Background and purpose Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 37 million Americans and is a leading cause of mortality. Chronic kidney disease is a systemic, progressive disease that impacts multiple bodily s…
Objective To assess the therapeutic efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in improving lower limb function and daily activities in post-stroke patients. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of ran…
Importance Missed appointments disrupt outpatient care and may be particularly consequential in private physical therapy, where continuity of care, appointment management, and fee-for-service remuneration are closely lin…
Background Cardiopulmonary telerehabilitation (CTR) is an innovative approach that improves access to care by allowing physical therapists (PTs) to provide remote monitoring. Purpose This study examines clinical practice…
Background Post-acute care (PAC) plays an increasingly critical role in the health care system due to an aging population, shorter hospital stays, and the complex needs of patients. However, studies show that medical stu…
ObjectiveTo examine the associations between the frequency of moderate-vigorous physical activity and depression among adults aged 50 years or older with a history of stroke.Design and settingCross-sectional study using …
Objectives To compare mechanical and neuromuscular strategies between high- and low-pain subgroups of male athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI) during single-leg drop landing. Design Cross-sectional study. Setti…
Purpose We assessed potential benefits of an intervention combining ride-on-toy navigation training (RNT) and structured upper extremity play activities (SUPA) added to usual care relative to usual care only on affected …
Purpose Children with neurodisabilities, including cerebral palsy and rare diseases, often experience significant mobility limitations. Locomotor training, including a combination of partial body weight-supported treadmi…
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often presents with skeletal muscle dysfunction, which worsens prognosis. Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) has been proposed as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabili…
Objectives To evaluate the effects of dual-task training compared to single-task training on dual-task performance in chronic ankle instability (CAI). Design Single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Forty individuals …
Purpose To evaluate the implementation of the My Therapy program across physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and music therapy during inpatient rehabilitation, using the RE-AIM framework. Methods A repea…
Background and purpose Nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. While exercise is a cornerstone of management, the comparative effectiveness of periodized resistance training…
Background A severe exacerbation of COPD (ECOPD) may negatively impact patients' functioning; however, there is a lack of validated, simple, and low-cost tools to assess physical function in this setting. Thus, the aims …
Purpose This study explored physicians' ability to suspect/identify specific low back pain (LBP); assess their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding non-specific LBP and self-reported knowledge of LBP guidelines; a…
Purpose Despite normalization of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), symptoms and impaired exercise capacity can persist ~1 year after Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). We evaluated the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (C…
Purpose To explore from significant others' perspective the experiences of and barriers to accessing formal supports in the first year post-discharge after acquired brain injury (ABI) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Method…
Objectives To compare the effects of short-foot exercise (SFE) and toe-curl exercise (TCE) on movement control during single-leg landing in individuals undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Design …
Background and purpose There is a need for new and inexpensive methods for the maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP/MEP) test. The one-repetition maximum (1RM) test is an easy and cost-effective method to me…
Objective To evaluate supervised physical, psycho-logical, and alternative non-pharmacological interventions for improving patient-reported and objective functional outcomes in adults with post-COVID-19 condition. Design…
Introduction Persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is often inadequately explained by tissue findings alone. Reassurance may not resolve fear, while the meaning of an activity may influence how it is experienced. Althoug…
Purpose To identify the rate of positive delirium screens in children within a pediatric hospital setting. Methods All Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists in our acute-care pediatric medical center were trained…
Introduction Physiotherapists play a vital role in managing and rehabilitating patients across the lifespan who suffer from musculoskeletal diseases and broader health conditions. Yet, there are current and anticipated s…
Using patient-centered outcomes (PCO) data to inform individual patient care and guide health system-level learning can optimize rehabilitation outcomes. However, systematically achieving this can be challenging for a va…
Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. Although exercise is a first-line, cost-effective treatment for CLBP, no single exercise modality has proven superior…
Objectives To evaluate (1) the technical feasibility of transmitting data from devices connected to an application used for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (2) the clin…
Introduction Stroke and pain are common health challenges among older adults. However, limited research has examined the burden of pain among community-dwelling older adults with a history of stroke in the United States …
AimWe aimed to quantitatively synthesize observational evidence on the association between memorization ( Hifz ) and cognitive and mental health outcomes in students, using a quality-weighted evidence synthesis approach.…
BackgroundUpper limb motor dysfunctions are common after stroke affecting daily activities. About 60% of survivors still have impairment despite rehabilitation.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of transcutaneous auricular va…
Background Family caregivers are essential to stroke recovery, yet existing assessments may not adequately capture structural factors influencing caregiving capacity. Financial toxicity, non-medical drivers of health (NM…
ObjectivesTo investigate physiotherapists' perceptions of direct access to physiotherapy in Tyrol, Austria, and identify profession-specific barriers and facilitators to its implementation.DesignQualitative exploratory s…
ObjectiveTo co-design clinician-delivered strategies to support stroke survivor engagement during sub-acute, face-to-face upper limb rehabilitation sessions.DesignFour-stage integrated knowledge translation co-design stu…
These weren't published in a journal on the core allowlist — caught by a broader keyword search instead, so treat them as a lower-confidence, secondary set.
