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Recent Advances in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 July 2025 | Viewed by 12331

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physiotherapy Department, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
Interests: exercise prescription; prevention; biomechanics; physiotherapy assessment methods

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physiotherapy Department, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
Interests: exercise science; movement analysis; sarcopenia; geriatric assessmen; musculoskeletal rehabilitation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical exercise has evolved from its traditional domain of sports performance enhancement and health promotion into a keystone method for preventive and therapeutic purposes across various pathological conditions. Increasing evidence supports exercise-based rehabilitation (EBR) for acute and chronic injuries, as well as pathologies beyond the traditional musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory focus. Those include cancer, hemodialysis, gynecology, gerontology, mental health, etc. Sophisticated exercise programs keep evolving in light of recent scientific advances and technological novelties, with new methods and equipment being introduced for physical performance monitoring and enhancement. Those novel means and methods comprise the context of the current Special Issue addressed to the modern multidisciplinary rehabilitation team.

Prof. Dr. Elias Tsepis
Dr. Maria Tsekoura
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • exercise therapy
  • therapeutic exercise
  • kinesiotherapy
  • tele-rehab
  • rehabilitation technology

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 582 KiB  
Article
Barriers and Facilitators for Therapeutic Green Exercise in Patients with Chronic Conditions: A Qualitative Focus Group Study
by Aristi Tsokani, Theodoros Dimopoulos, Evangelos Vourazanis, Nikolaos Strimpakos, Evdokia Billis, Garyfallia Pepera and Eleni Kapreli
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10077; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810077 - 7 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2607
Abstract
Background: Exercise has indisputable advantages for people with chronic conditions. Engaging in physical activity within natural environments, known as green exercise, contributes to both physical and mental well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of people with chronic conditions [...] Read more.
Background: Exercise has indisputable advantages for people with chronic conditions. Engaging in physical activity within natural environments, known as green exercise, contributes to both physical and mental well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of people with chronic conditions and health professionals and the perceived facilitators and barriers to therapeutic green exercise. Methods: This was a qualitative study based on two focus groups. Ethical approval was received, and a thematic analysis was used to analyze the discussions. Results: Seven patients and eight health professionals participated in the study. The thematic analysis yielded thirteen main themes. Safety concerns and inadequate infrastructures were key barriers. Core facilitators were socialization, and multisensory exposure. Conclusions: Patients with chronic conditions and health professionals believe that green exercise improves physical activity engagement, and it would be beneficial if incorporated in the rehabilitation process. There are challenges to overcome to make therapeutic green exercise for people with chronic conditions more accessible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation)
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18 pages, 913 KiB  
Article
Impact of Exercise Guidance Timing on Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Pilot Study
by Sofia Lampropoulou, Anthi Kellari and Vasiliki Sakellari
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9526; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179526 - 23 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1470
Abstract
Guidance through an exercise program improves balance and gait in older adults, but the efficacy of the timing these are given is unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of guidance delivery time on balance, gait, falls, and cognitive [...] Read more.
Guidance through an exercise program improves balance and gait in older adults, but the efficacy of the timing these are given is unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of guidance delivery time on balance, gait, falls, and cognitive functions. In a single (participants)-blinded clinical trial, a convenient sample of 24 older adults (aged 74 ± 6 years) were separated in two age-matched groups, both of which received a progressive 12-week Otago Exercise Program (OEP) for strength and balance. Group 1 received visual and verbal guidance before the performance of each of the exercises, while group 2 received the visual and verbal guidance only synchronously with the exercises. Balance, gait, fear of falling, and cognitive function were evaluated at baseline, week 6, and week 12 of the program. Fall incidence and exercise adherence were also documented. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were revealed in all assessed variables post intervention, regardless of the guidance delivery time. Only the mental function and the adherence to the exercise tended to be better when the guidance was given in advance of the exercise execution, but further studies of a bigger sample size and with a control group should be conducted before safe conclusions are extracted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation)
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Review

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30 pages, 1105 KiB  
Review
A Strong Core for a Strong Recovery: A Scoping Review of Methods to Improve Trunk Control and Core Stability of People with Different Neurological Conditions
by Giorgia Marchesi, Greta Arena, Alice Parey, Alice De Luca, Maura Casadio, Camilla Pierella and Valentina Squeri
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4889; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114889 - 5 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3025
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this scoping review is to provide valuable insights for clinicians and researchers for designing rehabilitative interventions targeting the trunk and core for individuals who have experienced traumatic events, such as stroke or spinal cord injury, or are grappling with [...] Read more.
Objective: The purpose of this scoping review is to provide valuable insights for clinicians and researchers for designing rehabilitative interventions targeting the trunk and core for individuals who have experienced traumatic events, such as stroke or spinal cord injury, or are grappling with neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. We investigated training methods used to enhance balance, trunk control, and core stability. Methods: We conducted an extensive literature search across several electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and IEEE Xplore. Results: A total of 109 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The results shed light on the diversity of rehabilitation methods that target the trunk and core. These methods have demonstrated effectiveness in improving various outcomes, including balance, trunk control, gait, the management of trunk muscles, overall independence, and individuals’ quality of life. Conclusions: Our scoping review provides an overview on the methods and technologies employed in trunk rehabilitation and core strengthening, offering insights into the added value of core training and specific robotic training, focusing on the importance of different types of feedback to enhance training effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation)
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Other

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22 pages, 738 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise with Biofeedback in Women with Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review
by Aikaterini Evangelia Matsi, Evdokia Billis, Sofia Lampropoulou, Sofia A. Xergia, Maria Tsekoura and Konstantinos Fousekis
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(23), 12743; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312743 - 28 Nov 2023
Viewed by 4183
Abstract
Urinary incontinence affects approximately 200 million people worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training with biofeedback (BF) in women with urinary incontinence in comparison to PFM training alone. The primary outcome was PFM [...] Read more.
Urinary incontinence affects approximately 200 million people worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training with biofeedback (BF) in women with urinary incontinence in comparison to PFM training alone. The primary outcome was PFM strength with secondary outcomes being the severity of incontinence, other PFM parameters, quality of life (QoL), social life, satisfaction and adherence to treatment. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2005 to 2023 in PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched and evaluated with the PEDro scale. Nine moderate and two high methodological quality RCTs were selected. There was a statistically significant improvement in all parameters. In five studies, muscle strength and the severity of incontinence were statistically better in the BF group compared to the non-BF group. In most studies, no differences were found for QoL and social life between the groups. For adherence to treatment, the results were ambiguous. Τhe remaining variables (endurance, precontraction, function, adherence and satisfaction) had few studies to support the results. There was moderate level evidence that the group utilizing PFM exercises with BF showed significant improvements in the management of urinary incontinence. Concerning muscle strength and the severity of incontinence, findings were inconclusive, as only in some studies the results were statistically better in the BF group compared to the non-BF group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation)
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