New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic is a continuation of the previous successful Topic “New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy” (https://www.mdpi.com/topics/2P56LO6387). Physical therapy has seen remarkable growth in recent years due to technological breakthroughs, novel therapeutic approaches, and a deeper collective understanding of biomechanics. This Topic aims to be a platform for the dissemination of pioneering research, pushing the boundaries of traditional practices and fostering dynamic idea exchange.

Our focus is on diverse therapeutic approaches, such as manual therapy, electrotherapy, exercise regimens, soft tissue mobilization, and taping methodologies. Authors are invited to explore these interventions' applications and their effects on patients with various conditions. We aim to provide practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of interventional efficacy in diverse clinical scenarios using empirical evidence and case studies.

We also seek submissions on innovative clinical measurement methods, encouraging insights into assessing patient progress, functional outcomes, and treatment efficacy using advanced technologies or interdisciplinary approaches.

Researchers worldwide are invited to contribute to topics like rehabilitation techniques, technological interventions, evidence-based practices, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Our goal is to showcase the advancements revolutionizing physical therapy and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Join us on this journey to propel the field forward through collaboration and knowledge exchange. Your contributions will enrich academic discourse and directly impact global patient care. We eagerly await your submissions.

Best Regards,
Dr. Hye-Rim Suh
Dr. Suk-Chan Hahm
Dr. Hwi-Young Cho
Prof. Dr. Ki-Hun Cho
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Healthcare healthcare	3.4	5.5	2013	21.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine jcm	3.3	5.2	2012	16.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Journal of Personalized Medicine jpm	-	7.2	2011	23 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Medicina medicina	2.9	4.6	1920	17.4 Days	CHF 2200	Submit

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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15 pages, 819 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Barbell Position and Squat Depth on Trunk and Lower-Extremity Muscle Activation During the Back Squat in Healthy Adult Men

by Ju-Hyung Park, Shi Lei, Hwi-Young Cho and Sung-Hyeon Kim

Medicina 2026, 62(7), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62071339 - 11 Jul 2026

Viewed by 89

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The back squat is widely used in resistance training, performance enhancement, and rehabilitation, and barbell position and squat depth are key modifiable variables that may influence neuromuscular demand. This study investigated the effects of barbell position and squat depth [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The back squat is widely used in resistance training, performance enhancement, and rehabilitation, and barbell position and squat depth are key modifiable variables that may influence neuromuscular demand. This study investigated the effects of barbell position and squat depth on trunk and lower-extremity muscle activation during the back squat. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two adult men with at least 2 years of back-squat experience performed high-bar and low-bar back squats to knee-flexion angles of 50°, 90°, and 130° using a standardized external load corresponding to 80% of each participant’s habitual one-repetition maximum (1RM). Conditions were presented in randomized order. Surface electromyography was used to record the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae. Electromyographic activity was analyzed separately for eccentric and concentric phases and normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Results: Increasing squat depth most consistently increased quadriceps and erector spinae activation, indicating greater knee extensor and trunk extensor demand at deeper positions. Rectus abdominis activation showed a depth-related effect during the concentric phase, with only isolated pairwise differences during the eccentric phase, whereas gluteus maximus activation showed limited modulation. Barbell position produced selective phase- and depth-dependent responses: the low-bar squat showed greater hamstring and erector spinae activation in specific comparisons, whereas the high-bar squat showed greater knee-extensor activation at selected depths, most clearly in the rectus femoris. Conclusions: Barbell position and squat depth modify relative neuromuscular demand during the back squat and may be used to adjust the emphasis on knee extensor, trunk stabilizer, and posterior-chain demands rather than to target a single muscle group in isolation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 248 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Model-Based Financial Consequences of Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Pressure Injury Healing

by Yoshiyuki Yoshikawa, Koji Ikeda, Mikiko Uemura and Noriaki Maeshige

Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101269 - 7 May 2026

Viewed by 669

Abstract

Background: Electrical stimulation (ES) is recommended as an adjunctive therapy for pressure injuries (PIs), but adoption requires implementation-relevant estimates of facility-level budget impact, including delivery costs. Methods: We conducted a model-based financial consequence analysis (provider perspective, Japan) using a 14-day randomized double-blind crossover [...] Read more.

