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Life
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Physical Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Physical Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 6255

Special Issue Editor

Dr. You Gyoung Yi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
Interests: musculoskeletal disorders; physical rehabilitation; neurorehabilitation; physical medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

"Physical Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders" encompasses therapeutic techniques designed to restore function and alleviate pain associated with various conditions, including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff disease, intervertebral disc herniation, muscle and ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, congenital muscular torticollis, and post-surgical recovery. This field integrates physical therapy, manual therapy, and customized exercise programmes with a focus on pain management, improving range of motion, muscle strengthening, and enhancing mobility. Additionally, we will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to treatment precision and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Dr. You Gyoung Yi
Guest Editor

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. Life 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 2600 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

  • physical rehabilitation
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • pain management
  • range of motion
  • muscle strengthening
  • mobility enhancement
  • physical therapy
  • manual therapy
  • AI in rehabilitation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 1321 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of Electrical Muscle Elongation and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Programs on Muscle Flexibility and Stiffness in Young Adults with Functional Hamstring Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial with 4-Week Follow-Up
by Carolina Jiménez-Sánchez, Rocío Fortún-Rabadán, Beatriz Carpallo-Porcar, Paula Cordova-Alegre, Luis Espejo-Antúnez and María Ortiz-Lucas
Life 2025, 15(4), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040523 - 22 Mar 2025
Viewed by 547
Abstract
Background: Adequate hamstring flexibility is crucial for musculoskeletal health as increased muscle tone can lead to stretch-type injuries, muscle weakness, dysfunctional neuromuscular control, postural changes, and lower back pain. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of a program based on Electrical Muscle [...] Read more.
Background: Adequate hamstring flexibility is crucial for musculoskeletal health as increased muscle tone can lead to stretch-type injuries, muscle weakness, dysfunctional neuromuscular control, postural changes, and lower back pain. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of a program based on Electrical Muscle Elongation (EME), Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), and no intervention in improving flexibility and viscoelastic properties of hamstring and quadriceps muscles in active young adults with functional hamstring disorder (type 2B according to the Munich Consensus). Methods: Sixty-five participants (45 male, 20 female) were randomly assigned to three groups: the EME group (n = 21) received a simultaneous combination of interferential current and stretching, the PNF group (n = 22) underwent active stretching, and the Control group (n = 22) received no intervention. Hamstring and quadricep flexibility and muscle stiffness were measured in both limbs at baseline, post-intervention, and at the 4-week follow-up. Results: The EME group showed significant improvements in hamstring flexibility in the left limb compared to the Control group and in some myotonometric variables of the quadriceps muscle compared to the PNF and Control groups (p < 0.05). Within-groups differences indicated higher improvements in the EME group. Conclusions: This study suggests that EME may offer greater benefits than PNF stretching in young adults with functional hamstring disorder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders)
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13 pages, 211 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Validity, Safety, and Utility of ChatGPT’s Responses for Patients with Frozen Shoulder
by Seoyon Yang, Younji Kim, Min Cheol Chang, Jongwook Jeon, Keeyong Hong and You Gyoung Yi
Life 2025, 15(2), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020262 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1105
Abstract
This study evaluates the potential of ChatGPT as a tool for providing information to patients with frozen shoulder, focusing on its validity, utility, and safety. Five experienced physicians selected fourteen key questions on musculoskeletal disorders after discussion and verified their adequacy by consulting [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the potential of ChatGPT as a tool for providing information to patients with frozen shoulder, focusing on its validity, utility, and safety. Five experienced physicians selected fourteen key questions on musculoskeletal disorders after discussion and verified their adequacy by consulting one hundred and twenty frozen shoulder patients for additional or alternative inquiries. These questions were input into ChatGPT version 4.0, and its responses were assessed by the physicians using a 5-point Likert scale, with scores ranging from 1 (least favorable) to 5 (most favorable) in terms of validity, safety, and utility. The findings showed that for validity, 85.7% of the responses scored 5, and 14.3% scored 4. For safety, 92.9% received a score of 5, while one response received a 4. Utility ratings also demonstrated high scores, with 85.7% of responses rated 5 and 14.3% rated 4. These results indicate that ChatGPT provides generally valid, safe, and useful information for patients with frozen shoulder. However, users should be aware of potential gaps or inaccuracies, and continued updates are necessary to ensure reliable and accurate guidance. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, highlighting the need for continued updates to ensure reliable and accurate guidance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders)
21 pages, 1232 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Hand Function Using Relative Motion Extension Concept (with or Without Night Wrist Orthosis) or Dynamic Extension Orthosis for Extensor Tendon Injuries in Zones 4–6—A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Vida Bojnec, Jerneja Vidmar, Zvezdana Sužnik, Aleksandra Orož Koprivnik, Milena Špes Škrlec, Maša Frangež, Neža Majdič, Gaj Vidmar and Breda Jesenšek Papež
