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Life
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Innovative Perspectives in Physical Therapy and Health
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Innovative Perspectives in Physical Therapy and Health

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 May 2025 | Viewed by 3148

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Carlos Romero-Morales

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
Interests: ultrasound imaging; sport; tendinopathy; health; musculoskeletal injuries
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Gustavo Plaza-Manzano

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Guest Editor
Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: manual therapy; myofascial pain syndromes; neuropathic pain; neck pain; low back pain; chronic pain
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Ortega‐Santiago

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Guest Editor
Departamento Fisioterapia, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Mostoles, Spain
Interests: ultrasound imaging; neck pain; physical therapy; musculoskeletal pain
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the field of physical therapy has witnessed significant advancements in both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. From the integration of ultrasonography in clinical practice to the development of minimally invasive techniques, such as dry needling and electrolysis, our profession is constantly evolving to improve patient outcomes.

This Special Issue, titled "Innovative Perspectives in Physical Therapy and Health", aims to gather original research articles and reviews that explore the latest evidence-based practices in physical therapy. We encourage submissions that address novel diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and interdisciplinary approaches for managing musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and other health-related conditions. We invite researchers and clinicians from around the world to contribute their insights, findings, and innovations to this special issue. Our goal is to highlight the key role of physical therapy in promoting health and well-being across diverse populations and to provide a deeper understanding of its benefits in both acute and chronic conditions.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Novel applications of ultrasonography in physical therapy. Minimally invasive interventions for musculoskeletal disorders.Advances in pain management through physiotherapy techniques.Interdisciplinary approaches to rehabilitation and recovery.Evidence-based exercise and movement rehabilitation programs.Impact of physiotherapy on quality of life and functional outcomes.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Romero-Morales
Prof. Dr. Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Ortega‐Santiago
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. 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 therapy
  • health
  • pain management
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • ultrasonography
  • rehabilitation
  • innovative therapies

