New Advances in Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2nd Edition

Abstract submission deadline

31 January 2027

Manuscript submission deadline

31 March 2027

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic is a continuation of the previous successful Topic “New Advances in Musculoskeletal Disorders” (https://www.mdpi.com/topics/M1VJQI7A6H). Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a leading global health burden, driving disability across clinical and occupational settings. Building on the 1st edition’s exploration of epidemiology and risk factors, this 2nd edition emphasizes multidisciplinary innovations spanning medicine, dentistry, oriental medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and industrial engineering. Advances in regenerative medicine and AI-driven diagnostics are revolutionizing personalized care, while wearable sensors enable real-time biomechanical monitoring in workplaces. Integrative approaches now merge Western medicine with acupuncture and manual therapies, and occupational therapy programs demonstrate efficacy in reducing work-related MSDs through ergonomic training. Industrial engineering contributes smart ergonomic tools to mitigate occupational risks, while nursing interventions focus on chronic pain management via cognitive–behavioral strategies. Dental research explores temporomandibular joint disorders, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation protocols combine physical conditioning with psychological support to enhance functional outcomes. This Topic also highlights biopsychosocial models addressing comorbidities like cardiovascular and mental health conditions. By uniting diverse fields, from robotic-assisted surgery to traditional herbal therapies, we aim at bridging gaps between prevention, precision treatment, and sustainable rehabilitation, fostering a holistic paradigm for musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Hwi-Young Cho
Prof. Dr. Suk-Chan Hahm
Dr. Hye-Rim Suh
Dr. Sung-Hyeon Kim
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Diagnostics diagnostics	3.3	5.9	2011	21.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Healthcare healthcare	2.7	4.7	2013	22.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine jcm	2.9	5.2	2012	18.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology jfmk	2.5	3.7	2016	22.5 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Medicina medicina	2.4	4.1	1920	17.5 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Open AccessArticle

Neuromuscular and Kinematic Strategies During Step-Up and Down-Forwards Task in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

by Denise-Teodora Nistor, Maggie Brown and Mohammad Al-Amri

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(3), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15031278 - 5 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is associated with pain, functional decline, and altered biomechanics. The Step-Up and Down-Forwards (StUD-F) task provides an ecologically relevant assessment of challenging movements. This study investigated neuromuscular activation and lower-limb kinematics of leading and trailing-limbs during the StUD-F in [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is associated with pain, functional decline, and altered biomechanics. The Step-Up and Down-Forwards (StUD-F) task provides an ecologically relevant assessment of challenging movements. This study investigated neuromuscular activation and lower-limb kinematics of leading and trailing-limbs during the StUD-F in individuals with KOA. Methods: Forty participants with KOA (65.3 ± 7.68 years; 21M/19F; BMI 28.9 ± 4.52 kg/m²) completed a 25 cm box StUD-F task. Surface electromyograph recorded bilateral activation of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), bicep femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST). Triplanar hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were estimated using inertial measurement units. StUD-F events (initial stance; step contact; ascent completion; descent preparation; step-down touchdown; and descent completion) were identified using custom algorithms. Pain was assessed using visual analogue scales and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Limb differences were analysed for leading or trailing roles using paired samples t-tests or non-parametric equivalents; waveforms were visually inspected. Results: Distinct neuromuscular and kinematic asymmetries were observed when affected and contralateral limbs were compared within each role (leading/trailing). During step-up, the affected leading limb demonstrated higher quadriceps activation at initial stance (VM: p = 0.035; VL: p = 0.027) and reduced trailing-limb activation at step contact (VM: p = 0.015; VL: p = 0.018), with sagittal-plane ankle differences (p = 0.004). During step-down, when the affected limb initiated ascent, trailing limb activation was higher at descent completion (VL: p < 0.001; VM: p = 0.003; BF: p = 0.009), with coronal-plane hip deviations (p < 0.001). When the contralateral limb-initiated ascent, trailing-limb muscles activation differences (VM: p < 0.001; VL: p = 0.015; BF: p = 0.007) and ankle/coronal-plane asymmetries (p ≤ 0.049) persisted. Conclusions: The StUD-F task elicits altered strategies in KOA, including elevated quadriceps–hamstring co-activation and altered sagittal/coronal alignment, and habitual limb choice across ascent and descent. These adaptations may enhance stability and joint protection but could increase medial compartment loading. The findings support rehabilitation focused on dynamic control, alignment, and shock absorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 458 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Incidence, Clinical Characteristics, and Underreporting of Low Back Pain in Physically Active Pregnant Women: Prospective Cohort Study