Life 2025, 15(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020249 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 798
Abstract
This study aimed to compare outcomes of early active motion (EAM) using the relative motion extension (RME) approach to outcomes of early passive motion (EPM) with a dynamic extension orthosis (DEO) and to evaluate whether the RME-only approach is equivalent to the RME-plus [...] Read more.
This study aimed to compare outcomes of early active motion (EAM) using the relative motion extension (RME) approach to outcomes of early passive motion (EPM) with a dynamic extension orthosis (DEO) and to evaluate whether the RME-only approach is equivalent to the RME-plus approach. Fifty adults were randomized into one of the three intervention groups receiving the DEO, RME only, or RME plus orthosis. The score of the Jebsen–Taylor hand function test (JTHFT) without writing and QuickDASH at T1, all measures of mobility at T1 and T2, and grip strength were better in the RME-only and RME-plus group compared to the DEO group, whereas the values of Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM) at T1 and T2, as well as QuickDASH score at T2, orthosis adherence, and the patient’s comfort while wearing the orthoses did not statistically significantly differ among the three groups. The RME concept after extensor tendon injuries in zones 4–6 is superior to the DEO protocol in terms of earlier regain of hand function. The DEO and RME protocols were equivalent regarding patients’ adherence and satisfaction with the orthosis. We found no differences in the RME-plus and RME-only protocols, indicating the safe use of the RME-only protocol in single extensor tendon injuries in zones 4–6. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders)
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11 pages, 629 KiB  
Article
Effect of Iliotibial Band Myofascial Release Combined with Valgus Correction Exercise on Pain, Range of Motion, Balance, and Quality of Life in Patients with Grade II Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
by Mubashra Nouman, Javeria Shabnam, Sahreen Anwar, Wajida Perveen, Dan Iulian Alexe, Rubén Sánchez-Gómez, Mihai Adrian Sava and Cristina Ioana Alexe
Life 2024, 14(11), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111379 - 27 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1834
Abstract
The objective of this study was to find out the effect of the myofascial release technique combined with valgus correction exercise on the pain, range of motion, balance, and quality of life in participants with grade II knee osteoarthritis. Forty participants with grade [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to find out the effect of the myofascial release technique combined with valgus correction exercise on the pain, range of motion, balance, and quality of life in participants with grade II knee osteoarthritis. Forty participants with grade II knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned into two treatment groups in the present clinical trial; group A was the myofascial release group, and group B was the myofascial release with valgus correction exercises group. Measurement included pain, balance, range of motion, and quality of life, as measured through the visual analog scale (VAS), Berg balance scale (BBS), goniometer, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), respectively. The data were collected at the baseline and 3rd and 6th weeks. The between-groups comparison at the end of the 6th week showed significant results in the iliotibial band myofascial release with the valgus correction exercise group (p < 0.001). The within-group difference showed improvement in both groups individually, with more significant values in group B. The current study showed that the myofascial release combined with valgus correction exercises can effectively improve the pain, range of motion, balance, and quality of life in participants with grade II knee osteoarthritis. Trial Registration: IRCT20230216057434N3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders)
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11 pages, 1061 KiB  
Article
Hip Manipulation Increases Electromyography Amplitude and Hip Joint Performance: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study
by Rafał Studnicki, Karol Skup, Monika Sochaj, Bartłomiej Niespodziński, Piotr Aschenbrenner, Radosław Laskowski and Piotr Łuczkiewicz
Life 2024, 14(11), 1353; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111353 - 23 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1153
Abstract
(1) Background: Activation of the gluteus medius (GM) muscle while minimizing the involvement of the tensor fascia latae (TFL) is crucial in treating many lower limb and lumbar spine injuries. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of joint manipulations in regulating muscle activity. [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Activation of the gluteus medius (GM) muscle while minimizing the involvement of the tensor fascia latae (TFL) is crucial in treating many lower limb and lumbar spine injuries. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of joint manipulations in regulating muscle activity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of hip joint manipulation (HJM) on the muscle strength and activity (GM and TFL) of hip abductors in asymptomatic young participants. (2) Methods: The study followed a double-blind randomized controlled design. Thirty healthy, physically active women and men, free from spinal and lower limb injuries, voluntarily participated. The participants were allocated to two groups: those allocated to the HJM intervention and those in the control group receiving a sham intervention. They were assessed before and after the intervention using surface electromyography to measure muscle activation (EMGRMS) of the GM and TFL during maximal voluntary isometric hip abduction. (3) Results: HJM resulted in a significant increase in EMGRMS amplitude solely within the GM muscle (p < 0.01); (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that HJM may increase EMGRMS amplitude in the GM muscle; however, the effects are neither statistically nor clinically significant when compared to the control group for most of the muscles analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders)
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