The Guideline for Provision of Intensive Care Services version 3 (GPICS3) emphasises the need for physiotherapy staffing models that reflect local service demands and minimum standards rather than specified ratios. There…
Background Sleep disturbance, inflammation, and persistent pain may reinforce one another, compromising musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Purpose To synthesize evidence on mechanisms linking sleep, inflammation, and pain a…
Objective To clarify the possible effects of ChatGPT use on self-care cardiac rehabilitation (CR) adherence in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Method Patients in the ChatGPT group participated in a standard …
Background Non-pharmacologic management of chronic low back pain (cLBP) should be considered the first-line treatment. However, consensus guidelines and internationally accepted recommendations on the therapeutic algorit…
Near-infrared (NIR) light represents a promising, noninvasive therapeutic for neurological disorders, predicated on its capacity to modulate astrocyte function. As the primary glial population in the central nervous syst…
Background Exercise intolerance may persist in patients with chronic coronary syndrome despite successful percutaneous coronary intervention. Evidence regarding low-frequency whole-body vibration training (LF-WBVT) remai…
Objective To investigate the long-term effects of combined voice training and swallowing function exercises on functional recovery, quality of life, and complications in patients after laryngeal cancer surgery. Methods I…
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with significant symptom burden, impaired quality of life, and psychosocial morbidity. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a recommended non-pharmacological interve…
Objectives Phase angle (PhA) reflects cellular integrity and systemic physiological resilience. This study investigated whether PhA measured at the completion of late-recovery-phase cardiac rehabilitation (CR) predicts u…
Background Exercise therapy is effective in managing chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNP). Nevertheless, the high burden of CNP continues to place pressure on existing rehabilitation services, especially in remote or reso…
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries remain a major challenge to player health and performance in women's football. They are associated with lengthy rehabilitation, a high risk of re-injury, and potential long-term …
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone of therapy for people with chronic lung disease. Over the years, there has been a tremendous amount of research in the field. Researchers have studied improved delivery meth…
Background Polypharmacy is highly prevalent among older patients undergoing cerebrovascular rehabilitation and may adversely affect functional recovery. Objective This study examined the association between polypharmacy …
Brain-computer interfaces have shown great potential in the rehabilitation of Cerebral palsy, improving the ability of children with cerebral palsy to perform activities of daily living by replacing and restoring lost ne…
Background Referrals to and participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs remain suboptimal. We examined factors associated with home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) referral and participation and associations of …
Purpose of review Heart failure (HF) is characterised by recurrent decompensation leading to worsening of symptoms and unplanned hospitalisations. Patients often experience poor post-hospitalisation recovery, fail to mai…
Objective Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an outpatient model of secondary prevention that improves patient outcomes, yet use remains limited. Hybrid/alternative CR addresses these challenges, but global availability, str…
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where upper limb impairment emerges as one of its most prevalent and debilitating consequence…
Background Chronic motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI) results in profound neurological disability with minimal prospects for functional recovery using conventional rehabilitation strategies. Emerging evidence sugges…
Introduction Post-stroke rehabilitation increasingly requires technologies capable of supporting intensive, measurable, and adaptable interventions while preserving clinical supervision and patient safety. This study pre…
Background Digital health technologies (DHTs) offer opportunities to support poststroke self-management and rehabilitation, but their implementation may be hindered by mismatches between technological design, stakeholder…
Artificial intelligence is being studied across the stroke care pathway, but evidence from acute diagnosis, early prognosis, rehabilitation-outcome prediction, and long-term management is often discussed without clearly …
Introduction Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among hospitalized patients, and its effects on skeletal muscle function and systemic inflammation suggest that baseline status might influence functional recovery; h…
Introduction Robotic-assisted therapy (RAT) has emerged as a promising intervention for post-stroke recovery; however, its implementation in developing countries such as Indonesia remains limited by economic, technical, …
Objective To investigate the impact of a multicomponent enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol based on preoperative risk stratification and dynamic rehabilitation adjustment on functional recovery following tot…
Background Nutritional risk and pulmonary infection are common in tracheostomized patients entering neurorehabilitation. Their coexistence may combine limited physiological reserve with respiratory instability, but evide…
Introduction Incisional hernias remain a common postoperative problem for general surgeons. In recent years, early postoperative rehabilitation has gained increasing attention as a potential strategy to enhance recovery …
Background Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) of ischaemic aetiology is increasing, yet access to and completion of cardiac rehabilitation remain uncertain. Aim To investigate non-enrolment in and non-c…
Introduction Ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries. Approximately 40% of patients with anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) rupture develop chronic ankle instability, characterised by persistent balance …
Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is associated with persistent respiratory symptoms, reduced exercise capacity, impaired quality of life, and psychological morbidity despite successful completion of anti-tubercular …
Background: Improving cardiorespiratory fitness is a central goal of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), yet exercise workload progression varies substantially. We aimed to characterize changes in treadmill workload during CR a…
Objective To systematically evaluate the rehabilitation effect of mirror therapy (MT) on upper limb motor function in stroke patients, thereby providing evidence-based support for clinical rehabilitation decision-making.…
Introduction Neurodevelopmental impairments and physical deconditioning are the most common long-term morbidities in congenital heart disease (CHD). Holistic interventions including combined neuro-cardiac training may im…
Background Nurse-led rehabilitation is increasingly embedded in postdischarge care after total hip or knee arthroplasty, but its effect on patient-reported recovery has not been quantified through meta-analysis. Objectiv…