Background: Electrical stimulation (ES) is recommended as an adjunctive therapy for pressure injuries (PIs), but adoption requires implementation-relevant estimates of facility-level budget impact, including delivery costs. Methods: We conducted a model-based financial consequence analysis (provider perspective, Japan) using a 14-day randomized double-blind crossover trial (n = 12). Baseline time to heal under placebo (T_placebo) was imputed from published median healing times stratified by DESIGN-R category and PI depth. A ratio-based healing acceleration parameter (r; treated as a secondary translation parameter) was used to estimate time to heal under ES (T_ES = T_placebo/r) and days saved. Days saved were valued as a modeled gross offset using JPY 4000/day as a healing-related monetary value proxy; ES implementation costs comprised device allocation, consumables, and incremental staff time; and uncertainty was propagated via 10,000 patient-level bootstrap resamples. Results: The primary crossover effect was Δ = 0.128 cm²/day (ES minus placebo; p = 0.008), and r was 3.52 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1.53–13.67). Under the base-case modeled translation, mean T_placebo was 177.3 days and mean T_ES was 50.4 days, yielding 126.9 days saved (95% UI 63.5–164.9). The modeled gross offset (proxy-based) was JPY 507,723/case (95% UI 253,854–659,434). Mean implementation cost was JPY 47,794/case, giving a net financial impact (proxy-based) of JPY 459,929/case (95% UI 158,459–640,086). Conclusions: Under the base-case-modeled assumptions, ES may be cost offsetting when healing-related care is valued using a monetary value proxy. However, prospective studies directly measuring time to heal and resource use are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1926 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Myofascial Release on Pain and Uterine Artery Hemodynamic Indices in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Shiyu Jin, Jongwon Choi and Haneul Lee

Medicina 2025, 61(10), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61101736 - 24 Sep 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4320

Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological condition among women of reproductive age, often leading to pain and functional limitations. Myofascial release (MFR) has been suggested as a potential non-pharmacological intervention. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a [...] Read more.

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological condition among women of reproductive age, often leading to pain and functional limitations. Myofascial release (MFR) has been suggested as a potential non-pharmacological intervention. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a single MFR session on pain intensity, menstrual symptoms, and uterine artery hemodynamics in women with PD. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 34 women with PD were randomly assigned to either the MFR group (n = 18) or the placebo MFR group (n = 16). All participants received 10 min of thermotherapy followed by 30 min of either MFR or placebo MFR. Pain intensity (NRS), pressure pain thresholds (PPT) at myofascial trigger points, menstrual symptoms (MDQ-T), and uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were assessed at three time points: baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 3 h post-intervention. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant within-group reductions in pain intensity and menstrual symptoms post-intervention (p < 0.01), with no significant group-by-time interaction. However, significant interaction effects were observed for the PI and RI of the right uterine artery, showing greater reductions in the MFR group compared to the placebo group at 3 h post-intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A single MFR session resulted in improvements in uterine hemodynamics, suggesting autonomic modulation as a potential mechanism. Although subjective symptom improvements were observed in both groups, only MFR showed objective vascular benefits. These findings support the physiological plausibility of MFR in PD management and suggest its potential application as a personalized, non-pharmacological intervention. Further studies are warranted to explore its long-term and individualized therapeutic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 298 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Bone Mineral Density in Children with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Joint: Possible Risk Factors for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

by Maha A. Al Slateen, Alaa Ibrahim, Turki Abualait, Ammar Alomran, Sarah Alshahwan, Mariam Alsomali and Mohammed S. Abdelsalam

Medicina 2025, 61(10), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61101727 - 23 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2470

