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Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Sport and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 18567

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jorge Lorenzo Calvo

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Guest Editor

Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (INEF-Departamento de Deportes), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/Martín Fierro 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: physical training; neuromuscular training; blood flow restriction training; electroestimulation training; return to play

Prof. Dr. Alejandro San Juan Ferrer

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Guest Editor

Department of Health and Human Performance, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: sports biomechanics; injury prevention and treatment; fatigue; strength evaluation; biomechanics; physiology and exercise programs in chronic diseases (e.g., cancer); physical activity and ergonomics at work
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to present this Special Issue on “Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases”. Musculoskeletal acute injuries are a usual health problem worldwide. Generally, they occur during physical activity practice or physical daily activities, and they can affect both sexes and all age ranges (i.e., children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly). Early physiotherapy rehabilitation treatments (e.g., Cryotherapy, bandage, lymphatic drainage), could be crucial for an optimal recovery process. On the other side, chronic diseases (e.g., Cancer, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, metabolic diseases), needs a holistic approach to improve or maintain the level of health and quality of life of the patient. The physiotherapy interventions (e.g., Manual therapy, exercise programs, range of movement recovery), are an important part of this global treatment focused on the patient as a person. We hope that this Special Issue on “Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases” will be received by physiotherapy researchers as a good chance for publishing their results. We encourage you to send work focused on physiotherapy techniques to improve patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries or chronic diseases.

Prof. Dr. Jorge Lorenzo Calvo
Prof. Dr. Alejandro San Juan Ferrer
Guest Editors

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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 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 2500 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

injury
strain
fracture
sprain
luxation
physiotherapy
physical therapy
rehabilitation
chronic disease
manual therapy
bandage
exercise program
balance skills
cancer
cardiovascular disease
pulmonary disease
metabolic disease
neuromuscular training
blood flow restriction training
neuromuscular electrostimulation

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Running Impact on Different Surfaces for Injury Prevention

by Amelia Ferro-Sánchez, Adrián Martín-Castellanos, Alfonso de la Rubia, Abraham García-Aliaga, Mónica Hontoria-Galán and Moisés Marquina

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(14), 6405; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146405 - 20 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2619

Abstract

The impact that occurs on the runner’s foot when it lands on the ground depends on numerous factors: footwear, running technique, foot strike and landing pattern, among others. However, the surface is a decisive factor that can be selected by the runner to improve their sports practice, thereby avoiding injuries. This study aimed to assess the number and magnitude of accelerations in impact (produced by the runner when their foot strikes the ground) on three different surfaces (grass, synthetic track, and concrete) in order to know how to prevent injuries. Thirty amateur runners (age 22.6 ± 2.43 years) participated in the study. They had to run consecutively on three different surfaces at the same speed, with a three axis-accelerometer placed on the sacrum and wearing their own shoes. The results showed that the running impacts differed based on the type of surface. Higher mean acceleration (MA) and mean peak acceleration (PA) in the impacts were observed on concrete compared to the other two surfaces. There were small differences for MA: 1.35 ± 0.1 g (concrete) vs. 1.30 ± 0.1 g (synthetic track) SD: 0.43 (0.33, 0.54) and 1.30 ± 0.1 g (grass) SD: 0.36 (0.25, 0.46), and small differences for PA: 3.90 ± 0.55 g (concrete) vs. 3.68 ± 0.45 g (synthetic track) SD 0.42 (0.21, 0.64) and 3.76 ± 0.48 g (grass) SD 0.27 (0.05, 0.48), implying that greater impacts were produced on concrete compared to synthetic track and grass. The number of peaks of 4 to 5 g of total acceleration was greater for concrete, showing small differences from synthetic track: SD 0.23 (−0.45, 0.9). Additionally, the number of steps was higher on synthetic track (34.90 ± 2.67), and small differences were shown compared with concrete (33.37 ± 2.95) SD 0.30 (−0.25, 0.85) and with grass (35.60 ± 3.94) SD 0.36 (−0.19, 0.91). These results may indicate a change in technique based on the terrain. Given the increasing popularity of running, participants must be trained to withstand the accelerations in impact that occur on different surfaces in order to prevent injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases)

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10 pages, 892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low Back Pain in Cycling. Are There Differences between Road and Mountain Biking?

by Gerson Garrosa-Martín, Carlos Alberto Muniesa, Juan José Molina-Martín and Ignacio Diez-Vega

