive rehabilitation protocol significantly enhanced the morphological cartilage repair parameters. These results suggest that a biologically enhanced and prolonged recovery plan may offer a greater structural restoration of cartilage after OAT than conventional or accelerated protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal)
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14 pages, 1045 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Biodex Balance on Improving Coordination and Static Balance in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
by Kristo Xhardo, Elona Xhardo, Mircea Bratu, Alin Pandea, Mariana Cordun, Ana-Maria Vasiliu, Dan-Eugen Costin, George Sebastian Iacob, Marjan Mihajlov, Ilie Onu and Daniel-Andrei Iordan
Life 2025, 15(7), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071030 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 163
Abstract
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), significantly impairs postural control and increases fall risk due to sensory and motor nerve dysfunction. While conventional rehabilitation is widely used, the effectiveness of technology-assisted balance training remains underexplored. This [...] Read more.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), significantly impairs postural control and increases fall risk due to sensory and motor nerve dysfunction. While conventional rehabilitation is widely used, the effectiveness of technology-assisted balance training remains underexplored. This quasi-experimental study aimed to compare the impact of Biodex Balance System (BBS)-based training versus traditional exercises on balance and coordination in patients with DPN. Thirty patients with T2DM and clinically confirmed DPN were allocated into two groups (n = 15 per group): the intervention group (BBS training) and the control group (traditional exercises). Both groups trained for 8 weeks. Static balance was assessed using stability indices and clinical balance tests. Statistical analysis included paired and independent t-tests, Shapiro–Wilk tests for normality, and Cohen’s d for effect size. The BBS group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all balance measures compared to the control group. For the most challenging condition (unstable surface, eyes closed), the mean balance index improved by 0.66° (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 14.25). Substantial improvements were also observed for the stable surface (eyes open: Δ = 0.34°, p < 0.001, d = 4.01) and unstable surface (eyes open: Δ = 0.23°, p < 0.001, d = 7.46). Control group gains were modest and less consistent. Balance training using the Biodex Balance System significantly enhances static balance and postural control in patients with diabetic neuropathy, outperforming traditional rehabilitation methods. These findings support integrating the BBS into structured diabetic care programs to reduce fall risk and improve functional stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal)
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12 pages, 548 KiB  
Article
Myokinetic Stretching Exercise Versus Post-Isometric Relaxation Combined with Traction in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy—A Randomized Clinical Trial
by Fatima Saleem, Maryam Arshad, Sahreen Anwar, Elena Adelina Panaet, Dragoș Ioan Tohănean, Cristina-Ioana Alexe and Dan Iulian Alexe
Life 2025, 15(5), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15050721 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Background: Cervical radiculopathy is one of the frequent musculoskeletal problems prevalent in the general population, characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper limb. This study investigated the effects of the myokinetic stretching technique versus post-isometric relaxation (PIR) exercises with mechanical traction in [...] Read more.
Background: Cervical radiculopathy is one of the frequent musculoskeletal problems prevalent in the general population, characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper limb. This study investigated the effects of the myokinetic stretching technique versus post-isometric relaxation (PIR) exercises with mechanical traction in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted from March 2023 to June 2023. Sixty-six patients with cervical radiculopathy were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (n = 33) received myokinetic stretching exercises and Group B (n = 33) received isometric relaxation exercises, while mechanical cervical traction was applied to both groups as the baseline treatment. The treatment frequency was two sessions per week for eight weeks. Outcome measures were pain, range of motion, and neck disability measured through the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, a goniometer, and the Urdu version of the Neck Disability Index. Assessments were performed at the baseline and the 4th and 8th weeks of the treatment. Results: The between-group analysis showed a non-significant difference (p > 0.05). The within-group analysis showed (p < 0.001) significant improvement in both groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that the myokinetic stretching technique and post-isometric relaxation exercises combined with mechanical traction are effective in improving pain, range of motion, and neck disability in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal)
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10 pages, 520 KiB  
Article
Effects of Acute Fatigue on Balance Control of Alpine Skiing Athlete
by Javier Riscart-López, Elena Jiménez-Herranz, Isabel Mendoza-Puente, Miguel Ángel Rosety-Rodríguez, Jorge Bastos-García, Manuel Rodríguez-Huguet and Juan José Ramos-Álvarez
Life 2025, 15(5), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15050679 - 22 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 444
Abstract
Background: Great physical requirements are necessary to maintain the entire body in a streamlined and aerodynamic position during downhill skiing. Balance control has an important role in alpine skiing and depends on muscle endurance and strength. The central processing of proprioception and the [...] Read more.
