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Current Status and Perspectives in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
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Current Status and Perspectives in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 9291

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Elena Amaricai

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Guest Editor
Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
Interests: rehabilitation medicine; musculoskeletal disorders; clinical rheumatology; physical therapy; pediatric rehabilitation; quality of life research; kinesiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, there has been continuous progress in what concerns both assessment and therapy. Modern technologies (assistive technologies, virtual motion, robotic-assisted systems or interactive wearable systems) are a part of nowadays medicine. With the increase in access to medical services, people suffering from pathologies that cause disabilities (stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases, posttraumatic conditions, etc.) should benefit from rehabilitation treatment. Physical medicine and rehabilitation are addressed to all age groups; preterm children with neuromotor developmental disorders, as well as elderly patients suffering from different pathologies (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurologic) are addressed to rehabilitation. In order to treat people with disabilities there is a need for both modern equipment and specialized personnel (physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist).

Dr. Elena Amaricai
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • assessment
  • disability
  • functioning
  • quality of life
  • robotic therapy
  • virtual reality
  • assistive technologies
  • telerehabilitation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2806 KiB  
Article
Can Robotic Therapy Improve Performance in Activities of Daily Living? A Randomized Controlled Trial in Sub-Acute Spinal Cord Injured Patients
by Vicente Lozano-Berrio, Mónica Alcobendas-Maestro, Raquel Perales-Gómez, Yolanda Pérez-Borrego, Angel Gil-Agudo, Begoña Polonio-López, Camilo Cortés and Ana de los Reyes-Guzmán
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8478; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188478 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 427
Abstract
(1) Background: The influence of robotic therapy on patients with sub-acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) for improving their activities of daily living (ADL) performance is unclear; (2) Methods: 31 subjects with cervical SCI completed the training randomly assigned to an intervention or [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The influence of robotic therapy on patients with sub-acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) for improving their activities of daily living (ADL) performance is unclear; (2) Methods: 31 subjects with cervical SCI completed the training randomly assigned to an intervention or control group during 40 sessions. All the subjects received, in each session, 30 min of upper-extremity conventional therapy. In addition, the subjects within the control group received another 30 min of conventional therapy, whereas subjects within the intervention group received 30 min of robotic therapy with Armeo Spring (Hocoma AG, Volketswil, Switzerland). Therefore, the ADL of drinking was trained by using the exoskeleton. Feasibility and efficacy measurements as clinical scales and kinematic indices, and usability questionnaires, were used as assessment at baseline and at the ending of the study (week 10); (3) Results: The intervention group significantly improved with regards to the feeding and grooming items of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure scale. The improvement in the movement smoothness related to the activity of drinking was greater in the intervention group than in the control (p = 0.034); (4) Conclusions: The findings of this study reveal that patients with cervical SCI improve their performance in ADL with robotic therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Perspectives in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine)
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12 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Spanish Version of the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS-E)
by Eva A. Gómez-Calcerrada-García-Navas, Adrián Arranz-Escudero, Juan Izquierdo-García, María Briones-Cantero, Francisco Molina-Rueda and Patricia Martín-Casas
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6963; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166963 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 682
Abstract
Background. Assessing the patient’s perceived body image is essential to measure the impact of lower limb amputation on quality of life and psychological well-being. Objective. The aim of this study was to develop a Spanish version of the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS-E) [...] Read more.