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children can result in long-term skeletal complications, including a reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate BMD in children with DDH and to identify [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children can result in long-term skeletal complications, including a reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate BMD in children with DDH and to identify clinical, functional, and nutritional factors associated with reduced BMD. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 25 children aged 5–10 years with confirmed DDH. Bone mineral density was measured at the total body, subtotal, and lumbar spine using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and Z-scores were calculated. Functional assessments included isometric muscle strength, weight-bearing symmetry, and physical activity measured via accelerometry. Demographic data and daily calcium intake were recorded. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of BMD. Results: Most participants exhibited normal growth and mobility, with mild asymmetries in limb strength and length. The mean total BMD was within normative ranges, whereas the lumbar spine Z-score (−1.41 ± 1.72) was mildly reduced. BMD positively correlated with age, anthropometric measures, weight-bearing capacity, and calcium intake, and negatively correlated with a family history of osteoporosis. Multiple regression analysis identified the muscle strength symmetry index as the strongest independent predictor of BMD across all sites (subtotal Z-score: β = 1.000, p < 0.001; total Z-score: β = 0.425, p = 0.023; lumbar Z-score: β = 0.499, p = 0.014). Physical activity levels showed no significant associations with BMD. Conclusions: Children with DDH generally demonstrate preserved overall BMD; however, mild lumbar spine deficits may occur. Muscle strength symmetry appears to be the most influential modifiable factor for optimizing bone health in this population, highlighting the importance of targeted physiotherapy interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, 2nd Edition)

13 pages, 1100 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Acute Effects of Osteopathic Treatment in Long COVID-19 Patients with Fatigue Symptoms: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

by Ulrich M. Zissler, Tino Poehlmann, Rainer Gloeckl, Sami Ibrahim, Kerstin Klupsch, Tessa Schneeberger, Inga Jarosch and Andreas Rembert Koczulla

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6066; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176066 - 27 Aug 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2897

Abstract

Background: Persistent fatigue is among the most commonly reported symptoms in patients suffering from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (long COVID). Autonomic dysfunction, measurable via heart rate variability, has been implicated as a contributing factor. Osteopathic manipulative treatment is a manual therapeutic [...] Read more.

Background: Persistent fatigue is among the most commonly reported symptoms in patients suffering from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (long COVID). Autonomic dysfunction, measurable via heart rate variability, has been implicated as a contributing factor. Osteopathic manipulative treatment is a manual therapeutic approach that targets autonomic balance and may offer a novel intervention for long COVID-related fatigue. Methods: In this single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 42 participants (mean age 51 ± 11 years; fatigue severity score: 31 ± 5 points) with long COVID and persistent fatigue ≥12 weeks post-infection were allocated to either a 45 min standardized osteopathic treatment (n = 21) or a sham-treatment group (n = 21). Heart rate variability was assessed using a 10 min resting electrocardiogram before intervention, immediately after, and again 48 h later. The analysis of heart rate variability encompassed time-domain indices, including the root mean square of successive differences, the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, mean heart rate, and mean RR interval. Additionally, frequency-domain measures such as low-frequency, high-frequency, total power, and the LF/HF ratio were considered. Results: The osteopathy group showed a statistically significant increase in root mean square of successive differences post-treatment (p < 0.01), accompanied by a decrease in the stress index (p < 0.05) and an increase in the mean of the standard deviations of RR intervals (p < 0.05). Significant between-group differences were observed for mean heart rate and mean of RR intervals (p < 0.05). Frequency-domain measures also improved significantly from baseline in the intervention group. Outlier patterns suggest potential subgroup effects, possibly due to underlying dysautonomia. Conclusions: A single session of osteopathic treatment significantly enhanced short-term heart rate variability in long COVID patients with fatigue. These findings highlight the potential role of manual autonomic modulation as a supportive therapy in long COVID management. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects and optimal treatment frequency of osteopathic manipulative treatment in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, 2nd Edition)

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