New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical therapy and occupational therapy have seen remarkable growth in recent years due to technological breakthroughs, novel therapeutic approaches, and a deeper 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 includes diverse therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, electrotherapy, exercise regimens, soft tissue mobilization, and taping methodologies. Authors are invited to explore these interventions' application methods and 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. Hwi-Young Cho
Prof. Dr. Ki-Hun Cho
Dr. Suk-Chan Hahm
Dr. Hye-Rim Suh
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Healthcare healthcare	2.8	2.7	2013	19.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine jcm	3.9	5.4	2012	17.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Journal of Personalized Medicine jpm	3.4	2.6	2011	17.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Medicina medicina	2.6	3.6	1920	19.6 Days	CHF 1800	Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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15 pages, 2329 KiB  

Open AccessSystematic Review

Low-Medium and High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Irini Patsaki, Alexandros Kouvarakos, Ioannis Vasileiadis, Georgios A. Koumantakis, Eleni Ischaki, Eirini Grammatopoulou, Anastasia Kotanidou and Eleni E. Magira

Medicina 2024, 60(6), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060869 - 26 May 2024

Viewed by 188

Abstract

Background and objectives: Mechanical ventilation is often used in intensive care units to assist patients’ breathing. This often leads to respiratory muscle weakness and diaphragmatic dysfunction, causing weaning difficulties. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been found to be beneficial in increasing inspiratory [...] Read more.

Background and objectives: Mechanical ventilation is often used in intensive care units to assist patients’ breathing. This often leads to respiratory muscle weakness and diaphragmatic dysfunction, causing weaning difficulties. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been found to be beneficial in increasing inspiratory muscle strength and facilitating weaning. Over the years, different protocols and devices have been used. Materials and Methods: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of low-medium (LM-IMT) and high-intensity (H-IMT) threshold inspiratory muscle training in critically ill patients. A systematic literature search was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the electronic databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct. The search involved screening for studies examining the effectiveness of two different intensities of threshold IMT in critically ill patients published the last 10 years. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was chosen as the tool to assess the quality of studies. A meta-analysis was performed where possible. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review, with five of them having high methodological quality. Conclusions: When examining LM-IMT and H-IMT though, neither was able to reach statistically significant improvement in their maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), while LM-IMT reached it in terms of weaning duration. Additionally, no statistical difference was noticed in the duration of mechanical ventilation. The application of IMT is recommended to ICU patients in order to prevent diaphragmatic dysfunction and facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation. Therefore, further research as well as additional RCTs regarding different protocols are needed to enhance its effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)

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13 pages, 4120 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Gluteal Muscle Strengthening Exercise-Based Core Stabilization Training on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

by Seung-Eon Ahn, Mi-Young Lee and Byoung-Hee Lee

Medicina 2024, 60(6), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060849 - 23 May 2024

Viewed by 277

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization reports that back pain is a major cause of disorder worldwide. It is the most common musculoskeletal disorder with limited pain, muscle tension, and stiffness, and 70–80% of all individuals experience it once in their lifetime, with [...] Read more.

Background: The World Health Organization reports that back pain is a major cause of disorder worldwide. It is the most common musculoskeletal disorder with limited pain, muscle tension, and stiffness, and 70–80% of all individuals experience it once in their lifetime, with higher prevalence in women than in men. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gluteal muscle strengthening exercise- based core stabilization training (GSE-based CST) on pain, function, fear-avoidance patterns, and quality of life in patients with chronic back pain. Methods: This study included 34 patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Seventeen individuals each were included in GSE-based CST and control groups. The GSE-based CST group performed GSE and CST for 15 min, three times a week for four weeks, and the control group performed CST for 30 min a day, three times a week for four weeks. The numeric pain rating scale was used to evaluate pain before and after treatment, Roland–Morris disability questionnaire was used to evaluate function, fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire was used to evaluate fear-avoidance patterns, and quality of life was measured using the short form-36. Results: In this study, pain, function, and fear-avoidance pattern decreased significantly in both groups (All p < 0.05). During the evaluation of quality of life, both groups showed significant increase in physical and mental factors (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in pain and quality of life (p < 0.05) between the GSE-based CST and control groups. Conclusions: Therefore, GSE-based CST can be used as a basis for effective intervention to enhance pain, function, fear-avoidance patterns, and quality of life, emphasizing the need for gluteal muscle strengthening exercises in patients with non-specific chronic back pain in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)

16 pages, 1189 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Rehabilitation Robot Training on Physical Function, Functional Recovery, and Daily Living Activities in Patients with Sub-Acute Stroke

by Se-Young Kim, Mi-Young Lee and Byoung-Hee Lee

Medicina 2024, 60(5), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050811 - 15 May 2024

Viewed by 337

Abstract

Stroke often results in sensory deficits, muscular weakness, and diminished postural control, thereby restricting mobility and functional capabilities. It is important to promote neuroplasticity by implementing task-oriented exercises that induce changes in patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of rehabilitation [...] Read more.