by Luz M. Gallo-Galán, José L. Gallo-Vallejo and Juan Mozas-Moreno

Medicina 2026, 62(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010061 - 28 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequent complications during pregnancy, with a high and variable incidence. LBP has been associated with physical inactivity, but it has not been evaluated exclusively in physically active (PA) pregnant women. This [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequent complications during pregnancy, with a high and variable incidence. LBP has been associated with physical inactivity, but it has not been evaluated exclusively in physically active (PA) pregnant women. This study aimed T to estimate the incidence of LBP in PA pregnant women and describe its clinical, functional, emotional, and occupational impact. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort of 147 women with PA pregnancies was recruited between gestational weeks 11 and 13⁺⁶. Most (92.5%) hold a university degree. All received standardized informational intervention based on international recommendations on PA during pregnancy and LBP prevention. Data were collected through an in-person interview in the first trimester and a postpartum follow-up phone interview. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, short version), and LBP intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: LBP occurred in 64.6% of participants, despite maintaining regular PA. Pain intensity was higher in standing position (VAS = 4.9) and lower in lateral decubitus (VAS = 2.7). More than half (55.8%) did not seek medical consultation. LBP was associated with functional limitations (work, sleep, walking), emotional distress (52.6%), and work leave (30.5%; mean 9.4 weeks). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, standing occupational position showed a borderline association with LBP (OR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.00–4.55; p = 0.047), while a history of LBP in a previous pregnancy showed a statistically significant association (OR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.12–7.48; p = 0.029). Higher PA levels during pregnancy were associated with slightly lower odds of LBP (OR = 0.91 per 500 MET·min/week; 95% CI: 0.83–0.99; p = 0.032), although the magnitude of this association was small. Conclusions: LBP showed a high incidence even among PA and highly educated pregnant women. More than half of the women did not seek medical consultation, suggesting potential under-recognition of LBP. Standing occupational position and a previous pregnancy-related LBP were identified as independent risk factors associated with LBP in the multivariable model. Higher PA levels were inversely associated with LBP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 737 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Home-Based Exercise Therapy with Telerehabilitation in Mild Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Zuhal Didem Takinacı, Meltem Çelik, Şeyda Yıldız, Mehmet Ali Talmaç and Raziye Dut

Healthcare 2026, 14(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14010019 - 21 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that affects postural alignment, function, and quality of life. Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising approach to enhance accessibility and continuity of exercise-based treatment in AIS. This study aimed to compare [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that affects postural alignment, function, and quality of life. Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising approach to enhance accessibility and continuity of exercise-based treatment in AIS. This study aimed to compare the effects of telerehabilitation-supported home exercise programs with standard home exercises on posture, pain, body image, and quality of life in adolescents with mild AIS. Materials and Methods: Forty adolescents aged 10–18 years with mild AIS (Cobb angle 10–25°, Risser 0–3) were randomly assigned to two groups: study (n = 20) and control (n = 20). Both groups performed an 8-week home-based exercise program. The study group additionally received weekly online supervision by a physiotherapist. Outcomes included pain severity (VAS), posture (New York Posture Assessment Scale), body image (Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale), and quality of life (SRS-22 questionnaire). Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Twenty-nine participants completed the study (15 in the study group, 14 in the control group). Significant improvements were observed in the study group in SRS-22 total, pain, and function subscores, as well as posture scores (p < 0.05). In the control group, only the satisfaction subscore improved significantly (p < 0.05). No significant changes were detected in body image (WRVAS) in either group. Between-group comparisons showed greater overall clinical gains in the study group despite similar exercise adherence rates. Conclusions: Supervised telerehabilitation enhances the effectiveness of home-based exercise programs in adolescents with mild AIS by improving postural alignment, reducing pain, and increasing functional capacity and quality of life. Telerehabilitation represents an accessible and efficient complementary strategy for managing AIS when in-person supervision is limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 918 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Walking Speed Modulates Neck–Shoulder Strain During Smartphone Use with Backpack Load

by Yi-Lang Chen and Dinh-Dung Nguyen

Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3141; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233141 - 2 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: The concurrent use of smartphones and backpacks presents notable ergonomic challenges for students and young adults. However, the influence of walking speed on this dual-task biomechanical strain remains unclear. This study investigated how walking speed, backpack load, and gender affect postural alignment [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The concurrent use of smartphones and backpacks presents notable ergonomic challenges for students and young adults. However, the influence of walking speed on this dual-task biomechanical strain remains unclear. This study investigated how walking speed, backpack load, and gender affect postural alignment and neck–shoulder muscle activity during smartphone use. Methods: Thirty healthy university students (15 males and 15 females) were assessed using a motion capture system and surface electromyography to quantify postural alignment and muscle activity. Each participant completed twelve randomized conditions comprising three backpack loads (0%, 5%, and 10% of body weight) combined with four locomotor states (standing and walking at slow, normal, and fast speeds). Outcome measures included neck flexion, upper-trunk angle, lumbosacral angle, and normalized surface electromyography of the cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius (UTZ). A three-way ANOVA was used to evaluate main and interaction effects. Results: Increasing backpack load significantly increased neck flexion and upper-trunk angle while reducing the lumbosacral angle (all p < 0.001). Muscle activity rose proportionally with load, with UTZ activation nearly doubling from 10.7% to 21.1% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) at 10% body weight. Faster walking increased lumbar flexion and elevated CES and UTZ activation (p < 0.05), while neck and upper-trunk postures remained stable across speeds. Females maintained more upright postures but exhibited higher muscle activity than males (p < 0.01). UTZ activation frequently exceeded the 15% MVC fatigue threshold during walking with backpacks. Conclusions: Walking speed critically modulates musculoskeletal strain during concurrent smartphone use and load carriage. The combined effects of backpack load and smartphone use can elevate neck–shoulder muscle demands, with UTZ activity occasionally approaching fatigue thresholds under moderate load and faster walking. Based on the current findings, backpack loads above 5% of body weight may increase the risk of neck–shoulder strain. Additionally, reducing smartphone use during fast walking may help prevent neck–shoulder fatigue and related musculoskeletal discomfort. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

