Physical Therapy: A New Perspective

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Medicine and Sports Traumatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 1305

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Malaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
Interests: physiotherapy

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Rehabilitation, Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution, Muitines 15, LT-44280 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: geriatrics; kinesiology; physical therapy; rehabilitation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physiotherapy has now gained strong recognition as an autonomous research area, with its development over the years highlighting its crucial role in rehabilitation. The evolution of physiotherapy research, encompassing diverse treatment methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, underscores the profession's commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing healthcare. Advanced evidence-based methods for diagnosing, treating, and preventing various health and physical conditions are essential elements for successful physiotherapy practice.

The Special Issue titled "Physical Therapy: A New Perspective" aims at exploring and disseminating the latest advancements, innovative practices, and emerging trends in the field of physical therapy. This Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers, clinicians, and practitioners to share cutting-edge research, novel therapeutic approaches, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the latest, safest, and most effective techniques in redefining the practice of physical therapy.

Key areas of focus include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Innovative Diagnostic and Treatment Methods: Exploring new technologies and methodologies for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions or movement impairments.
  • Telehealth and Digital Rehabilitation: The role of telehealth in enhancing patient care and the integration of digital tools.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The impact of collaboration between physical therapists and professionals from other healthcare disciplines.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: Studies highlighting the importance of evidence-based practice in physical therapy and its impact on treatment efficacy.
  • Health Promotion and Wellness: Strategies for promoting overall health and wellness through physical therapy interventions. 

In this Special Issue, we invite authors to submit papers that cover a wide range of topics, from theory to practice and research. This Special Issue will be accepting the following types of articles:

  • Original research articles;
  • Review papers;
  • Case studies;
  • Clinical reports.

By providing a new perspective on traditional practices, this Special Issue aims at inspiring innovation and elevating the standard of care within the physical therapy community.

Dr. Manuel González-Sánchez
Guest Editor

Dr. Laura Zlibinaite
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Medicina 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 2200 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
  • physiotherapy
  • therapeutic exercise
  • rehabilitation
  • exercise prescription
  • treatment techniques
  • musculoskeletal health
  • movement impairments
  • functional abilities
  • innovation

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 715 KiB  
Article
Salivary 1,5-Anhydroglucitol and AGEs Are Associated with Postural Instability in Diabetic Foot Patients
by Lorenzo Brognara, Mar Sempere-Bigorra and Omar Cauli
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61060968 (registering DOI) - 23 May 2025
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Gait and posture alterations are reported in patients with diabetic foot. We evaluated whether gait and postural parameters are associated with a well-known parameter, e.g., glycated hemoglobin levels in blood, and the salivary markers 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol (1,5-AG) and Advanced Glycation [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Gait and posture alterations are reported in patients with diabetic foot. We evaluated whether gait and postural parameters are associated with a well-known parameter, e.g., glycated hemoglobin levels in blood, and the salivary markers 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol (1,5-AG) and Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) measured in saliva samples. Materials and Methods: Gait and postural impairment was assessed using a wearable inertial sensor, and the evaluation of balance/gait and risk of fall was determined by the Tinetti Scale and Downton Index, respectively. Glycemic control was measured by glycated hemoglobin concentration and fasting glycemia. The salivary concentration of 1,5-AG and AGEs was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Eighty-five patients were evaluated, revealing significant associations (p < 0.05) between salivary 1,5-AG and sway path displacement along the medio-lateral axis (rho = 0.365, p = 0.017) and sway area (rho = 0.334, p = 0.031) during tandem position tests with eyes closed. Salivary AGEs were significantly associated with sway path displacement along the anterior–posterior axis (rho = 0.419, p = 0.004) and medio-lateral axis (rho = 0.436, p = 0.002) in the tests performed with eyes closed, feet close together, and foam pads, as well as with sway area (rho = 0.387, p = 0.007). The concentration of HbA1c was significantly correlated with sway path displacement along the anterior–posterior axis in the tests performed with eyes closed, feet close together, and foam pads (rho = 0.236, p = 0.043), as well as with sway area (rho = −0.236, p = 0.043). A significant difference was observed in the salivary AGE concentration between patients with previous ulcers versus those without (p = 0.035). By applying Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, the associations remained significant (p < 0.05) for AGE concentration in saliva and postural instability parameters. Conclusions: The results suggest a link between salivary glycemic control biomarkers, in particular AGEs and postural changes in patients with diabetic foot, indicating a new interesting filed for further studies on fall risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy: A New Perspective)
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Article
The Regulatory Effects of Exercise and Metformin on Biomarkers in Obesity: A Focus on Uric Acid, Irisin, Adiponutrin, Adropin, and Copeptin
by Taner Akbulut, Vedat Cinar, Emsal Cagla Avcu, Yavuz Yasul, İsa Aydemir, Tuncay Kuloglu, Gokhan Artas and Suleyman Aydin
Medicina 2025, 61(3), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61030399 - 25 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Obesity has become one of the most significant health problems nowadays, with its prevalence rapidly increasing. Approaches such as diet and exercise play an important role in the treatment of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the responses of [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Obesity has become one of the most significant health problems nowadays, with its prevalence rapidly increasing. Approaches such as diet and exercise play an important role in the treatment of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the responses of uric acid, irisin, adiponutrin, adropin, and copeptin levels to exercise and metformin intervention in obesity. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups: healthy control (HC), sham (S), obese control (OC), metformin (M), exercise (E), metformin + exercise (ME), and decapitation (D). After obesity was induced through a 12-week high-fat diet, obese rats underwent a 4-week aerobic exercise and metformin intervention. Results: Uric acid, irisin, adiponutrin, adropin, and copeptin levels were determined using an ELISA method. Copeptin levels significantly decreased in the ME group (p < 0.001). Irisin levels significantly increased in the E and ME groups (p < 0.001). The most notable increases in adropin levels occurred in the E and ME groups (p < 0.001). Uric acid levels were highest in the OC group but significantly lower in the E and M groups (p < 0.001). Adiponutrin levels did not change in response to exercise or metformin intervention in obesity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that exercise and metformin intervention may play an effective role in obesity management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy: A New Perspective)
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