Stroke often results in sensory deficits, muscular weakness, and diminished postural control, thereby restricting mobility and functional capabilities. It is important to promote neuroplasticity by implementing task-oriented exercises that induce changes in patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of rehabilitation robot training on physical function, functional recovery, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with subacute stroke. The study participants were patients with subacute stroke receiving treatment at Hospitals A and B. They were selected as research subjects based on selection and exclusion criteria. The experimental group received rehabilitation robot training in sessions of 30 min, five times weekly, for a total of 20 sessions over four weeks. Conversely, the control group underwent standard rehabilitation equipment training with an identical frequency, duration, and number of sessions. Measurements were taken before and after the training period to assess changes in physical function, functional recovery, and activities of daily living using tools such as the MMT, BBS, FBG, FAC, FIM, and MBI. The results were as follows: in the within-group comparison, the rehabilitation robot training group showed significant differences in MMT, BBS, FBG, FAC, FIM, and MBI (p < 0.05), while the control group showed significant differences in FIM (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in the time, group, and time × group interaction effects among the MMT, static seated FBG, dynamic seated FBG, FIM, and MBI (p < 0.05). Based on these results, rehabilitation robotic training resulted in significant improvements in physical function, functional recovery, and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke. Based on these findings, providing a basic protocol for a rehabilitation program that applies rehabilitation robot training to patients with subacute stroke may offer more effective treatment and outcomes in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)

12 pages, 272 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Physiotherapy on Dyspnea, Muscle Strength and Functional Status in Patients with Long COVID Syndrome

by Michail Michalas, Stefanos Katsaras, Stavroula Spetsioti, Dimitrios Spaggoulakis, Archontoula Antonoglou, Andreas Asimakos, Paraskevi Katsaounou and Anna Christakou

J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(5), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14050515 - 12 May 2024

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Abstract

Background: Patients who were infected with COVID-19 may experience Long COVID syndrome. We examined the effectiveness of physiotherapy on dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status in Long COVID syndrome. Methods: The exercise group underwent an 8-week supervised physiotherapeutic program consisting of interval aerobic [...] Read more.

Background: Patients who were infected with COVID-19 may experience Long COVID syndrome. We examined the effectiveness of physiotherapy on dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status in Long COVID syndrome. Methods: The exercise group underwent an 8-week supervised physiotherapeutic program consisting of interval aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises, each lasting 30 min. The control group did not engage in any exercise. Dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention in both groups. Results: No significant baseline differences were found between the two groups. The exercise group demonstrated improvements compared to baseline in dyspnea, quadriceps muscle strength, and functional status. Specifically, there was a significant increase of 3.7 lifts in the 60-s sit-to-stand test (p = 0.01), an increase of 5.86 kg in right quadriceps muscle strength (p = 0.03), an increase of 8.26 kg in left quadriceps muscle strength (p = 0.01), and a decrease in dyspnea score by 0.95 points (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Similar studies have reported improvements in dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status in the exercise group. However, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)

10 pages, 2968 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Taping on Wrist Spasticity, Strength, and Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Control Trial

by Kyoung-sim Jung, Jin-hwa Jung, Hwi-young Cho and Tae-sung In

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(8), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082229 - 12 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Objective: Six months after the onset of stroke, over 60% of patients experience upper limb dysfunction, with spasticity being a major contributor alongside muscle weakness. This study investigated the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with taping on wrist spasticity, strength, and [...] Read more.

Objective: Six months after the onset of stroke, over 60% of patients experience upper limb dysfunction, with spasticity being a major contributor alongside muscle weakness. This study investigated the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with taping on wrist spasticity, strength, and upper extremity function in patients with stroke. Methods: In total, 40 patients with stroke were included and randomly divided into two groups: the TENS + taping (n = 20, age 52.4 ± 9.3 (range: 39 to 70)) and TENS (n = 20, age 53.5 ± 10.8 (range: 39 to 74)) groups. All subjects performed 30 sessions of task-related training, which included 10 min of postural control training and 20 min of task performance. Additionally, all subjects received TENS on the spastic muscle belly for 30 min before task-related training. In the TENS + taping group, taping was additionally applied to the forearm and wrist but not in the TENS group. The Modified Ashworth Scale was used to measure spasticity, and a handheld dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength. The Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity was used to evaluate the functional ability of the upper extremity. Results: In the TENS + taping group, spasticity and upper extremity function were significantly improved as compared to those in the TENS group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in muscle strength was observed between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the combination of TENS and taping for spasticity and function of the upper extremity was more effective in relieving the spasticity than TENS alone. Therefore, we suggest this combination as an additional treatment for spasticity and function of the upper extremity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)