3D-Printed Arch Supports Combined with Toe Spreaders Modulate Phase-Specific Ankle Alignment and Muscle Activity in Young Adults with Functional Flat Foot

by Eui-Young Jung, Shi Lei, Yujin Jeong, Hwi-Young Cho and Sanghee Park

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8017; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228017 - 12 Nov 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Functional flat foot (FF) is associated with altered lower limb biomechanics, leading to inefficient load transfer and potential overuse injuries. Customized orthoses, such as 3D-printed insoles and toe spreaders, may mitigate these deficits, but their combined biomechanical and neuromuscular effects remain [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Functional flat foot (FF) is associated with altered lower limb biomechanics, leading to inefficient load transfer and potential overuse injuries. Customized orthoses, such as 3D-printed insoles and toe spreaders, may mitigate these deficits, but their combined biomechanical and neuromuscular effects remain unclear. The current study investigated the immediate effects of 3D-printed arch support insoles (SI) and toe spreaders (Toe) and their combination (SI+Toe) on gait pattern, center of force (COF), ankle alignment, and lower limb muscle activation in young adults with FF. Methods: Ten FF individuals and ten matched controls performed level walking under four randomized conditions: shoe-only, SI, Toe, and SI+Toe. Gait was analyzed using OptoGait, COF trajectory via F-Scan, ankle angles using Kinovea, and muscle activity (semitendinosus, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, gastrocnemius, and soleus) via surface EMG. Results: Compared to controls, FF individuals exhibited medial COF deviation, increased ankle eversion, and altered muscle activity. In the FF group, SI+Toe reduced medial COF deviation, decreased eversion, and prolonged foot flat while shortening the propulsive phase. Semitendinosus and tibialis anterior activity increased under SI+Toe, while gastrocnemius and soleus remained reduced during propulsion. Conclusions: The combined utilization of 3D-printed insoles and toe spreaders produced immediate measurable improvements in foot alignment and muscle activity patterns in FF individuals. These findings support that integrating customized orthotic designs with toe spreader elements may provide a practical, non-invasive approach for improving lower limb biomechanics. Such strategies may help improve foot mechanics and reduce compensatory muscle activation in a clinical setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 563 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Psychological and Behavioral Predictors of Postpartum Lumbopelvic Pain: A Multivariate Analysis

by Ignacio Jiménez-de-Ory, Angelika Mazur, Ángel Oliva-Pascual-Vaca, María Benito-de-Pedro, Tomás Fernández-Rodríguez and Elena Sonsoles Rodríguez-López

Medicina 2025, 61(10), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61101869 - 17 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Postpartum lumbopelvic pain (PLPP) is a common condition that negatively affects many women’s quality of life. We aimed to analyze the influence of emotional well-being, kinesiophobia, and sleep quality as predictors of PLPP during the first year postpartum. Materials and [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Postpartum lumbopelvic pain (PLPP) is a common condition that negatively affects many women’s quality of life. We aimed to analyze the influence of emotional well-being, kinesiophobia, and sleep quality as predictors of PLPP during the first year postpartum. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 192 women in their first year postpartum. Validated questionnaires were administered to evaluate pain (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), postpartum depression (PPD) (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, TSK-11). Bivariate correlations and binary logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of PLPP. Results: Overall, 42.2% of participants reported lumbopelvic pain. The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms was 59.9%, and kinesiophobia was present in 30.7% of women with pain. Both PPD and kinesiophobia were significantly associated with the presence of PLPP (p < 0.001). In the multivariate model, depression was the main predictor (OR = 8.1), followed by kinesiophobia (OR = 3.6). Sleep quality was not an independent predictor but may be related to PLPP through indirect mechanisms. No significant associations were found with sociodemographic, obstetric, or lifestyle variables. Conclusions: PPD and kinesiophobia are key factors in the occurrence of PLPP, while sleep quality may act as a mediating variable. These findings highlight the need for postnatal interventions addressing emotional health and fear of movement to improve the prevention and management of lumbopelvic pain in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2nd Edition)

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