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1687 KiB  
Article
Impact of Gentle Touch Stimulation Combined with Advanced Sensory Stimulation in Patients in a Minimally Conscious State: A Quasi-Randomized Clinical Trial
by Mirjam Bonanno, Antonio Gangemi, Rosa Angela Fabio, Marco Tramontano, Maria Grazia Maggio, Federica Impellizzeri, Alfredo Manuli, Daniele Tripoli, Angelo Quartarone, Rosaria De Luca and Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
Life 2025, 15(2), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020280 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 697
Abstract
Touch, particularly affective touch mediated by C-tactile fibers, plays a key role in emotional regulation and therapeutic interventions. However, tactile stimulation is underutilized in sensory stimulation (SS) protocols for brain injury patients, despite its potential to enhance consciousness and promote recovery through neural [...] Read more.
Touch, particularly affective touch mediated by C-tactile fibers, plays a key role in emotional regulation and therapeutic interventions. However, tactile stimulation is underutilized in sensory stimulation (SS) protocols for brain injury patients, despite its potential to enhance consciousness and promote recovery through neural and autonomic regulation. Tools like the Neurowave enable advanced multisensory stimulation, including audio-visual and emotional inputs, but lack tactile components. Integrating gentle touch stimulation with such systems could further enhance neuroplasticity, improve heart rate regulation, and support recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness. In this study, twenty patients affected by minimally conscious state (MCS) were divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG n.10) and a control group (CG n.10). Both groups underwent standard neurorehabilitation, including conventional physiotherapy and speech therapy. The key difference was in the type of sensory stimulation. The EG received advanced sensory stimulation with the Neurowave system (which provides audio-visual and emotional sensory stimulation) in addition to gentle touch stimulation. The CG received conventional sensory stimulation without the Neurowave and neutral gentle touch stimulation. Each patient was evaluated by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, using clinical scales such as coma recovery scale—revised (CSR-R), level of cognitive functioning (LCF), before (T0) and after (T1) treatment. Additionally, heart rate (HR) and neurophysiological outcomes (P300) were also recorded for both groups (EG and CG). The MANOVA model revealed a significant interaction effect between group and phase on P300 latency (F (1, 18) = 10.23, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.09), indicating that the intervention involving gentle touch stimulation significantly influenced the P300 latency in the EG. The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of emotional multisensory stimulation, which also includes gentle touch stimulation, in MCS rehabilitation. By demonstrating significant effects on both neurophysiological and functional measures, our results support the integration of tactile interventions into comprehensive neurorehabilitation programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Perspectives in Physical Therapy and Health)
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13 pages, 862 KiB  
Article
Active Video Games Using Virtual Reality Influence Cognitive Performance in Sedentary Female University Students: A Randomized Clinical Trial
by Mshari Alghadier, Taif Alharbi, Nada Almasoud and Abdulaziz A. Alshalawi
Life 2024, 14(12), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121651 - 12 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1414
Abstract
Background: Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that is proving to be effective in encouraging physical activity (PA) and improving health. Although regular PA has many advantages, physical inactivity continues to be a significant global health concern. Using an ActivPAL for PA [...] Read more.
Background: Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that is proving to be effective in encouraging physical activity (PA) and improving health. Although regular PA has many advantages, physical inactivity continues to be a significant global health concern. Using an ActivPAL for PA assessment, this study examines the effects of an active video game (AVG) using VR on cognitive function among female university students. Methods: We randomly divided 44 sedentary female university students (mean age 21.3 years, SD 1.12 years) into two groups, the control group and VR group. During the study period, the VR group was required to play the Beat Saber VR game for 20 min, while the control group was required to remain quiet. Their cognitive performance was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)—Arabic version pre- and post-test, and the PA level and intensity were tracked using the ActivPAL. Results: There was a significant difference between the MoCA total score pre-test (mean = 22.3, SD = 2.25) and the MoCA total score post-test (mean = 23.4, SD = 2.48), t (23) = 1.87, p = 0.03. The VR game significantly influenced the naming, abstraction, and orientation components of the MoCA scale (all p ≤ 0.05). The intensity of PA generated by the VR game was equivalent to moderate-to-vigorous PA, with a mean of 4.98 metabolic equivalents of task (MET) (SD = 1.20). Conclusions: The VR game improved the cognitive ability compared to the control group, suggesting that VR games have a positive impact on cognitive function. Physically inactive female university students have been found to benefit from VR games in terms of their cognitive function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Perspectives in Physical Therapy and Health)
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Other

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23 pages, 750 KiB  
Systematic Review
Compliance and Adherence to Pelvic Floor Exercise Therapy in People with Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Inmaculada Villa-Del-Pino, José-Jesús Jiménez-Rejano, Manuel Rebollo-Salas, Álvaro-José Rodríguez-Domínguez and Carmen-María Suárez-Serrano
Life 2025, 15(4), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040613 - 6 Apr 2025
Viewed by 320
Abstract
Background: The impact of muscle-training treatment on quality of life and functional outcomes in people with pelvic floor dysfunction may be related to adherence rates. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched for studies published up to 15 October 2024. A qualitative synthesis was [...] Read more.
Background: The impact of muscle-training treatment on quality of life and functional outcomes in people with pelvic floor dysfunction may be related to adherence rates. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched for studies published up to 15 October 2024. A qualitative synthesis was used to describe the relationship between adherence or compliance with treatment, quality of life, and symptomatic severity. A meta-analysis of data from selected studies was performed that assessed quality of life and symptomatic severity in the short term. Results: Seven studies with 2190 participants were included. Of these studies, 42% showed rates greater than 80% in terms of adherence. A beneficial effect was found in terms of urinary incontinence severity without statistical differences between the groups (p = 0.813), while quality of life showed statistically significant improvements favoring the experimental group (p = 0.036). The quality of the evidence was collected or measured from low to high. Conclusions: People with pelvic floor disorders show high rates of adherence to pelvic floor muscle exercise and experience an improved quality of life in the short term, but more research is needed on the design of homogeneous systems to measure compliance and adherence to exercise-based treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Perspectives in Physical Therapy and Health)
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