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Life
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Effects of Exercise and Functional Interventions on Musculoskeletal Health
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Effects of Exercise and Functional Interventions on Musculoskeletal Health

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 9424

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Seong-Gil Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Therapy, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong, Republic of Korea
Interests: exercise; electromyography; gait analysis; posture; biomechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Musculoskeletal health plays a critical role in maintaining mobility, independence, and overall quality of life across the human lifespan. With increasing aging populations and the rising prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal disorders, evidence-based strategies for improving physical function have become more essential than ever. This Special Issue will explore the effects of exercise and functional interventions—ranging from strength and balance training to postural correction and novel movement-based therapies—on musculoskeletal health.

We welcome original research articles, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and pilot studies that investigate the impact of various exercise modalities, virtual or augmented reality interventions, and rehabilitation programs on outcomes such as muscle strength, posture, gait, joint stability, fall prevention, and sarcopenia. Studies targeting elderly populations, individuals with musculoskeletal impairments, or those recovering from injury or illness are especially encouraged.

This Special Issue will provide a platform for multidisciplinary research bridging biomechanics, rehabilitation science, geriatrics, and preventive care. Contributions that also evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, or reliability of assessment tools used in musculoskeletal health monitoring are also welcome.

Researchers are invited to submit papers that will advance our understanding of how physical interventions can promote musculoskeletal resilience and prevent functional decline.

Prof. Dr. Seong-Gil Kim
Guest Editor

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 health
  • exercise
  • physical function
  • joint stability
  • fall prevention
  • rehabilitation science