Background Despite strong evidence supporting perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery, little is known about factors that may influence implementation prior to program roll…
Introduction Cognitive deficits are determinants of long-term disability and socio-professional reintegration across neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenera…
Objective To examine associations between a 4-week seated dual-task (DT) ergometer program and cognitive and mobility outcomes in older convalescent rehabilitation inpatients. Materials and methods This retrospective obs…
Background Post-stroke motor deficits cause disability, while paresis and comorbidities may limit high-intensity training. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) combines low-intensity exercise with partial vascular occl…
Background Sleep disturbances are common after stroke and have been associated with rehabilitation outcomes. The clinical meaning of post-stroke sleep duration remains unclear, as longer sleep may be associated with diff…
Background Robot-assisted training (RAT) is widely used in poststroke rehabilitation, but the relationship between training dose and functional recovery remains unclear. This review evaluated the effectiveness of RAT and…
Motor recovery after stroke is associated with changes in corticospinal integrity, intracortical excitability, and interhemispheric interactions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) provides neurophysiological measur…
Background Inequities in access, engagement, and outcomes persist across outpatient rehabilitation services in Canada, disproportionately affecting Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and refugees, gender- and sexually-diverse…
Purpose Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is central to tertiary prevention after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but the prognostic impact of different education and therapy patterns in Asian real world practice is uncerta…
In Bangladesh, Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) impose a significant healthcare and socioeconomic burden. Cardiac rehabilitation, a proven multidisciplinary approach, enhances the well-being of Cardiovascular disease (CVD)…
Background Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and requires sustained rehabilitation to support functional recovery. Digital health interventions offer new opportunities to complement conventional rehabilit…
Aim(s) To summarize, appraise and synthesis available research studies that employ qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches to gain knowledge on factors and experiences that influence uptake and completion …
Existing clinical assessments for upper-limb motor rehabilitation poststroke pose limitations as end points for efficient clinical trials. This study aimed to develop a digital metric for assessing motor recovery using a…
Introduction Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves exercise capacity, functional status, and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, these benefits often de…
Background and aim Interstitial lung disease causes functional limitation and exercise intolerance. Although pulmonary rehabilitation in ILD can improve physical function and quality of life, multiple factors hinder its …
Upper limb impairments are among the most prevalent consequences of stroke. Recently, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and mirror therapy (MT) have been used in stroke rehabilitation. This systematic r…
Purpose Stroke often leads to persistent upper-limb motor impairments that limit activities of daily living. Action observation (AO) therapy holds promise for priming residual motor pathways even when voluntary movement …
Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although its effects on lung hyperinflation remain incompletely understood. Objective To evalua…
Background People with cancer are at increased cardiovascular risk due to treatment-related cardiotoxicity and shared risk factors. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (exCR) may mitigate these risks, but access to cen…
Background Malnutrition is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves nutritional status in the short ter…
Background Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) show variable responses to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation. We compared metabolic and exercise responder rates after adapti…
Background Heart-focused anxiety (HFA) is a disease-specific construct characterised by fear of cardiac sensations, attentional hypervigilance, and behavioural avoidance of exertion. It is conceptually related to, but em…
Background Patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in Saudi Arabia frequently employ self-directed management strategies in the absence of timely professional physiotherapy. This qualitative study was conducted as the f…
Purpose Home-based exercise rehabilitation is important for recovery after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, the barriers and facilitators influencing the initiation of home-based exercise rehabilitation during…
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is central to secondary prevention, but women remain less likely than men to access and fully utilize CR. This systematic review examined sex differences across the CR utilization continuum, s…
Objective To compare and rank the efficacy of brain-computer interface-coupled robotic rehabilitation (BCI-robot), robot-assisted therapy, motor imagery (MI), and conventional rehabilitation for upper-limb recovery after…
Introduction With the rapid ageing of the population, the prevalence and public health burden of stroke continue to rise. Many patients are left without sufficient access to multidisciplinary rehabilitation that addresse…
Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves outcomes in heart failure, but optimal initiation timing during acute hospitalization remains undefined. We characterized the dose-response association between door-to-card…
Objectives Skeletal muscle dysfunction and malnutrition are common in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly those with heart failure (HF), and may reduce the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Am…
Purpose This study aimed to examine whether behavioral engagement indicators reflecting timing, routine formation, and continuity predict last pain scores of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled rehabilitation program…
Background Postoperative rehabilitation following anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair commonly incorporates an initial period of protection with progressive weight-bearing and range of motion. Accelerated rehabil…
Objectives To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted telerehabilitation programme for Iranian patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to explore preliminary clinical outcomes to inf…
Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended after myocardial infarction (MI), but perceptions of its role after type 2 MI remain unclear. Objectives The aim of the study is to assess clinician and patient perce…
Introduction Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Malaysia, often resulting in cognitive impairments such as reduced attention and processing speed. Music-based interventions have demonstrated potential in engaging…
ImportanceAlthough augmented reality (AR) may improve functional outcomes after stroke, the added benefit of mirror therapy (MT) as a priming strategy before AR remains uncertain. A three-arm comparison of MT + AR, AR al…
