Search Results (1,808)

Water treadmill (WT) exercise is used for horses’ rehabilitation and training. Given that each training needs to be individualized for each horse, the goal is to assess whether infrared thermography (IRT) can serve as a non-invasive tool for daily monitoring of individual training and rehabilitation progress in horses undergoing WT exercise. Fifteen Polish Warmblood school horses were subjected to five WT sessions: dry treadmill, fetlock-depth water, fetlock-depth water with artificial river (AR), carpal-depth water, and carpal-depth water with AR. IRT images, collected pre- and post-exercise, were analyzed for the mean temperature (Tmean) and maximal temperature (Tmax) across 14 regions of interest (ROIs) representing the body surface overlying specific superficial muscles. While on a dry treadmill, Tmean and Tmax increased post-exercise in all ROIs; wetting of the hair coat limited surface temperature analysis in ROIs annotated on limbs. Tmax over the m. brachiocephalicus, m. trapezius pars cervicalis, m. triceps brachii, and m. semitendinosus increased during walking in carpal-depth water, which therefore may be suggested as an indirect indicator of increased activity related to forelimb protraction and flexion–extension of the limb joints. Tmax over the m. latissimus dorsi and m. longissimus increased during carpal-depth WT exercise with active AR mode, which may be suggested as an indicator of increased workload including vertical displacement of the trunk. Full article

Background and objectives: Trismus is a frequent and debilitating complication in people with head and neck cancer (HNC) which leads to significant functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Rehabilitation interventions are commonly recommended to manage or prevent trismus. However, in many randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the theoretical justification for these interventions is poorly articulated, and the underlying biological or physiological mechanisms are not described in detail, limiting our understanding of why certain treatments may (or may not) work. This review aimed to identify and analyze how RCTs report the rationale for rehabilitation interventions and the explanations used to manage this population. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases (PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE) were searched up to May 2025 for RCTs evaluating rehabilitation interventions for the management or prevention of treatment-induced trismus in patients with HNC. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively, focusing on the type of intervention, the rationale for its use, and the proposed mechanisms of action. Results: Of 2215 records identified, 24 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies focused on preventive interventions—primarily exercise therapy—while the remainder addressed established trismus using exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, or combined treatment modalities. The rationales provided for intervention selection were heterogeneous and often lacked depth, with most studies justifying interventions based on their potential to improve mouth opening or reduce fibrosis but rarely grounding these claims in detailed pathophysiological models. Only half of the studies provided any mechanistic explanation for the intervention’s effects, and these were typically generic or speculative. Conclusions: RCTs investigating rehabilitation interventions for treatment-induced trismus in patients with HNC frequently lack comprehensive rationales and mechanistic explanations for their interventions. This gap limits the ability to refine and optimize treatment approaches, as the underlying processes driving clinical improvements remain poorly understood. Future research should be guided by theoretical models and include objective outcomes to better elucidate the mechanisms of action of interventions to inform clinical practice. Full article

Quadricep weakness is frequently observed in patients following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury or in those with knee osteoarthritis, often contributing to functional impairments and persistent symptoms. While high-intensity resistance training has been shown to effectively improve muscle strength, its application may be limited in certain populations due to pain or the risk of surgical complications. In recent years, blood flow restriction (BFR) training has emerged as a promising alternative. Growing evidence indicates that low-load BFR exercise can significantly improve muscle strength, induce hypertrophy, and enhance knee function, with outcomes comparable to those of high-intensity resistance training. When implemented using appropriate protocols, BFR training appears to be a safe and efficacious rehabilitation strategy for individuals with knee pathology. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Percutaneous Electrolysis (PE), Percutaneous peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS), and Eccentric Exercise (EE) in patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Methods: Forty-six participants with supraspinatus tendinopathy were randomly allocated to either an invasive therapy group (four sessions in four weeks of PE+PNS and EE program) or a conventional physical therapy group (ten sessions for 2 weeks). The multimodal physical program included Ultrasound therapy (US), Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and the same EE program. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), shoulder Range of Motion (ROM), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), and disability (DASH and SPADI) were measured at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at 12- and 24-weeks follow-up. Results: The PE+PNS+EE group demonstrated consistently greater and statistically significant improvements across nearly all pain, mobility, and functional outcomes at all follow-up points (post-treatment, 12-weeks, and 24-weeks) compared to the TENS+US+EE group, with generally medium to large effect sizes. Conclusions: This study concludes that the combined PE+PNS+EE intervention offers safe and effective treatment for supraspinatus tendinopathy, demonstrating statistically significant improvements in pain, mobility, and function compared to conventional electrotherapy. Full article