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3791; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053791 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1779

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is known to affect cyclists. This study aimed to describe perceived lumbar dysfunction and compare the pain sensation in recreational cyclists who practice road and mountain biking. Forty males were randomly assigned to carry out a 3-h road cycling (RC) and mountain biking (MTB) time trial (TT) at submaximal intensity. LBP and pain pressure threshold (PPT) were measured before and after the TT. A significant increment at the LBP was found after RC TT (p < 0.001; d = 2.61), similar to MTB TT (p < 0.001; d = 2.65). However, PPT decreased after completing the RC TT (p < 0.001; d = 1.73) and after MTB TT (p = 0.024; d = 0.77). There were no differences in the LBP evolution between both interventions (p > 0.01). Low back pain perception increases with cycling in recreational cyclists. Nevertheless, this increase appears to be more related to the traits of the cyclist than the modality practiced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases)

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12 pages, 2051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Effects of Percussive Massage Therapy on Thoracolumbar Fascia Thickness and Ultrasound Echo Intensity in Healthy Male Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Chao Yang, Xingyu Huang, Ying Li, Wiraphong Sucharit, Patpiya Sirasaporn and Wichai Eungpinichpong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021073 - 7 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2728

Abstract

Percussive massage therapy (PT) has been widely used by therapists and the fitness population to treat myofascial-related conditions. However, there is no evidence to confirm the effects of PT on the fascia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PT on thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) morphology and other related outcomes. Methods: Sixty-six healthy males participated and were randomly allocated into a percussive massage group (PT group) and a control group. The PT group received 15 min of back percussion massage, while the control group rested prone lying in the same environment for 15 min. Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) thickness and echo intensity, perceived stiffness, lumbar flexibility, and skin temperature were measured in both groups before and immediately after the intervention. Result: TLF thickness and lumbar flexibility did not change when compared in the two groups. However, the echo intensity (left side, difference −3.36, 95% CI −5.1 to −1.6; right side, difference −4.39, 95% CI −6.1 to −2.7) and perceived stiffness (difference, −1.18, 95% CI −1.84 to −0.52) in the TLF region were significantly lower in the PT group than in the control group and were accompanied by increased skin temperature (difference 0.29, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.48). Conclusion: We suggest that a 15 min PT with 30 Hz on the back region could reduce TLF echo intensity and perceived stiffness and increase skin temperature in healthy men individual. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases)

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11 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correspondence and Concordance of Retrospective and Concurrent Responses to Physiotherapists and Sport Psychology Questionnaire Items

by Ashlee E. Groover, Britton W. Brewer, Daniel M. Smith, Judy L. Van Raalte and Christine N. May

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095106 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1379

Abstract

Orthopedic and sport-related injuries are a major public health concern and a common reason for referral to physical therapy. The use of psychological techniques by physical therapists has been assessed in research studies primarily with retrospective self-report questionnaires that have not been validated against concurrent assessments of the same behaviors. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the results obtained from physical therapists’ retrospective self-reports of their use of psychological techniques reflect their use of the techniques assessed concurrently. Physical therapists (N = 14) completed the Physiotherapists and Sport Psychology Questionnaire (PSPQ) at the beginning of this study and a checklist based on the PSPQ at the end of the sessions with patients (N = 306). Patients also completed the checklist at the end of the sessions. Across 12 psychological techniques, the physical therapists’ retrospective (PSPQ) responses showed relatively weak correspondence (mean r = 0.31) and poor concordance with their concurrent (checklist) responses. Compared to the physical therapists’ checklist responses, the patients’ checklist responses showed weaker correspondence (mean r = 0.03) and better concordance with the physical therapists’ PSPQ responses. The findings suggest that retrospective self-reports may not accurately reflect the use of psychological techniques by physical therapists and, consequently, that physical therapists should consider documenting their use of psychological techniques as close to their implementation as possible. Suggestions for improved assessment are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases)

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Review

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17 pages, 615 KiB

Open AccessReview

Does Physical Exercise Enhance the Immune Response after Vaccination? A Systematic Review for Clinical Indications of COVID-19 Vaccine

by Luca Barni, Elio Carrasco-Vega, Matteo Olivieri, Alejandro Galán-Mercant, Serena Guiducci, Felice Picariello and Manuel González-Sánchez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065183 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2623

