Musculoskeletal Pain and Rehabilitation

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most burdensome problems in healthcare. It is affecting millions of people and represents an incredible social problem, both in terms of the inability to work and the economic consequences. Pharmacologic therapy is the most diffuse method of management, but frequently it is not enough, even using different classes of analgesics together in the so-called "multimodal analgesia". Rehabilitation is an important support for the management of patients affected by chronic musculoskeletal pain, and, in the majority of cases, it results in extremely valid support. This Special Issue of Clinics and Practice aims to make clear the real advantages and limits of rehabilitation in the treatment of these 

Dr. Giacomo Farì
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • pain
  • analgesia
  • musculoskeletal pain
  • rehabilitation
  • pharmacologic therapy

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 814 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Physical Exercise Intervention on Physical Function Parameters and Blood Analytical Changes in Lung Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study
by Teresa Soria-Comes, María Climent-Gregori, Inmaculada Maestu-Maiques, Ignacio Inchaurraga-Álvarez, Ferrán Cuenca-Martínez, Omar Cauli and Francisco M. Martínez-Arnau
Clin. Pract. 2024, 14(5), 2202-2216; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract14050173 - 18 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Background: Lung cancer carries a high burden of systemic symptoms, including in survivors, leading to a reduced quality of life (QoL). We assessed whether a 12-week multicomponent supervised exercise programme, including muscular strength and aerobic training, was beneficial in patients who had undergone [...] Read more.
Background: Lung cancer carries a high burden of systemic symptoms, including in survivors, leading to a reduced quality of life (QoL). We assessed whether a 12-week multicomponent supervised exercise programme, including muscular strength and aerobic training, was beneficial in patients who had undergone surgery for early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in terms of physical performance, QoL, and metabolic and nutritional analytical parameters. Methods: Physical performance was measured by gait speed, handgrip strength, 30 s sit-to-stand (30s-STS) test repetitions, distance covered in the 6 min walk test (6MWT), and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score. QoL was assessed with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, pre-albumin, creatinine, c-reactive protein, insulin-growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and the haemoglobin and hematocrit percentages were measured before and after the intervention in order to observe any beneficial effects related to metabolic markers. Results: After the intervention, the mean scores for the 6MWT (p < 0.001), STS (p < 0.001), 6MWT (p < 0.01), and SPPB (p < 0.01) had significantly improved. However, handgrip strength and nutritional analytical were unchanged. The EORTC-QLQ-C30 functions and symptoms significantly improved after the intervention (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). A significant decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, and IGF-1 and a significant increase in pre-albumin in blood was also observed post-intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This supervised, community-based 12-week multicomponent was feasible (adherence rate 70.35%) and provided benefits not only to physical performance but also to the quality of life of patients with NSCLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Pain and Rehabilitation)
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16 pages, 869 KiB  
Article
Chronic Pain in Spanish Physiotherapy Practice: Treatment Challenges and Opportunities in Diverse Healthcare Settings—A Qualitative Study
by Ángeles Díaz-Fernández, Esteban Obrero-Gaitán, Irene Cortés-Pérez, Ana Raquel Ortega-Martínez, María Catalina Osuna-Pérez, Noelia Zagalaz-Anula, María del Rocío Ibancos-Losada and Rafael Lomas-Vega
Clin. Pract. 2024, 14(5), 2089-2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract14050165 - 10 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Physiotherapists face significant challenges in managing chronic pain; a complex condition best addressed through a biopsychosocial (BPS) approach. Although substantial evidence exists globally, research specific to Spain remains limited. This study explores the experiences and challenges Spanish physiotherapists encounter in integrating BPS [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Physiotherapists face significant challenges in managing chronic pain; a complex condition best addressed through a biopsychosocial (BPS) approach. Although substantial evidence exists globally, research specific to Spain remains limited. This study explores the experiences and challenges Spanish physiotherapists encounter in integrating BPS elements across public and private healthcare settings. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 12 experienced physiotherapists were conducted, using a qualitative approach with purposive sampling and reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis, grounded in a constructivist/interpretivist framework, allowed themes to emerge naturally from the data, supported by relevant quotes. Results: Three primary themes were identified: (1) challenges in implementing the BPS approach, including patient resistance and limited training; (2) facilitators for adopting the BPS model, such as multidisciplinary support and positive patient outcomes; and (3) emotional and psychological aspects of the physiotherapists. The findings highlight the complexities of chronic pain management in physiotherapy, emphasizing the need for enhanced psychological training, integrated multidisciplinary care, early diagnosis, and effective family involvement. These insights are critical for improving both patient care and physiotherapist well-being. Conclusions: This study provides valuable guidance for future strategies, focusing on educational enhancements, multidisciplinary collaboration, healthcare policy reform, and emotional support for physiotherapists within the Spanish healthcare context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Pain and Rehabilitation)
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Other