Background: The rehabilitative treatment of muscle injuries is mostly conservative, but it does not always follow precise protocols. Appropriate physiotherapy, exercises, and training are essential components of the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injured muscles. The purpose of this review is to assess the good rehabilitative practices in the treatment of patients affected by muscle injuries. Methods: We performed research on Medline and Cochrane Database. Guidelines focusing on the rehabilitative treatment of muscle injuries were evaluated for inclusion. Statements about non-rehabilitative treatments were also reported only for the guidelines that mainly focused on rehabilitative treatments. Results: Eight guidelines meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Results were framed into a narrative overview. Two of them mainly focused on hamstring rehabilitation, the others focused on several muscular districts. Conclusions: Conservative treatment of muscle injuries is currently the gold standard, with good results in terms of both rehabilitation times and post-injury sports performance. However, there is not a complete agreement on the type of exercises and the timing of rehabilitation when these should be performed. More research is needed to draw conclusions about the use of physical therapy instruments and other rehabilitation approaches and techniques. Full article

Background/Objective: Puberphonia is a voice disorder characterized by the persistence of a high-pitched voice in sexually mature males. In phoniatrics and speech-language pathology, it is also known as post-mutational voice instability, mutational falsetto, persistent fistulous voice, or functional falsetto. The absence of an age-appropriate vocal pitch may adversely affect psychological well-being and hinder personal, social, and occupational functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate of the impact of phoniatric and logopedic rehabilitation on voice quality in patients with puberphonia. Methods: The study included 18 male patients, aged 16 to 34 years, rehabilitated for voice mutation disorders. Phoniatric and logopedic rehabilitation included voice therapy tailored to each subject. A logopedist led exercises aimed at lowering and stabilizing the pitch of the voice and improving its quality. A phoniatrician supervised the therapy, monitoring the condition of the vocal apparatus and providing additional diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations as needed. The duration and intensity of the therapy were adjusted for each patient. Before and after voice rehabilitation, the subjects completed the following questionnaires: the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), the Vocal Tract Discomfort (VTD) scale, and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL). They also underwent an acoustic voice analysis. Results: Statistical analysis of the VHI, VTD, and V-RQOL scores, as well as the voice’s acoustic parameters, showed statistically significant differences before and after rehabilitation (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Phoniatric and logopedic rehabilitation is an effective method of reducing and maintaining a stable, euphonic male voice in patients with functional puberphonia. Effective voice therapy positively impacts selected aspects of psychosocial functioning reported by patients, improves voice-related quality of life, and reduces physical discomfort in the vocal tract. Full article

Burn injuries result in complex physiological and psychological sequelae, including hypermetabolism, muscle wasting, mobility impairment, scarring, and disrupted body image. While advances in acute care have improved survival, comprehensive rehabilitation strategies are critical for restoring function, appearance, and psychosocial well-being. Structured physical activity, including resistance and aerobic training, plays a central role in counteracting muscle atrophy, improving cardiovascular function, enhancing scar quality, and promoting psychological resilience and body image restoration. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the effects of exercise-based interventions on post-burn recovery, highlighting their therapeutic mechanisms, clinical applications, and implementation challenges. In addition to physical training, emerging technologies such as virtual reality, aquatic therapy, and compression garments offer promising adjunctive benefits. Notably, artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in burn rehabilitation through its integration into wearable biosensors and telehealth platforms that enable real-time monitoring, individualized feedback, and predictive modeling of recovery outcomes. These AI-driven tools have the potential to personalize exercise regimens, support remote care, and enhance scar assessment and wound tracking. Overall, the integration of exercise-based interventions with digital technologies represents a promising, multimodal approach to burn recovery. Future research should focus on optimizing exercise prescriptions, improving access to personalized rehabilitation tools, and advancing AI-enabled systems to support long-term recovery, functional independence, and positive self-perception among burn survivors. Full article

Background: The introduction of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators, especially the triple therapy elexacaftor, tezacaftor, ivacaftor (ETI), has improved outcomes in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), reducing underweight but increasing overweight rates. Objectives: This study investigates the effect of ETI on appetite control, body composition, and energy balance during a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation programme with regular exercise. Methods: In 54 pwCF (38 on ETI, 16 without ETI), changes in body composition (fat mass index, FMI; fat-free mass index, FFMI) and energy balance (calculated from body composition changes) were assessed. Appetite control was evaluated via plasma peptide YY (PYY) levels and post-exercise meal energy intake. Results: The programme significantly increased BMI (+0.3 ± 0.1 kg/m²; CI 0.1–0.4) and energy balance (+4317 ± 1976 kcal/3 weeks), primarily through FFMI gains (+0.3 ± 0.1 kg/m²; CI 0.1–0.4). Despite higher post-exercise meal energy intake and a tendency towards lower PYY levels in the ETI group, changes in body composition and energy balance did not differ between groups. This is explained by a higher prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in the ETI group (92% vs. 50%, p < 0.001). Small sample sizes limit the interpretation of data on appetite control and energy intake. Conclusions: A 3-week inpatient rehabilitation programme improved body composition in pwCF, without resulting in a more positive energy balance with ETI therapy. This is due to a higher prevalence of pancreatic insufficiency in this group. Full article