Purpose To establish evidence-based consensus recommendations for the management of partial-thickness posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (PT-PS-RCTs). This second part addresses treatment strategies, rehabilitation, retu…
Background Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and disproportionately affects women, particularly after menopause. However, evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of LBP among postme…
Background Occupation-based practice (OBP) has been demonstrated to enhance occupational performance and goal attainment in stroke rehabilitation. However, existing evidence is predominantly derived from hospital-based s…
Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading global cause of mortality, and exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces recurrent events. However, center-based reha…
Background and Objective : Restrictive ventilatory impairment is characterized by reduced lung volumes and may be accompanied by reduced thoracic mobility. The purpose of this study was to determine if the addition of th…
Upper-limb neurorehabilitation requires adaptable practice. This pilot feasibility study evaluated a therapist-configurable serious-game system in which a handle equipped with an RGB sensor, embedded processing, and wire…
Background Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is globally recognized as a standard treatment for post-stroke spasticity (PSS), although its secondary mechanisms remain underinvestigated. The objective of this study was to i…
Rationale Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death globally. CHD mortality rates remain steady in low- and middle-income countries but are declining in high-income countries, meaning more people are liv…
Stroke can affect sensorimotor control, impairing balance and locomotion. These impairments increase fall risk, limit patient independence and reduce quality of life. Here, we investigated how stroke affects bilateral co…
Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the cornerstone of non-pharmacological treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet fatigue often persists despite rehabilitation. We conducted a multicentre…
Background Digital health technologies are increasingly used in stroke rehabilitation, but older adults with stroke may experience barriers related to cognitive, physical, motivational, and usability factors. Structured …
Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a guideline-supported, evidence-based intervention that improves cardiovascular outcomes, yet access remains inconsistent for Medicaid beneficiaries because coverage policies var…
Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a guideline-recommended therapy that improves outcomes in cardiovascular disease, yet referral at hospital discharge remains suboptimal. Project rationale Variability in discharg…
Aims To investigate the prognostic role of physical performance as a marker of vulnerability in older patients after myocardial infarction and its interaction with a multidomain cardiac rehabilitation intervention. Metho…
Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multisystem disease whose clinical impact extends beyond nocturnal respiratory events. Although the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) is widely used to classify disease severity, …
Background COVID-19 may lead to persistent sequelae that impair functional capacity, resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, and limitations in activities of daily living. Objective To evaluate exercise capacity, fatigue, dyspnea…
Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome and hand edema can complicate inpatient rehabilitation and may reflect interactions between antioxidant, nutritional, inflammatory, and neuro-musculoskeletal factors. This single-center…
Background Patients aged ≥75 years with hemorrhagic stroke are at high risk of functional impairment and poor recovery. Exercise rehabilitation is essential for restoring physical function, but adherence to exercise reha…
Background Rehabilitation training is crucial for subacute stroke patients with dysphagia. However, research on trajectories of clinical swallowing performance and associated influencing factors following admission to re…
Stroke remains a leading cause of death and acquired long-term disability worldwide, and the earliest days after onset frequently shape the safety, intensity, continuity, and person-centeredness of subsequent rehabilitat…
Aim To explore the dynamic transitions of latent profiles of acute psychological stress in patients with acute myocardial infarction across three time points and their association with cardiac rehabilitation participatio…
Background Home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HB-CR) is a promising alternative to center-based cardiac rehabilitation as it can address several barriers impeding CR implementation because of its enhanced accessibility. …
Introduction Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with persistent upper limb (UL) impairment affecting approximately half of survivors. Robotic rehabilitation has shown efficacy comparable to…
Background/Objectives: Telerehabilitation may extend neurorehabilitation beyond conventional settings, but comparative effects across neurological diagnoses and motor domains remain uncertain. This systematic review and …
Background Several dietary supplements have been proposed to positively influence the rehabilitation process following injury. However, to date, no studies have specifically examined the effects of scientifically support…
Introduction Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recognised as a cornerstone of heart disease management, its availability in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited, highlighting a critical evidence…
Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves patient quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Unfortunately, it is underused by patients. Digital health interventions offer a solution to increase participation in CR…
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone in the management of chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), but access remains severely limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) because of cost, infrastructure, and…
Sports injuries are common among athletes and recreationally active individuals, and rehabilitation outcomes influence functional recovery and the risk of re-injury. Physical therapy and exercise therapy are established …
Introduction Physical rehabilitation is highly recognised in improving the quality of life of cancer survivors through prehabilitation, sequelae management and palliative care, yet its integration into routine care in Gh…
Rationale Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended after lung transplantation to optimize recovery. Prior studies have evaluated intensive or specialized PR protocols rather than the 36-session comprehensive outpatie…
Objectives To assess the feasibility and safety of an 8-week multimodal pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program in adults with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) and to describe exploratory pre- to post-interve…
Background Older adults with heart failure (HF) are vulnerable to physical and cognitive decline due to disease exacerbations and hospitalization. Although comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) is currently a core c…