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 214 KB  
Article
Correlation Analysis of Craniovertebral Angle and Scapular Index with Muscle Tone, Pulmonary Function, Balance Control, and Proprioception
by Sang-Hun Jang, Sun-Wook Park and Seong-Gil Kim
Life 2025, 15(10), 1526; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101526 - 27 Sep 2025
Viewed by 438
Abstract
Forward head posture and altered scapular alignment are associated with musculoskeletal dysfunctions and impaired physical performance. However, the relationship between postural alignment indices and physiological function in young adults remains unexplored. A total of 54 healthy participants (mean age: 21.88 ± 2.06 years) [...] Read more.
Forward head posture and altered scapular alignment are associated with musculoskeletal dysfunctions and impaired physical performance. However, the relationship between postural alignment indices and physiological function in young adults remains unexplored. A total of 54 healthy participants (mean age: 21.88 ± 2.06 years) were evaluated. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) and scapular index were measured as indicators of postural alignment. Upper trapezius muscle tone was assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Pulmonary function parameters, including the forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/FVC, were measured using spirometry. Balance control was evaluated using the Tetrax system, and cervical proprioception was assessed using joint position error (JPE) tests. CVA showed statistically significant but weak correlations with the muscle tone (r = −0.191), weight distribution index in the eyes-open condition (r = −0.199), and cervical flexion JPE (r = −0.198) and a positive correlation with FVC (r = 0.251) (p < 0.05). Scapular index showed a positive correlation with FEV1/FVC (r = 0.241) and a negative correlation with balance control (r = −0.213) (p < 0.05). Improved postural alignment, as reflected by a higher CVA and scapular index, was associated with reduced muscle tone, enhanced pulmonary function, better balance control, and more accurate cervical proprioception. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Functional Interventions on Musculoskeletal Health)
11 pages, 343 KB  
Article
Beneficial Effects of Water-Based Exercise Alone and in Combination with Cognitive Training on Cardiovascular Fitness and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Patcharee Kooncumchoo, Sutaya Meekum, Somrudee Harnmanop, Nongnuch Luangpon and Kornanong Yuenyongchaiwat
Life 2025, 15(8), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081195 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1112
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the transitional stage between normal cognition and dementia and is associated with arterial stiffness, which may lead to cardiovascular disease. A water-based exercise (W) presents a low-impact activity for the joints and increases resistance compared to exercises performed [...] Read more.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the transitional stage between normal cognition and dementia and is associated with arterial stiffness, which may lead to cardiovascular disease. A water-based exercise (W) presents a low-impact activity for the joints and increases resistance compared to exercises performed in the air, which benefits older adults. However, little evidence has been found regarding the effect of W on promoting cognitive and physical performance in older individuals with MCI. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and compare the post-training effects of W alone and in combination with cognitive training on cognitive function, cardiovascular fitness, and arterial stiffness in older adults with MCI. Forty-six adults with MCI, aged 65 years or older, were enrolled. Participants were divided into two groups: a W group and a water-based exercise combined with cognitive training (W-COG) group. Both groups performed an aerobic exercise program in water for 60 min per/day, 3 day/week, for 12 weeks. Participants in the W-COG group simultaneously performed aerobic exercise and cognitive training in water. Cognitive performance, cardiovascular fitness, and arterial stiffness were examined before and after the intervention. The results revealed improvements in cognitive performance and cardiovascular fitness in both the W and W-COG groups after 12 weeks of intervention. However, there were no significant differences in cognitive and cardiovascular fitness changes between the two groups. Neither the W nor the W-COG groups showed a decrease in brachial pulse wave velocity. Therefore, W interventions have the potential to enhance cognitive function, restore cognition, and improve cardiovascular fitness in older adults with MCI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Functional Interventions on Musculoskeletal Health)
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14 pages, 1543 KB  
Article
Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Respiratory Muscle Strength and Cardiovascular Autonomic Regulation in Obese Young Men
by Zhe Ren, Zeyu Zhou, Jikai Yang, Dongyue Wei and Hao Wu
Life 2025, 15(8), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081191 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 2255
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of an 8-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) intervention on respiratory muscle strength and cardiovascular autonomic regulation in obese young men. Methods: The study included 36 obese young men who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly [...] Read more.
Objective: To investigate the effect of an 8-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) intervention on respiratory muscle strength and cardiovascular autonomic regulation in obese young men. Methods: The study included 36 obese young men who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the IG (inspiratory muscle training group, n = 17), which underwent high-intensity IMT intervention for 8 weeks, 5 times a week, and the CG (control group, n = 18), which was not given any additional intervention. Assessed parameters included maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR), as well as heart rate variability metrics such as the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of successive differences (SDSD), low-frequency power component (LF), high-frequency power component (HF), and LF/HF ratio. These measurements were taken both at baseline and following the completion of the 8-week intervention period. Results: After 8 weeks of IMT, the MIP and MEP of the IG increased by 31.8% and 26.5%, respectively (p < 0.01). In addition, SBP, DBP, and HR decreased by 2.2%, 3.2%, and 2.1%, respectively (p < 0.01). In the HRV time domain, SDNN and RMSSD increased by 54.1% and 33.5%, respectively (p < 0.01), and there was no significant improvement in SDSD (p > 0.05); in the HRV frequency domain, LF decreased by 40.5%, HF increased by 59.4% (p < 0.01), and the LF/HF ratio decreased by 58.2% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: An 8-week 80%MIP IMT intervention significantly improves respiratory muscle strength and cardiovascular autonomic regulation in obese young men, suggesting that IMT is a promising non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating obesity-related cardiovascular risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Functional Interventions on Musculoskeletal Health)
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Review

