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 2126

Special Issue Editors


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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

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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

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Keywords

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

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2025
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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
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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
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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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