Background and objectives Despite economic and social disparities in Latin America (LA), a better understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has driven regional growth in parallel with the evolution of therapeutic int…
Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cornerstone of secondary prevention following cardiovascular events; however, variability in its benefits across sociodemographic groups remains incompletely understood. Object…
Background Vibrotactile stimulation (VTS) has emerged as a potential sensory-based adjunct to upper limb rehabilitation by providing additional afferent feedback and supporting sensorimotor rehabilitation. This systemati…
Background Stroke often leads to persistent upper-limb motor impairment, which significantly impairs quality of life. Conventional physical therapy (CPT) has limitations, including insufficient intensity, limited patient…
Introduction Virtual reality has become increasingly important in neurorehabilitation and has shown considerable potential for the management of musculoskeletal disorders. Although an increasing number of systematic revi…
Adherence to home-based exercise programs is central to rehabilitation, yet adherence to prescribed rest intervals remains largely unexplored. This narrative review synthesized relevant literature identified through targ…
Context Virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly applied in neurorehabilitation, but its effectiveness in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unclear. Objective To systematically review the effect of virtual…
Kaplan-Meier analysis of time to first all-cause readmission over 12 months among older adults with ischemic heart disease randomized to 3 months of mobile health cardiac rehabilitation (mHealth-CR) or usual care. There …
Background Sleep disorders and stroke share a bidirectional relationship. Sleep disturbances are independent stroke risk factors and frequent post-stroke complications. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), through intermittent…
Objective Balance and postural-control impairments are common after stroke and can restrict mobility and independence, but the effectiveness of robot-assisted rehabilitation for these outcomes remains uncertain. This umb…
Lumbar degenerative disease is highly prevalent among older adults, and posterior lumbar fusion is a common surgical treatment. However, chronic postoperative pain, paraspinal muscle atrophy, and related complications fr…
Virtual reality is increasingly used in neurorehabilitation because it provides interactive therapeutic experiences that can enhance patient engagement and support rehabilitation goals. Despite growing evidence supportin…
[Purpose] This study reports: (Aim 1) a feasibility study of a distributed supervision model (DSG) within a smartphone-guided home stroke rehabilitation program incorporating functional electrical stimulation (FES); and …
Background Recovery of upper-limb motor function after stroke often requires intensive, repetitive, task-oriented rehabilitation. Multimodal sensory-feedback robot-assisted training has the potential to enhance patient e…
Importance Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and death for older Americans, with an approximately 50% mortality rate within 5 years. Objective To examine the relationship between cardiac rehabilita…
Purpose of review Rehabilitation in LMICs is more important than in HICs due to the lack of access to acute stroke interventions (thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy, and stroke unit care) in most treated patients wh…
Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and stroke rehabilitation plays a critical role in recovery. Early rehabilitation often occurs in a hospital setting, but the hospital built environment is rarely design…
Purpose Patients with durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) frequently remain functionally limited despite technological advances. Cardiac rehabilitation may improve functional status, yet access is limited, an…
Introduction The effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) after stroke remains uncertain, particularly regarding its role across different recovery stages. This single-blind, randomized, parallel-group trial …
Background Wearable-derived digital biomarkers are increasingly being investigated in neurological rehabilitation to provide objective and continuous assessment of physical function beyond conventional clinic-based measu…
Shoulder motor impairment after stroke restricts reaching, self-care, balance reactions, and the use of mobility aids. Paired vagus nerve stimulation (pVNS), in which brief cervical vagus nerve stimulation is temporally …
Background Severe acquired brain injury (sABI) is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability. Although its prevalence is increasing among older adults (≥65 years), evidence on independent determinant of rehabili…
Stroke often causes persistent upper extremity (UE) motor deficits, affecting reaching and grasping and impacting daily activities. Recovery may depend on whether the dominant or non-dominant hand is affected, a distinct…
Background Individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) demonstrated neurological adaptations, but it remains unclear how these changes evolve from rehabilitation to return to sport (RTS) and how the…
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with more than half of survivors experiencing persistent upper limb impairments. Despite clear evidence that high-dose, repetitive, task-specific training is essential f…
Introduction Despite the benefits of balance training, persistent postural deficits remain common in individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI). The aim of this study investigates the efficacy of Stroboscopic Visio…
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are a major health concern, resulting in substantial functional deficits, including motor and sensory impairments around and below the affected area. Despite continuous efforts, current spinal …
Background Chronic neck pain is frequently associated with disturbed sleep, yet evidence on physiotherapy's impact on objective sleep parameters remains limited. To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the …
Background Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) multi-dimensionally affects the rehabilitation process of stroke survivors. Although previous literature has explored post-stroke functional recovery, empirical qualitative inves…
Stroke remains an important healthcare issue globally, as it causes substantial morbidity and mortality in the population. The relationship between length of stay (LOS) and the functional outcomes of stroke rehabilitatio…
Background Although speech and language therapy (SLT) is central to post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation, global SLT provision often falls short of recommended dosages. In response, interest has grown in technology-based i…
Background Traditional rehabilitation medicine, primarily dependent on qualitative clinical assessment and static therapeutic protocols, faces significant challenges in scalability, objectivity, and dynamic adaptability.…
Background In older patients with hip fractures, delirium and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) during hospitalisation have been reported to impede recovery of activities of daily living (ADL). As…
Background Task-oriented rehabilitation supported by exoskeletons has the potential to increase therapy intensity, personalization, and accessibility. However, to achieve fully automatic treatment, robotized systems need…
Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a class IA-recommended treatment and secondary preventive strategy for people with coronary artery disease. eHealth solutions show promise in providing accessible CR. However, fe…
Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy in combination with massage therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Particular a…
Objective To evaluate the effects of exercise-based early cardiac rehabilitation (EB-ECR) initiated within 24 h after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on cardiac function and…
Renal rehabilitation is increasingly recognized as a complementary strategy to address the clinical and functional complications of maintenance hemodialysis. This review evaluated the effects of renal rehabilitation, inc…
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a structured, multidisciplinary secondary-prevention intervention combining supervised exercise training, risk-factor modification, psychosocial support, and patient education. Decades of t…
Background Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a promising complementary approach in geriatric rehabilitation, but evidence on feasibility and patient experiences remains limited. Methods This exploratory, mixed-methods, tw…
Background Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is increasingly recognized as a major cause of chronic respiratory morbidity in tuberculosis (TB) survivors. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves functional outcomes in …
Background Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) is increasingly used in paediatric rehabilitation to promote intensive walking practice in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, evidence regarding its effectiveness…
Background Patients undergoing interventional treatment (e.g., TAVR) are predominantly older adults characterized by frailty and multiple comorbidities. While exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial, existing…
Background Motor recovery in stroke survivors often declines post-discharge. This study evaluated the efficacy of a LEARNS-based health education program on functional recovery and behavioral adherence. Methods In this s…
Background Noninvasive brain-computer interface (BCI)-based interventions show promise for poststroke motor recovery. However, the intrinsic complexity of BCI-based interventions limits the determination of their compara…
Objective To systematically evaluate the effects of music-based interventions on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with stroke and provide evidence for clinical practice. Methods Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochran…
Background Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently experience postural instability, dizziness, and impaired eye-head-body coordination, which reduce mobility and quality of life (QoL). Vestibular rehabilitation …
This study explores how technology-supported rehabilitation reshapes the relationships between patients and therapists. Additionally, it examines how empirical findings can inform early design decisions. Qualitative inte…
Aim The "2026 Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery" replaces the 2016 "Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery." This updated guideline is intended to provide a comprehensive, up-to-dat…
Background Return to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains associated with a substantial risk of reinjury despite advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols. Contempo…
Background Individualized rehabilitation supports safe return to sport, yet clinical workload may limit personalized program design. This study evaluated ChatGPT-4.1-generated programs for five sports injury scenarios us…
Background Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable tools to integrate the patient perspective and improve quality of rehabilitation services. However, there is a risk of non-response bias. Identifying char…
Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based secondary prevention strategy for patients with cardiovascular disease, yet participation in conventional center-based programs remains low. Home-based cardiac …
Aims Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cornerstone of secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), yet its implementation remains suboptimal, particularly among women. Young women represent an understudie…
Aims Programme accreditation and certification are key mechanisms for standardising, assuring, and continuously improving the quality of cardiac rehabilitation. Comparative evidence on existing accreditation and certific…
Background Digital health interventions (DHIs) and traditional mind-body exercises (TMBEs) have shown potential benefits for pulmonary rehabilitation in stable COPD, but their comparative efficacy remains unclear. Object…
Introduction Rehabilitation is the primary form of therapy for stroke survivors. However, there is a dearth of information regarding access to stroke rehabilitation services following discharge from hospitalization. This…
Aim To explore the self-reported experiences of older adults with post-stroke cognitive impairment following ischemic stroke and their needs for cognitive and functional recovery, rehabilitation information, psychologica…
Objective Convergent evidence indicates that high-dose, high-intensity rehabilitation (HDHI) improves outcomes beyond usual care after stroke, yet implementation remains limited. While questions of optimal dose, timing, …
Rationale Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Motor dysfunction is a highly prevalent and disabling consequence of stroke. Brain-computer interface (BCI) training has emerged as a promi…
Accurate assessment of joint range of motion (ROM) and maximal mouth opening (MMO) is essential in the rehabilitation of patients with oral cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity and reliability of …
Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of long-term care needs in Japan; therefore, rehabilitation is essential. Although patient satisfaction is an important indicator of care quality, factors a…
Background : Pain is a multidimensional experience shaped not only by nociceptive input but also by cognitive, emotional, and social processes. In musculoskeletal (MSK) rehabilitation, outcome variability among patients …
Background Chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders worldwide. Its etiology is multifactorial, and it constitutes a leading cause of work absenteeism and a significant …
Objective Stroke is highly prevalent among older adults, and age-related reductions in neuroplastic reserve may limit motor recovery. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare and rank the effects…
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a central component of optimized secondary prevention. Since their inception, CR programmes have progressively evolved. These incorporate several components in a multidisciplinary setting, …
Background/Objectives: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and antioxidant networks mediated by Selenoprotein P (SEPP1) are core drivers of structural neuroplasticity and blood-brain barrier integrity, yet their co-…
Aim This audit aimed to quantify cancer physiotherapy workforce and services across the acute cancer services and to examine current priorities, barriers and facilitators to service delivery. Methods A cross-sectional su…