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13 pages, 1807 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation with Gastrocnemius Strengthening on Foot Morphology in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Yusik Choi, Sooyong Lee, Minhyuk Kim and Woonam Chang

Healthcare 2024, 12(7), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12070777 - 3 Apr 2024

Viewed by 643

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with gastrocnemius (GCM) strength exercise on foot morphology in patients with stroke. Herein, 31 patients with chronic stroke meeting the study criteria were enrolled and divided into two groups; 16 patients [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with gastrocnemius (GCM) strength exercise on foot morphology in patients with stroke. Herein, 31 patients with chronic stroke meeting the study criteria were enrolled and divided into two groups; 16 patients were randomized to the gastrocnemius neuromuscular electrical stimulation (GCMNMES) group, and 15 patients to the conventional neuromuscular electrical stimulation (CNMES) group. The GCMNMES group conducted GCM-strengthening exercise with NMES. CNMES group conducted NMES at paretic tibialis anterior muscle with ankle dorsiflexion movement. These patients underwent therapeutic interventions lasting 30 min/session, five times a week for 4 weeks. To analyze changes in foot morphology, 3D foot scanning was used, while a foot-pressure measurement device was used to evaluate foot pressure and weight-bearing area. In an intra-group comparison of 3D-foot-scanning results, the experimental group showed significant changes in longitudinal arch angle (p < 0.05), medial longitudinal arch angle (MLAA) (p < 0.01), transverse arch angle (TAA) (p < 0.01), rearfoot angle (RA) (p < 0.05), foot length (FL) (p < 0.05), foot width (FW) (p < 0.05), and arch height index (AHI) (p < 0.01) of the paretic side and in TAA (p < 0.05) and AHI (p < 0.05) of the non-paretic side. The CNMES group showed significant changes in TAA (p < 0.05) and FW (p < 0.05) of the paretic side and TAA (p < 0.05) and AHI (p < 0.05) of the non-paretic side. An inter-group comparison showed significant differences in MLAA (p < 0.05) and RA (p < 0.05) of the paretic side. In an intra-group comparison of foot pressure assessment, the experimental group showed significant differences in footprint area (FPA) (p < 0.05) of the paretic side and FPA symmetry (p < 0.05). The CNMES group showed a significant difference in only FPA symmetry (p < 0.05). An inter-group comparison showed no significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05). Thus, NMES with GCM-strengthening exercises yielded positive effects on foot morphology in patients with stroke. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)

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12 pages, 748 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Approach of Physiotherapists in the Management of Patients with Persistent Pain and Comorbid Anxiety/Depression: Are There Any Differences between Male and Female Professionals?

by Michele Chiesa, Gregorio Nicolini and Massimiliano Buoli

Medicina 2024, 60(2), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020292 - 8 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1082

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Chronic pain is a prevalent condition that is frequently complicated by mood and anxiety disorders. The purpose of the present article is to identify differences in the management of patients with chronic pain and anxiety/mood disorders depending on the [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Chronic pain is a prevalent condition that is frequently complicated by mood and anxiety disorders. The purpose of the present article is to identify differences in the management of patients with chronic pain and anxiety/mood disorders depending on the physiotherapists’ gender. Materials and Methods: An ad hoc questionnaire was developed and sent to 327 physiotherapists by e-mail. The two groups identified by gender were compared by unpaired-sample t tests for continuous variables and χ² tests for qualitative ones. A binary logistic regression was then performed with factors resulting as statistically significant in univariate analyses as independent variables and gender as a dependent one. Results: Female physiotherapists exhibited a higher level of confidence than male physiotherapists in administering continued physiotherapy for patients affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (p = 0.01), as well as for individuals who had previously engaged with a mental health professional (p = 0.01). Furthermore, female physiotherapists believed that pharmacotherapy was less associated with motor side effects (p < 0.01) and more frequently recognized the importance of training to identify affective disorders (p = 0.01) and the need for more education in mental health (p = 0.01). The binary logistic regression model confirmed that female professionals were less likely to work = freelance (p = 0.015) and were more confident in the receival of physiotherapy by patients with GAD (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Female physiotherapists compared to male ones seem to be more comfortable with patients affected by mental conditions and to be more aware of the need for training on mental health. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of the present study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)

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