Background. Assessing the patient’s perceived body image is essential to measure the impact of lower limb amputation on quality of life and psychological well-being. Objective. The aim of this study was to develop a Spanish version of the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS-E) for Spanish-speaking lower limb amputees. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted including amputee patients in Madrid, Spain. Clinical outcomes of body image (Amputee Body Image Scale, ABIS), health-related quality of life (EuroQol-5D-5L), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), pain (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, BPI-SF), and functional capacity (Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire, PEQ) were collected. Results. Seventy-three participants were assessed. Excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.847) and good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.753) were obtained. Factor analyses extracted three factors. Convergent validity with Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated for depression and anxiety questionnaires (HADS) (values between 0.57 and 0.67), functional capacity (PEQ) (values between −0.35 and 0.71), and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) (values between −0.37 and 0.61). Conclusions. The ABIS-E is a reliable and valid instrument to measure body image in the Spanish population with lower limb amputation, potentially useful in primary care to identify psychosocial problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Perspectives in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine)
18 pages, 1001 KiB  
Article
Determining the Algorithm of Rehabilitation Procedures in Patients with Brachial Plexus Injuries Based on the Prospective Single-Centre Clinical Neurophysiology Studies: Preliminary Results
by Kinga Lewczuk, Agnieszka Wiertel-Krawczuk and Juliusz Huber
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2395; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062395 - 12 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1017
Abstract
The clinical neurophysiological tests allow us to determine the type, extent, and nature of brachial plexus damage. They are crucial in decision making regarding surgical procedures or conservative treatment. This report aimed to present an algorithm for rehabilitation procedures in patients with brachial [...] Read more.
The clinical neurophysiological tests allow us to determine the type, extent, and nature of brachial plexus damage. They are crucial in decision making regarding surgical procedures or conservative treatment. This report aimed to present an algorithm for rehabilitation procedures in patients with brachial plexus injury of various origins based on the results of neurophysiology findings for the selection of procedures supporting the process of nerve and muscle regeneration. The research group consisted of patients whose medical documentation was analysed concerning the reason, level, and localization of damage to the brachial plexus structures, surgical and or rehabilitative treatment, as well as the MRI results. Among the group of fourteen patients, the clinical studies showed the greatest incidence of brachial plexus injuries of the mixed (both pre- and postganglionic), all trunks, and cervical root injuries, respectively. Results of the motor evoked potentials (MEP) and electroneurography (ENG) recordings induced at levels of spinal roots and Erb’s point showed a decrease of more than 40% in amplitudes on the symptomatic side in comparison to the asymptomatic side. This diffeence was recorded for the axillary and radial innervation and the C5, C6, and C7 root domains, ranging from 57% to 66%; the lowest decrease was recorded following electrical stimulation at Erb’s point for the ulnar nerve (34%). The latency prolongation on the symptomatic side in CMAP and MEP tests ranged from 0.2 to 1.7 ms, with the most following magnetic stimulation of the C5 cervical root for the axillary innervation. Most of the results indicated the axonotmesis and neuropraxia type of injury in motor fibers (40%) confirmed by EMG results. The sensory conduction studies (SNCS) in distal nerve branches did not confirm the severe advancement of the brachial plexus injury (63%). The proposed algorithm of the physiotherapeutic procedures should be mainly targeted for recovery of motor dysfunction as the consequence of brachial plexus injury. Rehabilitation should incorporate the treatment supporting nerve regeneration, muscle strengthening, and maintaining functional ranges of motion of the injured extremities. The rehabilitation treatment for patients with brachial plexus injuries is an individualised process, and the selection of procedures and the effectiveness of the treatment undertaken should be confronted with results of neurophysiological tests verifying the motor neural transmission from the level of the cervical motor centre to the effector, peripheral nerve function, and muscle’s motor unit activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Perspectives in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine)
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15 pages, 4222 KiB  
Article
Development of an Application That Implements a Brain–Computer Interface to an Upper-Limb Motor Assistance Robot to Facilitate Active Exercise in Patients: A Feasibility Study
by Tadashi Yamamoto and Toyohiro Hamaguchi
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9979; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179979 - 4 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1327
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a brain robot in rehabilitation that combines motor imagery (MI), robotic motor assistance, and electrical stimulation. Thirteen in-patients with severe post-stroke hemiplegia underwent electroencephalography (EEG), measured according to the international 10–20 method, during [...] Read more.