Background and objective Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves exercise capacity but has limited effects on ventilatory constraints in severe COPD. Application of elastic tape (ET) is a potential adjunctive strategy tha…
Objectives To determine the feasibility, uptake, safety, effectiveness and acceptability of nursing students and allied health assistants (AHAs) delivering additional exercise sessions during inpatient geriatric rehabili…
Introduction Fewer than half of patients receive evidence-based upper limb rehabilitation after stroke. Implementation science interventions may improve use of guidelines by clinicians; however, it is not yet known wheth…
Objective This study aimed to integrate variable-centered and person-centered approaches to examine the relationship between uncertainty in illness and cardiac rehabilitation adherence in patients with coronary heart dis…
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major global public health burden. Annually in the United States, over one million patients undergo arduous cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after experiencing cardiovascular events such as…
Objective Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, resulting in illness and death for millions of individuals. Despite the availability of effective treatment options, a substantial number of people…
Objective To examine whether social support and psychological resilience sequentially mediate the relationship between kinesiophobia (fear of movement) and autonomous motivation for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) among pati…
Purpose Survivors of critical illness frequently experience persistent physical impairment, particularly ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW), which contributes to prolonged disability after intensive care. We conducted a syst…
Background Frailty is common among older patients surviving myocardial infarction, is associated with adverse outcomes, and is often perceived as a barrier to cardiac rehabilitation (CR). The aim of this study is to dete…
Background Spatial neglect is a common attentional condition post-stroke linked to poor rehabilitation outcomes. Prism adaptation, though a promising intervention, is not yet widely used clinically due to various barrier…
Objective To investigate the application of musculoskeletal ultrasound in the quantitative assessment of lower leg muscles and its value in stratifying rehabilitation outcomes in patients with stroke. Methods A single-ce…
Background Frail elderly patients undergoing hepatobiliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgery face a substantially elevated risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), which are associated with increased mortality, exten…
Background Chronic hypoxia at high altitudes worsens pulmonary hypertension (PH), leading to earlier symptom onset, more frequent exacerbations, and diminished quality of life. While pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is know…
Lower-limb rehabilitation exoskeletons have the potential to improve gait recovery after stroke by providing intensive and repetitive training. However, conventional control strategies often rely on fixed control paramet…
Background and objective Outcome-based education (OBE) is increasingly used to develop advanced nursing competencies, yet how these competencies transfer into complex clinical practice-particularly in oncology cardiopulm…
Background This study retrospectively analysed the clinical outcomes of phased rehabilitation nursing combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction on depression and neurological deficit severity in patients with acut…
Objective Postoperative functional impairment, including reduced tongue strength and swallowing efficiency, is common following oral andmaxillofacial surgery. Prehabilitation strategies targeting oral function may enhanc…
Introduction Activity-based therapy (ABT) delivers intensive, repetitive sensorimotor stimulation to enhance neuroplasticity after spinal cord injury. ABT has demonstrated synergistic benefits with cervical transcutaneou…
Background Depression and anxiety exacerbate the pernicious cycle of dyspnea, inactivity, and deconditioning in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a well-proven man…
Rationale The optimal content and delivery method of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) maintenance programs are unknown. We developed a web-based, pedometer-mediated intervention, based on the Behavioral Theory of Self-Regul…
Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality, and many pregnancy-related cardiovascular deaths are potentially preventable. Cardio-obstetrics has advanced preconception counseling, mu…
Background Cognitive and motor impairments are major determinants of functional independence after stroke. While robot-assisted training is effective for motor recovery, its impact on cognitive function through integrate…
BACKGROUND Stroke frequently causes persistent motor impairment and dependence in activities of daily living (ADL). Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, repetitive, task‑specific training that may promote neuroplastici…
Background/Objectives : Ethnic inequities in cardiovascular disease and healthcare access are well recognised worldwide, but it is unclear whether these inequities translate into differences in cardiac rehabilitation par…
Aims Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an essential component of long-term care for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). This study provides novel patient-reported data on barriers to cardiac rehabilitation in ACHD,…
Background Emerging data suggest that text message-based mobile health interventions may enhance physical activity levels in patients with cardiovascular disease enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation. The optimal characteri…
Background Traditional brick-and-mortar pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs remain substantially underutilized, with only 2.7% of Medicare beneficiaries completing PR within 12 months following a COPD exacerbation hos…
Background Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) often struggle to develop and maintain heart-healthy physical activity habits, even after completing a cardiac rehabilitation program. Digital tools offer opportuniti…
This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on extracorporeal shock wave therapy for pain management in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, emphasizing its analgesic mechanisms, clinical applications, and safety. As a…
Objective This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' and patients' perceptions and experiences of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) among advanced lung cancer patients undergoing c…
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to severe mobility impairments, necessitating intense rehabilitation to promote recovery and optimize outcomes. Overground robotic exoskeletons (ORE) are emerging gait trai…
Purpose of review This review synthesizes the mechanisms, applications, and evidence gaps regarding pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in the rehabilitation of post-stroke complications to guide its standardized integration. Re…
Background Cardiac risk stratification protocols are widely used in cardiac rehabilitation programs, but divergent classifications limit their applicability. In 2020, the Brazilian Society of Cardiology updated its proto…