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42 pages, 743 KB  
Review
Pediatric Genetic Dystonias: Current Diagnostic Approaches and Treatment Options
by Graziana Ceraolo, Giulia Spoto, Carla Consoli, Elena Modafferi, Gabriella Di Rosa and Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
Life 2025, 15(7), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15070992 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 3724
Abstract
Genetic dystonias are a heterogeneous group of movement disorders characterized by involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements and abnormal postures. Often beginning in childhood, they can significantly affect quality of life. Although individually rare, genetic causes are collectively relevant in pediatric [...] Read more.
Genetic dystonias are a heterogeneous group of movement disorders characterized by involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements and abnormal postures. Often beginning in childhood, they can significantly affect quality of life. Although individually rare, genetic causes are collectively relevant in pediatric dystonias, with over 250 associated genes. Among these, TOR1A, SGCE, and KMT2B are the most frequently reported in pediatric forms. Diagnosis is challenging due to the wide clinical and genetic variability. Recent advances in genetic testing, including whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, have improved the early identification of causative variants. Functional data on selected mutations are helping to refine genotype–phenotype correlations. Management typically requires a multidisciplinary approach. Symptomatic treatments include anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, and botulinum toxin, while deep brain stimulation can be effective in refractory cases, especially in patients with TOR1A variants. Disease-modifying therapies are also emerging, such as gene therapy for AADC deficiency, highlighting the potential of precision medicine. This review provides an updated overview of pediatric genetic dystonias, with a focus on differential diagnosis and treatment strategies. Early and accurate diagnosis, together with personalized care, is key to improving outcomes in affected children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Functional Interventions on Musculoskeletal Health)
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Other

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18 pages, 2906 KB  
Protocol
The Impact of Physical Therapy on Postural and Myotonometric Disorders in Patients with Pectus Excavatum: Study Protocol
by Marius-Zoltan Rezumeș, Liliana Cațan, Elena Amăricăi, Ada-Maria Codreanu, Andreea-Ancuța Vătăman and Vlad-Laurentiu David
Life 2025, 15(10), 1624; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101624 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 604
Abstract
Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common deformity of the chest wall seen in children and adolescents. Besides its visible depression of the chest, this condition often causes functional impairments affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as postural issues. Additionally, the [...] Read more.
Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common deformity of the chest wall seen in children and adolescents. Besides its visible depression of the chest, this condition often causes functional impairments affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as postural issues. Additionally, the aesthetic aspect of the deformity can greatly impact the psychosocial well-being of those affected. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a tailored physiotherapy program on children and adolescents with PE, focusing on musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, postural, and balance measures. A total of 35 participants diagnosed with PE will be assessed using four complementary methods: myotonometry with MyotonPRO for the trapezius muscle involving all three fascicles and the pectoralis major muscle on both sides, cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill (including cardiopulmonary function), postural assessment with GaitOn, and static balance-stabilometry with PoData 2.0. These assessments will be performed before and three months after completing an individualized physiotherapy program, which participants will perform daily after proper instruction from a physical therapist. After three months, the initial and final results will be compared to determine how physical therapy influences treatment outcomes in patients with PE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Functional Interventions on Musculoskeletal Health)
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12 pages, 1230 KB  
Protocol
Biomechanical Usability Evaluation of a Novel Detachable Push–Pull Device for Rehabilitation in Manual Wheelchair Users
by Dongheon Kang, Seon-Deok Eun and Jiyoung Park
Life 2025, 15(7), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071037 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 775
Abstract
Manual wheelchair users are at high risk of upper limb overuse injuries due to repetitive propulsion mechanics. To address this, we developed a novel detachable push–pull dual-propulsion device that enables both forward and backward propulsion, aiming to reduce shoulder strain and promote balanced [...] Read more.
Manual wheelchair users are at high risk of upper limb overuse injuries due to repetitive propulsion mechanics. To address this, we developed a novel detachable push–pull dual-propulsion device that enables both forward and backward propulsion, aiming to reduce shoulder strain and promote balanced muscle engagement. This study presents a protocol to evaluate the device’s biomechanical impact and ergonomic effects, focusing on objective, quantitative analysis using a repeated-measures within-subject design. Thirty participants with spinal cord injury will perform standardized propulsion trials under two conditions: push and pull. Motion capture and surface electromyography (EMG) will assess upper limb kinematics and muscle activation. Each propulsion mode will be repeated over a 10-m track, and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) data will be collected for EMG normalization. The protocol aims to provide objective evidence on the propulsion efficiency, muscle distribution, and ergonomic safety of the device. Findings will inform future assistive technology development and rehabilitation guidelines for manual wheelchair users. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Functional Interventions on Musculoskeletal Health)
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