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a brain robot in rehabilitation that combines motor imagery (MI), robotic motor assistance, and electrical stimulation. Thirteen in-patients with severe post-stroke hemiplegia underwent electroencephalography (EEG), measured according to the international 10–20 method, during MI. The dicephalus robotic system (DiC) was activated by detecting event-related desynchronization (ERD) using the Markov switching model (MSM) and relative power (RP) from the EEG of the motor cortex (C3 and C4). The reaction times (the time between ERD detection and DiC activation) of the MSM and RP were compared using Wilcoxon’s signed rank sum test. ERD was detected in all 13 and 12 patients with the MSM and RP, respectively. The DiC reaction time for the ERD detection process was significantly shorter for the MSM (13.02 ± 0.16 s) than for the RP (19.95 ± 7.45 s) (W = 9, p = 0.0037). The results of this study suggest that ERD responses can be detected in the motor cortex during MI in patients with severe upper-extremity paralysis; the MSM is more effective than the RP in detecting ERD when the EEG signal is used as a switch to activate the robot, and the reaction time to detect the signal is shorter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Perspectives in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine)
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13 pages, 12310 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Individualized and Group Physical Exercise Programs in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study
by Himena Adela Zippenfening, Elena Amaricai and Maria Raluca Raducan
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(15), 8962; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13158962 - 4 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1731
Abstract
The objective was to assess physical exercise programs (individualized and group) targeting postural correction in Parkinson’s disease patients. A total of 29 Parkinson’s disease patients performed an individualized (12 patients) or group exercise program (17 patients) for 6 months. After 6 months of [...] Read more.
The objective was to assess physical exercise programs (individualized and group) targeting postural correction in Parkinson’s disease patients. A total of 29 Parkinson’s disease patients performed an individualized (12 patients) or group exercise program (17 patients) for 6 months. After 6 months of therapy, all patients received a self-made questionnaire that assessed the benefits of exercise programs for their health status and the compliance to therapy. Patients also completed the Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) questionnaire (patients’ section) at the inclusion in the study and after 6 months. All patients considered that the physical exercise program had benefits and was important for their functioning and health status. There were no significant differences in what concerns the mental and physical status during the physical exercise program, and the improvement in quality of life after physical exercise program in the two groups. After the 6 month physical exercise program, a significantly improved functional status was recorded in both groups (MDS-UPDRS scores for individualized therapy: 1.90 ± 1.05 vs. 2.30 ± 1.04, p = 0.001; for group therapy: 1.79 ± 0.85 vs. 2.13 ± 1.02, p = 0.005). The proposed questionnaire for assessment of physical exercise programs for patients with Parkinson’s disease represents a valuable and easy-to-use tool. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Perspectives in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine)
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13 pages, 4854 KiB  
Article
Myotonometry in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: Assessment of Pre and Post Treatment through Comparisons with Healthy Controls
by Himena Adela Zippenfening, Elena Amaricai, Marius Lupsa Matichescu, Marius Militaru and Mihaela Simu
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6164; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106164 - 17 May 2023
Viewed by 1489
Abstract
The study aims to assess the myotonometer parameters of major pectoralis, biceps brachialis, femoral biceps and anterior tibialis in patients with Parkinson’s disease before and after medical treatment using comparisons with healthy controls. A total of 49 patients with Parkinson’s disease (69.76 ± [...] Read more.
The study aims to assess the myotonometer parameters of major pectoralis, biceps brachialis, femoral biceps and anterior tibialis in patients with Parkinson’s disease before and after medical treatment using comparisons with healthy controls. A total of 49 patients with Parkinson’s disease (69.76 ± 6.39 years) and 42 healthy controls (60.48 ± 7.62 years) were tested using MyotonPRO before and one hour after drug administration. Five parameters were recorded (frequency [Hz], stiffness [N/m], decrement, relaxation [ms] and creep). At pre-treatment assessment, significantly increased values of myotonometer parameters were recorded for major pectoralis and biceps brachialis, with the exception of decrement. Frequency and decrement were significantly higher in patients’ femoral biceps and anterior tibialis. For all assessed muscles, frequency was significantly higher in Parkinson’s disease patients one hour after medication intake. Stiffness, relaxation and creep had increased values in major pectoralis. For the lower limb muscles, decrement had greater values. We concluded that there were no significant differences of major pectoralis and biceps brachialis elasticity between patients with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls pre and post drug administration, with improved viscoelastic properties of biceps brachialis after medication. After drug administration, no significant differences of femoral biceps and anterior tibialis stiffness were noted between patients and controls. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Perspectives in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine)
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10 pages, 562 KiB  
Communication
Clinic-Electrophysiologic Correlations in Rehabilitation of Adult Patients with Traumatic Brachial Plexus Lesions
by Dan Trofin, Daniela-Viorelia Matei, Daniela Marilena Trofin, Ilie Onu, Daniel Andrei Iordan and Teodor Stamate
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5679; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095679 - 5 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1644
Abstract
Nerve-transfer surgery is the treatment of choice for traumatic brachial plexus injuries (tBPIs). Combined electromyography (EMG) follow-ups and results obtained by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may provide useful follow-up of rehabilitation outcomes of elbow flexion in C5-C7 tBPIs. A total of 11 patients [...] Read more.