Introduction: Limited access to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has contributed to the rise of telerehabilitation (TPR) for COPD patients. Positive comparable effects are observed in exercise tolerance, quality of life (QoL), and dyspnoea with TPR. However, patient adherence to TPR is an outcome that has not been sufficiently analysed. Objective: To analyse adherence, satisfaction, and quality-of-life improvements in COPD patients following the TPR program to determine whether telerehabilitation is comparable to conventional therapy or usual care. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using four electronic databases, retrieving 392 articles. Two independent researchers selected and evaluated these articles based on predefined eligibility criteria. A third researcher was consulted in the event of disagreements. Results: Primary outcomes: Adherence to PR and/or usual care showed a minimum reported value of 62% and a maximum reported value of 91%, while TPR adherence had the lowest reported value of 21% and the highest reported value of 93.5%. Five articles compared TPR to PR and/or usual care, showing that TPR adherence is higher or similar to other interventions, whereas only one article found lower TPR adherence compared to PR. Secondary outcomes: A higher number of dropouts were reported for PR and usual care compared to TPR. Three publications analysed satisfaction and demonstrated that patients are satisfied across groups. Tertiary outcomes: Comparable improvements in QoL were found for TPR and PR, both being superior to usual care. Conclusions: This systematic review reveals heterogeneity in classifying adherence for pulmonary rehabilitation and telerehabilitation. Adherence classification may be standardised in future studies for consistent analysis. Full article

Eccentric muscle actions are integral to human movement, rehabilitation, and performance training due to their characteristic high force output (overload) and low energy cost and perceived exertion. Despite the growing use of eccentric devices, a gap in the research exists exploring multi-muscle activation profiles during multi-joint eccentric-only, isokinetic exercise. This study aimed to quantify and compare surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of four leg muscles—vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (GM)—during a standardized (isokinetic) submaximal eccentric multi-joint exercise using the Eccentron dynamometer. Eighteen healthy adults performed eccentric exercise at 40% of their maximal eccentric strength. Surface EMG data were analyzed using root mean square (RMS) and integrated EMG (iEMG) variables. Repeated-measures ANOVAs and effect sizes (ES) were used to evaluate within-subject differences across muscles. Results showed significantly greater activation in the VL compared to all other muscles (p < 0.05; and ES of 1.28–3.17 versus all other muscles), with the TA also demonstrating higher activation than the BF (p < 0.05). The BF exhibited the lowest activation, suggesting limited hamstring engagement. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the multi-joint isokinetic eccentric leg press movement (via an Eccentron machine) in targeting the quadriceps and dorsiflexors, while indicating the possible need for supplementary hamstring and plantar flexor exercises when aiming for a comprehensive lower body training routine. This study provides important insights for optimizing eccentric training protocols and rehabilitation strategies. Full article

This study presents a systematic review regarding the use of augmented reality and virtual reality in exergaming by analyzing studies published during 2010–2025. This study focuses on providing an overview of the field and on examining and synthesizing the findings of related studies to identify the contexts, applications, and domains in which extended reality exergames are being used and the related implications, benefits, and challenges. Based on the results, augmented reality and virtual reality exergames offer immersive, enjoyable, engaging, and personalized experiences that support physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being, while enhancing physical performance, cognitive functioning, psychological outcomes, and mental health. They promote motivation, active lifestyles, and sustainable health behaviors across diverse populations, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and neurological groups, as well as the general adult and youth populations. Although emphasis is placed on their use in physical and cognitive rehabilitation and treatment, they also show great potential to be effectively used in different domains, including education. Among the technologies examined, the significant majority of studies focused on virtual reality exergames, a limited number of studies involved augmented reality, and only a few studies examined mixed reality, extended reality, and the metaverse. Finally, nine main topics were identified through topic modeling, providing a clear representation of the core themes within the literature. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that impairs mobility. Treadmill training (TT) is a common rehabilitation strategy for improving gait parameters in individuals with PD. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of TT in improving motor function, walking ability, and overall functional mobility in PD patients. Methods: We compared TT to other forms of gait and motor rehabilitation, including conventional and robotic gait training. Trials that compared a treadmill training group with a non-intervention group were excluded from this review. We searched multiple databases for RCTs involving Parkinson’s patients until January 2025. The primary outcomes were motor function (UPDRS-III) and walking ability (6 MWT and TUG test). Results: We identified 285 articles; 199 were excluded after screening. We assessed the full text of 86 articles for eligibility, and 13 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Some of them were included in the meta-analysis. The TT group showed a significant improvement in UPDRS-III scores [mean difference (MD): −1.36 (95% CI: −2.60 to −0.11)] and greater improvement in TUG performance [MD, −1.75 (95% CI: −2.69 to −0.81)]. No significant difference in walking capacity as assessed through the 6 MWT was observed [MD: 26.03 (95% CI: −6.72 to 58.77). Conclusions: The current study suggests that TT is effective in improving the motor symptoms and functional mobility associated with PD. Further studies are needed to develop protocols that consider the patients’ clinical characteristics, disease stage, exercise tolerance, and respiratory function. Full article