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16 pages, 1635 KiB  
Systematic Review
Current Evidence on and Clinical Implications of Vitamin D Levels in Pain and Functional Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
by Bianca Georgescu, Adelina Elena Cristea, Doinița Oprea, Andreea Alexandra Lupu, Liliana-Elena Stanciu, Erdin Borgazi, Bogdan Marian Caraban, Viorela Mihaela Ciortea, Laszlo Irsay and Mădălina Gabriela Iliescu
Clin. Pract. 2024, 14(5), 1997-2012; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract14050158 - 26 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis is a common chronic disease that affects quality of life and increases public health costs. Knee osteoarthritis is a frequent form, marked by joint degeneration, pain, stiffness, and functional restrictions. Factors such as age, genetics, joint injuries, obesity, and vitamin D [...] Read more.
Background: Osteoarthritis is a common chronic disease that affects quality of life and increases public health costs. Knee osteoarthritis is a frequent form, marked by joint degeneration, pain, stiffness, and functional restrictions. Factors such as age, genetics, joint injuries, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency can affect knee osteoarthritis progression. While the exact link between vitamin D and osteoarthritis is still being studied, recent research indicates that low vitamin D levels might influence the articular cartilage’s structure and function, potentially accelerating osteoarthritis. This review aims to analyze the last decade of research on vitamin D’s role in osteoarthritis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Relevant studies from the last ten years were included to evaluate the association between vitamin D levels and knee osteoarthritis. The inclusion criteria were studies examining the role of vitamin D in cartilage health and osteoarthritis progression and the potential clinical implications for disease management. Results: This review identified a variety of studies exploring the connection between vitamin D and osteoarthritis, with mixed findings. Conclusions: The relationship between vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis remains inconclusive, highlighting the need for further research. An updated evaluation of the literature is crucial for osteoarthritis management strategies and to potentially include vitamin D supplementation in therapeutic protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Pain and Rehabilitation)
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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.

Tentative Title 1: Efficacy of combined treatment of Botulinum Toxin and Therapeutic Exercise in a rare case of paraparesis in a 7-years-old affected by Klippel-Feil Syndrome related to MYH3 gene mutation: a case report

Abstract: Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare congenital syndrome caused by defect in the formation or segmentation of the cervical spine presenting with short neck, low hairline, and reduced range of motion of cervical spine. This pathology may be associated with a wide spectrum of anomalies such as scoliosis (60%), spina bifida occulta (45%), renal abnormalities (35-55%) and neurological symptoms (15-20%). Moreover, KFS results from mutations or disruptions in genes that regulate segmentation and resegmentation. A single case of gene Myosin Heavy Chain 3 (MYH3) mutation is described in the literature. Our case report aims to demonstrate the efficacy of a combined treatment of botulinum toxin and therapeutic exercise in a very rare case of a 7-years-old girl with MYH3 mutation-related KFS complicated by bilateral paraplegia, in order to improve the spasticity condition of the lower limbs. Rating scales such as Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and joint range of motion (ROM), and muscle tone performed by using MyotonProÒ, were used to evaluate improvements over time. All the assessment were done at first evaluation (T0), 30 days (T1), 90 days (T2), 120 days (T3), 150 days (T4) and 180 days (T5) after botulinum toxin injection and the subsequent startup of therapeutic exercise, for a total of 6 months observation. The young patient demonstrated benefits for 6 months with no side effects. The combined therapy of botulinum toxin and therapeutic exercise had an excellent result in our patient.

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