Nerve-transfer surgery is the treatment of choice for traumatic brachial plexus injuries (tBPIs). Combined electromyography (EMG) follow-ups and results obtained by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may provide useful follow-up of rehabilitation outcomes of elbow flexion in C5-C7 tBPIs. A total of 11 patients with complex tBPIs, operated by the Oberlin surgical technique, were assessed clinically (British Medical Research Council’s score—MRC) and by EMG + TMS after undergoing neuromuscular electrical stimulation and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Dynamometer quantitative muscle strength (DQMS) was also assessed for overall grip strength evaluation. Six patients continued rehabilitation three times a week, whereas five patients did not follow recommendations for continuous physical therapy (PT). All patients were assessed after 6 months as planned. Following a 6-month PT protocol, clinical improvements correlated with decreases of the Motor Evoked Potential (MEP) latency recorded at the first dorsal interosseous muscle, biceps brachii, and cortical level in the sublot group with continuous PT protocol compliance. We obtained significant amelioration of MEP latency and needle EMG signs of amelioration in these six patients. These cases also correlated to the MRC improvement in elbow flexion, as well as DQMS parameters. TMS parameters also mildly and inconstantly improved in the other five patients who limited themselves just to PT after surgery; however, there was no correlation with the EMG findings or MRC scaling. PT influences the cortical representation within the motor area of the upper limb when performed continuously. The electrical signals within the motor cortex promote the utility adherence to long-term PT protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Perspectives in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Current Evidence of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions
Author: Vutan
Highlights: * extracorporeally generated shock waves are used today as a pain relief modality for various musculoskeletal conditions including calcifying tendonitis, epicondylitis, frozen shoulder, sacroiliac joint pain, low back pain, knee tendinopathies, Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis * this form of treatment with various clinical applications has the potential to become a new routine modality used by physical therapists

Title: Robotic therapy enhances the performance of activities of daily living: a randomized controlled trial in sub-acute Spinal Cord injured subjects
Authors: Vicente Lozano-Berrio; Mónica Alcobendas-Maestro; Raquel Perales-Gómez; Yolanda Pérez-Borrego; Angel Gil-Agudo; Begoña Polonio-López; Camilo Cortés; Ana delosReyes-Guzmán
Affiliation: Biomechanics and Technical Aids Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Finca La Peraleda s/n CP 45071, 14507 Toledo, Spain
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the use of Armeo Spring (Hocoma AG, Switzerland) device as a physical therapy tool in sub-acute cervical patients for improving activities of daily living performance. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Patients: 31 subjects with cervical Spinal Cord injury completed the training randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Methods: The training consisted of 40 experimental sessions, 1 hour in duration, ideally occurring 5 days/week for 8 weeks. All the subjects received in each session 30 min of upper extremity conventional therapy. In addition, subjects within the control group received other 30 min of conventional therapy, whereas subjects within the intervention group received 30 min of robotic therapy. Feasibility and efficacy measurements as clinical scales and kinematic indices, and usability questionnaires were used as assessment at baseline and at ending the study (week 10). Results: The intervention group significantly improved the feeding and grooming items of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure scale over the treatment. The improvement in the movement smoothness related to the activity of drinking was greater in the intervention group (25.51(19.64)) than in the control (10.75(17.17)), (p=0.034). Conclusion: This study suggests that the robotic therapy improves the activities of daily living performance in this population.

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