Background: There are only a few available options for early rehabilitation of severely impaired individuals who must remain bedbound, as most exercise paradigms focus on out-of-bed exercises. To enable these individuals to exercise, we developed a novel hybrid rehabilitation system combining a brain–computer interface (BCI), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and a robotic device. Methods: The BCI assessed the presence of a movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) and triggered the administration of FES to produce movement of the lower limb. The exercise trajectory was supported by the robotic device. To demonstrate the system, an experiment was conducted in an out-of-lab setting by ten able-bodied participants. During exercise, the performance of the BCI was assessed, and the participants evaluated the system using the NASA Task Load Index, Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, and by answering a few subjective questions. Results: The BCI reached a true positive rate of 62.6 ± 9.2% and, on average, predicted the movement initiation 595 ± 129 ms prior to the MRCP peak negativity. All questionnaires showed favorable outcomes for the use of the system. Conclusions: The developed system was usable by all participants, but its clinical feasibility is uncertain due to the total time required for setting up the system. Full article

Background: This study aimed to investigate how barbell type (elastic vs. inelastic) and lifting speed affect postural stability and lower limb muscle activation during the single-leg deadlift (SLDL), a common unilateral exercise in rehabilitation and performance training. Methods: Twenty-seven healthy adults performed SLDLs using both elastic and inelastic barbells under three lifting speeds (normal, fast, and power). Center of pressure (COP) displacement in the anterior–posterior (AP) and medial–lateral (ML) directions and electromyographic (EMG) activity of eight lower limb muscles were measured. Results: COP displacement was significantly lower when using elastic barbells (AP: F = 6.509, p = 0.017, η² = 0.200, ω² = 0.164; ML: F = 9.996, p = 0.004, η² = 0.278, ω² = 0.243). EMG activation was significantly higher for the gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gastrocnemius (all p < 0.01), especially under power conditions. Significant interactions between barbell type and speed were found for the gluteus medius (F = 13.737, p < 0.001, η² = 0.346, ω² = 0.176), semitendinosus (F = 6.757, p = 0.002, η² = 0.206, ω² = 0.080), and tibialis anterior (F = 3.617, p = 0.034, η² = 0.122, ω² = 0.029). Conclusions: The findings suggest that elastic barbells improve postural control and enhance neuromuscular activation during the SLDL, particularly at higher speeds. These results support the integration of elastic resistance in dynamic balance and injury prevention programs. Full article

Background: Percutaneous electrolysis (PE) is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes galvanic current delivered through a needle. PE is increasingly employed for musculoskeletal disorders, despite the scarcity of scientific evidence supporting its use. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the existing evidence and explore the applications of PE in rehabilitation. Methods: In line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PEDro databases from inception to July 2025. The search strategy employed the term “Percutaneous Electrolysis” without applying additional filters or time restrictions, ensuring a comprehensive search. Cited references from screened articles were also evaluated for potential inclusion. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: peer-reviewed articles, intervention-based research, relevance to the topic, and publication in English. Results: Of the 181 papers retrieved, 143 were excluded for various reasons, leaving 38 studies. The evidence suggests that PE appears effective in reducing pain and improving function, particularly when combined with exercises such as eccentric training or stretching, though inconsistencies in protocols and patient characteristics, along with unclear mechanisms, show that it warrants further investigation. Conclusions: In conclusion, while PE emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for musculoskeletal disorders, its full integration into rehabilitation practice necessitates further rigorous research to standardize treatment protocols, elucidate the underlying mechanism, and validate its cost-effectiveness. These steps are essential to establish PE as a robust and evidence-based option within the field of rehabilitation. Full article