Background: Great physical requirements are necessary to maintain the entire body in a streamlined and aerodynamic position during downhill skiing. Balance control has an important role in alpine skiing and depends on muscle endurance and strength. The central processing of proprioception and the force capacity of muscle are altered by fatigue. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of fatigue and visual input on balance control in alpine skiing. Methods: Eleven male professional skiers participated in the study. Balance control with eyes open and eyes closed was assessed before and after performing a maximal effort specific alpine ski test. Variables: the total travel distance (TTD) (mm), radial area (RA) (mm2), ratio between TTD and RA (TTD/RA) (1/mm), mean center of pressure (COP) velocity (total length of the COP path per unit time) (mm/s), the mean mediolateral (ML) COP oscillation velocity (Lat_Vel) (mm/s), the mean anteroposterior (AP) COP oscillation velocity (AP_Vel) (mm/s), mean ML (MLD) (mm) and mean AP (APD) (mm) displacements of the COP and the distance from the ordinate origin (mean X and mean Y) (theoretical point where the COP should be) to the point at which the COP is located, and heart rate were measured. Results: The results showed differences in the variables related to postural control and balance before and after the stress test (p = 0.002–0.037). However, no differences were found when the results obtained with open and closed eyes were compared. Conclusions: The results showed that performance in alpine skiing could be negatively affected by fatigue. However, the dynamic parameters are not decreased by visual input during muscle fatigue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal)
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10 pages, 1164 KiB  
Article
Which Positions Optimize Pelvic Floor Activation in Female Athletes?
by Elena Sonsoles Rodríguez-López, Luz María Martín-Márquez, María Barbaño Acevedo-Gómez, África López-Illescas, María Benito-de-Pedro and Cristina Ojedo-Martín
Life 2025, 15(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15010058 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1796
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Implementing and optimizing pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training programs is crucial for reducing the risk of dysfunctions, improving athletic performance, and enhancing quality of life for athletes. The aim of this study was to assess PFM activation in female athletes during postural [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Implementing and optimizing pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training programs is crucial for reducing the risk of dysfunctions, improving athletic performance, and enhancing quality of life for athletes. The aim of this study was to assess PFM activation in female athletes during postural challenges. Methods: An observational and descriptive study was conducted with twenty-five female rugby players. Surface electromyography was used to evaluate the PFMs in five different body positions under stable and unstable conditions. Results: The peak amplitude of the PFMs at baseline differed according to the physical demand of each position (p < 0.001). The lowest percentage activation was in the supine position (16.23%), while the highest recruitment was observed during the parallel squat (40.69%). The percentage of maximum voluntary contraction also differed according to each position (p = 0.001). The values were similar in supine position, side plank (104%), and standing position, being significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those reached during the off-knees quadruped hold (121.58%), full plank (121.97%), and parallel squat (151.40%); however, the values were comparable between stable and unstable positions (p = 1.000). Conclusions: Positions that challenge gravity and pelvic biomechanics, such as the squat, plank, and quadruped, facilitate greater activation of the PFMs. Contrary to previous recommendations, these exercises do not appear to have significant negative effects; therefore, consideration should be given to the implementation of these exercises for the management of pelvic floor dysfunction and as part of comprehensive exercise programs designed to improve overall core and pelvic floor function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal)
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