Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity covers not just sports but also simple everyday movements, such as housework, walking, and playing. Regular exercise has a great importance in maintaining good health: “Mens sana in corpore sano”. Indeed, inactivity is a risk factor for different chronic diseases. Physical exercise can play a crucial role in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, optimizing both physical and mental health, decreasing fatigue, and improving sleep. An exercise program for patients with musculoskeletal disorders aims to preserve or restore a range of motion of the affected joints, enhancing bone turnover, increase functional joint stability, increase muscle strength and endurance, improve balance, reduce pain, and decrease health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, physical activity is a good way to socialize and improve mood, and it is an excellent antistress agent. The benefits of exercise on physical limitations and fatigue in musculoskeletal disorders seem to have both short- and long-term effectiveness. This Special Issue will focus on the “Role of Exercises in Musculoskeletal Disorders”. Original papers and review articles are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Musumeci
Guest Editor

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Keywords

musculoskeletal disorders;
physical activity;
exercises;
sport medicine;
rehabilitation;
osteoarthtritis;
fatigue, pain, and balance;
muscle strength and endurance;
joint stability;
rheumatic diseases.

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

8 pages, 512 KiB

Open AccessReview

Concussion in Sports

by Giuseppe Musumeci, Silvia Ravalli, Angela Maria Amorini and Giuseppe Lazzarino

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2019, 4(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk4020037 - 19 Jun 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 15300

Abstract

Concussion, a peculiar type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is an injury frequently encountered in various contact and noncontact sports, such as boxing, martial arts, American football, rugby, soccer, ice hockey, horse riding, and alpine skiing. Concussion occurs anytime external forces of specific intensities provoke acceleration–deceleration of the brain, and it is characterized by the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurologic functions, spontaneously resolving within weeks, persisting for longer times only in a small percentage of cases. A wide range of molecular alterations, including mitochondrial dysfunction, energy deficit, and gene and protein expression changes, is triggered by concussion and lasts longer than clinical symptoms. In recent years, concussion has become a primary issue of discussion among sports medicine professionals, athletes, media, and sports sponsors in relation to athletes’ return to play, after a concussion. Continued improvement in prevention and management of concussed athletes requires extensive research from different disciplines. Research work needs to focus on both prevention and management. Researchers and clinicians’ efforts should be dedicated to a better understanding of the molecular changes occurring in the post-concussed brain and to clearly define healing after concussion for a safe return of athletes to play. It is essential for sports medicine professionals to stay informed about the advances in understanding concussions and how to rehabilitate each single player who sustained a concussion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Exercises in Musculoskeletal Disorders—2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 1693 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Elbow Osteoarthritis

by Silvia Ravalli, Carmelo Pulici, Stefano Binetti, Alessandra Aglieco, Michele Vecchio and Giuseppe Musumeci

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2019, 4(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk4020030 - 29 May 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6424

Abstract

The elbow joint could be associated with degenerative processes of primary and post-traumatic aetiology. Among these, osteoarthritis may also be secondary to repeated use as well as trauma. Pain, discomfort and progressive loss of functionality are common signs of this condition. The evaluation of elbow osteoarthritis should comprise an in-depth study to detect the primary cause of the illness and to facilitate the decision-making process regarding personalized treatment. Discordance between clinical manifestations and radiological findings is common. Conservative approaches may provide symptomatic relief in the early stages of disease for most patients. The goal of the treatment is to reduce pain and ensure an adequate range of motion and proper functioning of the joint while preserving the anatomical structure, to postpone elbow arthroplasty interventions for as long as possible. According to treatment guidelines, surgery should be considered depending on aetiology and severity, patient age, and functional demands. This narrative review aims to investigate the current literature regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of primary and post-traumatic arthritis of the elbow. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Exercises in Musculoskeletal Disorders—2nd Edition)

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