Abstract

Background: Stimulating protective immunity with vaccines appears to be the most promising option for providing widespread moderate to high protection against COVID-19 in people over the age of 18. Regular exercise improves the immune response, transmitting possible benefits against virus infections. The aim of this review is to study the effects of physical activity on vaccine injections, helping to develop new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Methods: A comprehensive review of the existing literature was undertaken using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The internal quality of the studies was assessed according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The outcomes analyzed were antibody titer, the level of lymphocytes CD4, CD8, InterLeukin 6 (IL6), leukocytes level, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for overall pain rating, arm and forearm circumferences and volume of oxygen (VO2) peak. Results: Fourteen articles were selected for the analysis. The majority of studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT) (n = 8) and controlled trials (CT) (n = 6). According to PEDro, the ‘fair’ category (n = 7) was the most represented, followed by ‘good’ (n = 6) and ‘excellent’ (n = 1). Physical training showed a positive effect on antibody titers of the vaccine; yet, different variables seem to influence antibody titers: higher new vs. old antigen in the vaccine, higher in younger vs. older individuals, and higher in females vs. males. After exercise, when analyzing variables of direct response to the vaccine, such as the amount of CD4, IL-6 and leukocytes, higher levels were observed in the patients who performed physical exercise compared to the control group. In the same way, better results were observed in physiological variables such as VO2 and limb circumferences, or subjective variables such as pain, which showed better results than the control group. Conclusions: The immune response (antibody titers) depends on age, gender and the intensity of physical activity: long-term protocols at moderate intensity are the most recommended. All of these aspects also have to be carefully considered for the COVID-19 vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases)

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25 pages, 1450 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction on Functionality, Quality of Life and Pain in Patients with Neuromusculoskeletal Pathologies: A Systematic Review

by Álvaro Jesús Reina-Ruiz, Jesús Martínez-Cal, Guadalupe Molina-Torres, Rita-Pilar Romero-Galisteo, Alejandro Galán-Mercant, Elio Carrasco-Vega and Manuel González-Sánchez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1401; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021401 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2780

Abstract

Background: Blood flow restriction is characterized as a method used during exercise at low loads of around 20–40% of a repetition maximum, or at a low-moderate intensity of aerobic exercise, in which cuffs that occlude the proximal part of the extremities can partially reduce arterial flow and fully restrict the venous flow of the musculature in order to achieve the same benefits as high-load exercise. Objective: The main objective of this systematic literature review was to analyze the effects of BFR intervention on pain, functionality, and quality of life in subjects with neuromusculoskeletal pathologies. Methods: The search to carry out was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, PEDro, CINHAL, SPORTDiscus, Trip Medical Database, and Scopus: “kaatsu” OR “ischemic training” OR “blood flow restriction” OR “occlusion resistance training” OR “vascular occlusion” OR “vascular restriction”. Results: After identifying 486 papers and eliminating 175 of them due to duplication and 261 after reading the title and abstract, 50 papers were selected. Of all the selected articles, 28 were excluded for not presenting a score equal to or higher than 6 points on the PEDro scale and 8 for not analyzing the target outcome variables. Finally, 14 papers were selected for this systematic review. Conclusions: The data collected indicate that the blood flow restriction tool is a therapeutic alternative due to its effectiveness under different exercise modalities. The benefits found include decreases in pain thresholds and improvement in the functionality and quality of life of the neuro-musculoskeletal patient during the first six weeks. However, the results provided by this tool are still not clear for medium- and long-term interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases)

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23 pages, 1233 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Exercise Programs on Physical Factors and Safety in Adult Patients with Cancer and Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review

by Erica Morales-Rodriguez, Txomin Pérez-Bilbao, Alejandro F. San Juan and Jorge Lorenzo Calvo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1288; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031288 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3675

Abstract

This study looks at the effects of exercise programs on physical factors and safety in adult patients with cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases (from inception to 26 August 2021). A review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, based, in turn, on the Delphi list. A total of 25 randomized controlled trials studies were included, comprising 1434 patients. The most significant result of this systematic review is that exercise program interventions are safe and produce positive changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and the functional mobility-state in adult patients with cancer and HSCT or BMT. Only 3 patients from the 711 participants in the exercise interventions (i.e., 0.42%) reported adverse events related to exercise interventions. Moreover, exercise training programs may have a cardiological and muscular protective effect, as well as a healthy effect on the prevention and control of transplant complications, improving health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Physiotherapy: Treatment for Acute Musculoskeletal Injury and Chronic Diseases)

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