Background Lower-limb motor dysfunction after stroke severely compromises mobility and quality of life. Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which employs a "central-peripheral-central" closed-loop to promote neuro…
Introduction Music interventions by listening to recorded music have been associated with the alleviation of breathlessness and the improvement of physical outcomes in the context of pulmonary rehabilitation. Results of …
Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended following valve replacement or repair procedures (VRPs), yet participation remains suboptimal among patients undergoing VRPs. Home-based CR (HBCR), including both ful…
Background This study sought to evaluate the thickness of supportive bands and ligaments surrounding the patella in post-stroke patients, with the objective of informing tailored rehabilitation interventions. This is nec…
Weight-bearing exercise intensity in older Nigerian women with osteoporosis was mainly determined by age, not sociodemographic factors. Higher intensity was associated with better physiotherapy outcomes, highlighting the…
Stroke frequently results in long-term motor impairments, making effective rehabilitation essential for functional recovery. However, the development of intelligent rehabilitation systems is hindered by the lack of large…
Recent literature revealed gender differences in both motor and cognitive deficits after stroke. Women appear to be at a greater disadvantage in terms of recovery, probably for biological and social factors. This post-ho…
Background/objectives Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability worldwide. Wearable devices have shown potential in supporting rehabilitation, yet evidence on their safety, feasibility, and adherence remains fragme…
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation to assess pain, physical function, disability, health-related quality of life, psychological status, and patient-perceived recov…
Background: Artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) are emerging as transformative technologies in medicine. However, their ability to develop physical exercise rehabilitation programs and provide insigh…
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate readily accessible U.S. based online physical therapy protocols for open and endoscopic hip abductor repairs and to assess the variability in post-operative rehabilitatio…
Introduction Children with cerebral palsy exhibit impaired gross motor function, particularly in standing and walking abilities. Robot-assisted gait training using the Lokomat device has emerged as an established interve…
Introduction Post-stroke motor recovery relies on rebalancing of network connectivity, yet objective biomarkers for longitudinal monitoring remain limited. The delta/alpha ratio (DAR) is an established quantitative elect…
Takaoka T, Kasai F, Ikai T. Association between activities of daily living and the introduction of home-visit medical care in patients with stroke discharged from a convalescent rehabilitation ward. Jpn J Compr Rehabil S…
Context The brain is highly vulnerable to circulatory disruptions, including cerebrovascular accident (CVA or stroke). Stroke survivors can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Objectives This systematic review eval…
Stroke frequently causes spasticity and motor impairment, reducing independence. Non-invasive treatments like radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and acupoint-based transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation …
Background Chinese medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine) is widely used in post-stroke rehabilitation in Southeast Asia. However, evidence on its effectiveness and optimal timing remains inconclusive. This study aim…
Purpose Center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is the standard of care for patients with cardiovascular disease. However, access limitations have led to increased interest in home-based alternatives. This study aimed t…
Rationale Tuberculosis (TB) is a major worldwide cause of disability, with TB survivors experiencing a significant and often underrecognized burden, and approximately half going on to develop post-tuberculosis lung disea…
This study aimed to investigate the effects of posture-recognition-based mirror visual feedback therapy (MVFT) on the degree of neglect, balance function, and activities of daily living in patients with poststroke neglec…
Objective Alzheimer's disease (AD) progressively impairs cognitive function and quality of life (QoL). Patients frequently experience anxiety, which may accelerate cognitive decline. This study aimed to investigate the e…
Background Usual care (UC) in stroke rehabilitation is often insufficiently documented, limiting evaluation of interventions such as high-intensity gait training (HIGT). Objective To describe physiotherapy delivery in UC…
Background A recent definition of clinical obesity emphasises the presence of age-adjusted limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs). Early identification of ADL limitations and factors negatively influencing the …
Background and purpose Stroke is a leading cause of disability, associated with impaired motor function and brain connectivity. Mental Simulation Practices (MSP), including Motor Imagery, Mirror Therapy and Action Observ…
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) aims to enhance cardiovascular health and quality of life, as well as survival through structured exercise training, lifestyle education, cardiovascular risk factor management, and psychosocia…
Background Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that can lead to postural imbalance, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. While Schroth exercises are established a…
Accurate assessment of motor function is central to stroke rehabilitation. However, automated assessment remains challenging because task completion must be distinguished from compensatory movement, and skeletal and iner…
Background : Advanced endovascular procedures are increasingly used for ischemic stroke, but real-world evidence from middle-income settings remains limited, particularly regarding survival, disability, and neurorehabili…
A woman in her early 60s with acute Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) developed rapidly progressive tetraparesis and respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilation. Following intravenous immunoglobulin and medical st…
Background and objective The safety of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) during acute exacerbations of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) remains uncertain. Utilising a real-world, multicentre clinical context, this study in…
Background Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery, Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) implement postoperative patient care alongside Phase 1 Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR). Yet, HCPs' experiences, including e…
Children with Down syndrome commonly present with impaired balance and postural control due to musculoskeletal, sensory, and neuromotor deficits, which may negatively affect functional mobility and participation in daily…
This study presents a biotechnical rehabilitation system for improving motor recovery in post-stroke patients with lower extremity paresis. The system integrates virtual reality (VR)-based therapy, real-time muscle fatig…
Background Trends in functional recovery after ischemic stroke within inpatient rehabilitation settings are not well-described. This study evaluated 18-year trends in functional motor improvement among adults receiving i…