Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.1
2.4
Journals
Medicina
Special Issues
Physical Therapy: A New Perspective
share announcement

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 3511

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Manuel González-Sánchez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Malaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
Interests: physiotherapy
Dr. Laura Zlibinaite

E-Mail Website
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

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. 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

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

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 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 674
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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2197 KiB  
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
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 830
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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 284 KiB  
Review
Targeting Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition in Chronic Ankle Instability: A Narrative Review of Neural and Functional Rehabilitation Strategies
by Roberto Tedeschi, Federica Giorgi and Danilo Donati
Medicina 2025, 61(7), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61071267 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a key neurophysiological barrier to effective rehabilitation in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). The primary objective of this narrative review is to explore the role of arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) in chronic ankle [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a key neurophysiological barrier to effective rehabilitation in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). The primary objective of this narrative review is to explore the role of arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) in chronic ankle instability (CAI) and to critically appraise neurophysiological and rehabilitative strategies targeting its resolution. Although peripheral strengthening remains a cornerstone of treatment, the roles of spinal and cortical modulation are increasingly recognised. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted to examine recent clinical trials targeting AMI in CAI populations. A structured search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and PEDro was performed. Five studies were included, encompassing peripheral, spinal, and cortical interventions. The outcomes were grouped and analysed according to neurophysiological and functional domains. Results: Manual therapy combined with exercise improved pain, strength, and functional mobility. Fibular reposition taping transiently enhanced spinal reflex excitability, while transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex significantly modulated corticospinal excitability and voluntary muscle activation. Improvements in subjective stability, dynamic balance, and neuromuscular responsiveness were observed in the majority of the five included studies, although methodological heterogeneity and short-term follow-ups limit generalisability. Conclusions: Multimodal interventions targeting different levels of the neuromotor system appear to be more effective than isolated approaches. Integrating manual therapy, sensorimotor training, and neuromodulation may optimise outcomes in CAI rehabilitation. Future trials should focus on standardised outcome measures and long-term efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy: A New Perspective)
20 pages, 694 KiB  
Review
Standardized Definition of Red Flags in Musculoskeletal Care: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines
by Lorenzo Storari, Jennifer Piai, Mirko Zitti, Graziano Raffaele, Fabio Fiorentino, Rachele Paciotti, Fabiola Garzonio, Giulia Ganassin, James Dunning, Giacomo Rossettini, Daniel Feller, John D. Heick, Firas Mourad and Filippo Maselli
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61061002 - 28 May 2025
Viewed by 1232
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a rise in severe conditions, including musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Although MSK conditions are often managed in primary care, they may sometimes mask serious illnesses requiring urgent diagnosis. The red flag [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a rise in severe conditions, including musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Although MSK conditions are often managed in primary care, they may sometimes mask serious illnesses requiring urgent diagnosis. The red flag (RF) concept is essential for identifying signs and symptoms of potentially severe disease. However, RF criteria vary across clinical guidelines and lack consistency. With the growing role of direct access to physiotherapy—bypassing physician referral—physiotherapists must develop strong differential diagnostic skills to identify serious pathologies that mimic MSK disorders. This review aims to systematically map how RFs are defined in MSK clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), supporting the move toward a standardized definition for clinical and research use. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Included studies were CPGs and systematic reviews (SRs) of CPGs addressing MSK disorders and incorporating the RF concept. Data extraction followed a rigorous process, and RF definitions were synthesized and compared in table format. Results: Out of thirteen-thousand three-hundred and ninety-three articles identified, fourteen met inclusion criteria (seven CPGs and seven SRs of CPGs), spanning both physiotherapy and medical fields. All definitions described RFs as signs or symptoms indicating possible serious pathology requiring further investigation or referral. Some definitions referred broadly to “patterns of signs or symptoms”, while others offered more precise criteria. Conclusions: This review highlights the lack of a standardized RF definition in MSK care, leading to inconsistencies in clinical decision-making and diagnosis. To improve patient safety and guide clinicians—especially in direct-access contexts—a unified, internationally recognized definition of RFs is needed in future guidelines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy: A New Perspective)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop