Physiotherapy Theory and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Influence of patellofemoral joint reaction force changes at small knee flexion angles on patellofemoral pain during single limb landing in active females.","authors":"Lee T Atkins, Hyung Suk Yang, C Roger James","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2594578","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2594578","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Excessive patellofemoral joint (PFJ) loading is considered a primary stimulus for patellofemoral pain (PFP) development. However, little is known about how changes in PFJ loading influence PFP in active females, who are affected more frequently than males.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Examine if changes in the patellofemoral joint reaction force (PFJRF) caused by forward trunk lean are associated with changes in self-reported PFP and hip and knee kinematics during single limb landing. Examine if and to what extent PFJRF reductions are related to changes in self-reported PFP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-six active females (age: 23.4 ± 4.1 years) with PFP performed five single limb landing trials (0.25 m) using self-selected and forward trunk lean strategies. For each trial, kinematics, kinetics, and self-reported PFP were recorded. Dependent variables included pain, peak PFJRF, and PFJRF at varying knee flexion angles. Paired <i>t-</i>tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were calculated to examine the forward trunk lean effects on dependent variables. Spearman's rho was calculated to examine relationships between changes in PFJRF and self-reported PFP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forward trunk lean led to increased peak PFJRF (mean difference (MD) = 16.15 N/kg; <i>p</i> < .05) and decreased PFJRF at knee flexion angles of 20 (MD = -5.73 N/kg; <i>p</i> < .001), 25 (MD = -7.67 N/kg; <i>p</i> < .001), and 30 degrees (MD = -6.86 N/kg; <i>p</i> < .001), but not 35 degrees (<i>p</i> > .05). The forward trunk lean also led to a 3-point median decrease in PFP (<i>p</i> < .05) and abolished pain in 18 of 26 participants, despite increased peak PFJRF. The PFJRF change at 25 degrees of knee flexion was significantly and positively related to changes in self-reported PFP (ρ = .44; <i>p</i> = .026).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>For active females, increased forward trunk lean during single limb landing can improve PFP and reduce PFJRFs at small knee flexion angles, despite increased peak PFJRF. Additionally, greater decreases in the submaximal PFJRF at 25 degrees of knee flexion were associated with greater decreases in self-reported PFP during single limb landing.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"668-678"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145662012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of lipedema on lower limb muscle strength, muscle endurance, functionality, functional exercise capacity, pressure pain threshold and edema: A case-control study.","authors":"Miray Haspolat, Elif Sakizli Erdal, Canan Ergin, Burak Erturk, Ilke Keser","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2592718","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2592718","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lipedema is an abnormal accumulation of subcutaneous fat that usually affects the lower extremities. Inflammation due to adipose tissue may negatively affect body structure and functions.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This case-control study aimed to assess lower extremity muscle strength, endurance and function, functional exercise capacity, pressure pain threshold, and edema in women with lipedema and compare with healthy women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Women with lipedema and healthy women of similar age and body mass index (BMI) were included in the study. Lower extremity muscle strength, muscle endurance, functionality, functional exercise capacity, pressure pain threshold, and edema (local tissue water) were assessed with digital dynamometer, 30-Second Sit to Stand Test (30-SSTS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), manual algometer and skin moisture meter, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-four women with lipedema (mean age: 47.9 ± 1.8 years, median BMI: 30.62 (19.03-41.20) kg/m²) and 20 healthy women (mean age: 47.2 ± 12.1 years, median BMI: 28.12 (23.23-39.66) kg/m²) participated in the study. Muscle strength for all assessing lower extremity muscles, 30-SSTS repetition number, LEFS score, pressure pain threshold of all assessing regions, percent of predicted 6MWT distance (<i>p</i> < .001) and 6MWT distance (<i>p</i> = .001) were significantly lower in women with lipedema compared to healthy controls. No significant difference was in terms of local tissue water percentage (<i>p</i> > .050).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Lower extremity muscle strength, muscle endurance, functionality, functional exercise capacity and pressure pain threshold decrease in women with lipedema. It is recommended that these changes be taken into account when developing rehabilitation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"641-648"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145641465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improvement and status at four months relate to probability of surgery and one year outcome: nationwide cohort of patients with subacromial pain syndrome.","authors":"Katrine Thingholm Erhardsen, Laura Mønsted Krohn, Kristian Thorborg, Lars Louis Andersen, Mikkel Bek Clausen","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2596182","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2596182","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>First-line treatment for subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) includes non-surgical interventions with surgery as a secondary option. The relationship between outcome of first line treatment and long-term outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between symptom improvement and symptom status 4 months after diagnosis and the probability of subsequent surgery and acceptable symptom status after 1 year.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a population-based prospective cohort-study of patients with SAPS from Danish outpatient hospital clinics. The patients completed online questionnaires 4 months and 1 year after diagnosis, including data on symptom improvement (Global Impression of Change) and symptom status (Patient Acceptable Symptom State) at 4-month follow-up, symptom status at 1-year follow-up and information on surgery (yes/no) between 4-month and 1-year follow-up. We used logistic regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 2244 patients completed a 1-year follow-up. Those who did not undergo surgery (<i>n</i> = 1406), those who had surgery before 4-month follow-up (<i>n</i> = 510), and those who had surgery between 4-month and 1-year follow-up (<i>n</i> = 223) had a 64%, 70% and 48% probability of reaching acceptable symptom status at 1-year follow-up, respectively. Symptom improvement or acceptable symptom status at 4-month follow-up significantly reduced the probability of surgery between 4-month and 1-year follow-up (OR 0.32 (95%CI: 0.23-0.46) and 0.26 (95%CI: 0.17-0.42)) and significantly increased the probability of acceptable symptom status at 1-year follow-up for patients not undergoing surgery (OR 1.46 (95%CI: 1.12-1.90) and 4.10 (95%CI: 3.14-5.36), respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Symptom improvement and acceptable symptom status after 4-month follow-up relate to a lower probability of surgery and a higher probability of acceptable symptom status.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"700-709"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145764264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation and evaluation of a dual task interprofessional education program: a mixed methods study.","authors":"Wendy Romney, Natasha Moran, Cristina Pino, Allie Santaniello, Bridget O'Donnell, Christopher Petrosino","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2664651","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2664651","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Interprofessional education (IPE) fosters collaboration among healthcare students which may improve patient-centered care. There are gaps in the literature describing IPE programs where healthcare professional students provide authentic clinical care by co-treating individuals with chronic stroke over prolonged periods.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of a dual-task experiential learning IPE program and evaluate the physical therapy (PT) and speech-language pathology (SLP) student perceptions of the IPE program.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The convergent mixed-methods study evaluated an 8-week IPE program where PT and SLP students co-treated clients with chronic stroke using dual-task interventions. Data were collected through observations, focus groups, and surveys. Qualitative content analysis was conducted using an inductive-deductive approach and mapped to Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies. Trustworthiness was established through peer debriefing, member checking, external audits and triangulation. The IPEC Survey was completed at baseline, immediately post, and at 6-month follow-up. Friedman's test compared changes over time, with Wilcoxon signed-rank test using Bonferroni correction for post hoc analysis. Qualitative and quantitative data were integrated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventeen (11 PT and 6 SLP) students participated in focus groups where five qualitative themes emerged - Learning the Discipline, Learning to Co-Treat, Client-Centered Care, Teamwork, and Communication - that were aligned with the IPEC Core Competencies. Eleven students completed surveys at all timepoints. Significant improvements were found in Interprofessional Interactions (X²(2) = 11.13, <i>p</i> = .004) and Interprofessional Values (x²(2) = 14.97, <i>p</i> < .01) from baseline to immediately post that were maintained at 6 months. The qualitative and quantitative findings were congruent and complementary.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The prolonged experiential IPE program enhanced interprofessional competencies and promoted client-centered care among PT and SLP students.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Integrating motor-cognitive-linguistic co-treatments within authentic rehabilitation contexts supported collaborative practice, teamwork and role development and can be modeled by future educators.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction.","authors":"","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2665966","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2665966","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"i-iii"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reliability and discriminative validity of single- and dual-task 10-meter walk test for assessing cognitive-motor interference in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.","authors":"Merve Kurt-Aydin, Dilan Savas-Kalender, Fatma Ozden Acarol, Tulay Tarsuslu, Uluc Yis","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2664644","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2664644","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although cognitive involvement is well documented in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), it is rarely integrated into routine physiotherapy assessments.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Therefore, this study aimed to examine the test - retest reliability and discriminative validity of the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) under single-task, motor - motor dual-task, and cognitive - motor dual-task conditions in children with DMD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-three boys with DMD and 12 typically developing (TD) children completed the 10MWT under single-task, motor - motor dual-task, and cognitive - motor dual-task conditions. Walking time under each condition, dual-task costs (DTC), and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Reliability was quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_(3,1)) based on a two-way mixed-effects model with absolute agreement for single measurements, and discriminative ability was examined using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Test-retest reliability ranged from moderate to high across conditions (ICC = 0.583-0.820). All test conditions showed excellent discriminative ability between DMD and TD children (AUC = 1.00 for single-task and motor dual-task; 0.993 for cognitive dual-task; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Children with DMD walked significantly slower than TD children in all conditions (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and exhibited significantly higher DTCs in motor-motor (<i>p</i> = 0.005) and cognitive-motor (<i>p</i> = 0.001) conditions. Within-group analyses demonstrated a significant stepwise deterioration from single-task to dual-task walking in both groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The 10MWT under single- and dual-task conditions is a reliable and highly discriminative tool for children with DMD. Beyond measuring motor performance, its dual-task versions allow physiotherapists to indirectly capture cognitive-motor interference, providing clinically meaningful information for more comprehensive functional monitoring and individualized rehabilitation planning in this cognitively affected population.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of various pedagogical tools to enhance clinical reasoning in physiotherapy: a systematic review.","authors":"Gérard Ndacayisaba, Jérémy Vanderweyen, Jean Mapinduzi, Ildephonse Nduwimana, Alexis Sinzakaraye, Gaël Deboeck, Bruno Bonnechère, Joachim Van Cant","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2664643","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2664643","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Developing clinical reasoning is a critical component of physiotherapy education. Active strategies such as simulation- and digital-based learning have been proposed to enhance these skills. However, their effectiveness, but also the best modalities remain largely unknown. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various educational strategies on clinical reasoning among physiotherapy students and clinicians.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Central was conducted for studies published between January 1, 2015 and February 28, 2026. Eligible designs included randomized controlled trials, controlled before - after studies, pre - post studies, and quasi-experimental designs. Methodological quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) for quantitative studies and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for qualitative or mixed-methods studies. Data were narratively synthesized by grouping studies into three pedagogical categories: (i) simulation- and digital-based learning, (ii) active and case-based learning methods, and (iii) structured educational programs and training.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty four studies (<i>n</i> = 3,048 participants) of moderate-to-high methodological quality were included in this study. Participants ranged from entry-level physiotherapy students to licensed clinicians. Simulation- and digital-based approaches, such as standardized patients, virtual reality, mobile applications, and computer-assisted learning, showed consistent improvements in clinical decision-making and performance, as well as gains in self-efficacy and motivation. Active and case-based learning strategies, including problem-based learning and concept mapping, were associated with increased satisfaction, reflective practice, and usability. Structured programs, such as residencies, workshops, and mentorship models, produced notable benefits in decision-making, self-efficacy, and professional attitudes. Overall, simulation-, digital-based and structured programs demonstrated the most consistent evidence of effectiveness across studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Simulation, digital technologies, active learning, and structured programs effectively foster clinical reasoning in physiotherapy education. Simulation-based and active approaches appear particularly impactful. Future research should emphasize high-quality randomized trials and long-term outcomes, including patient-related measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional neuromuscular electrical stimulation while exergaming for toe-walking: a retrospective case report.","authors":"Elise Baron, Nora Bachman","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2664647","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2664647","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Case description: </strong>An 8-year old boy presenting with toe-walking and lower extremity muscle weakness underwent 10 PT sessions using traditional PT techniques, NMES, and an immersive exergaming platform (ARWell PRO (Augment Therapy®, Cleveland Ohio, USA)) to address standing and gait function.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>The intervention plan focused on strengthening the gastrocnemius muscles using task-specific NMES, with the ultimate goal of achieving flat-foot posture and functional movement. ARWell PRO provided interactive tasks that helped maintain motivation and provided immediate feedback to reinforce full plantar contact and controlled movement patterns. All exergame participation was completed with concurrent NMES.</p><p><strong>Outcomes: </strong>By the final sessions, the child demonstrated improved plantarflexion strength demonstrated by a substantial increase in number of completed heel raises, along with improved gait function and balance. Heel raises increased from 3 and 0 for the right and left leg, respectively, to 15 and 14, and full plantar surface contact was observed during standing activities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Combining novel exergaming with NMES may enhance engagement and tolerability of PT, thereby supporting therapeutic goals such as reduced toe-walking and improving functional outcomes overall.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Orthopaedic consultant's experiences and perceptions regarding advanced practice physiotherapists in orthopaedic clinics: a qualitative study.","authors":"Martin Rabey, Nicky Fortescue, Catherine Barrett, Peter Reilly, Daniel O'Brien","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2663294","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2663294","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Perceptions of key stakeholders may be barriers or facilitators to advanced practice physiotherapy services. However, the experience and perception of orthopedic consultants regarding advanced practice physiotherapy roles is poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Explore orthopedic consultants' experiences and perceptions regarding advanced practice physiotherapists in adult orthopedic clinics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Qualitative study: Reflexive thematic analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with twelve orthopedic consultants practising at Royal Perth Hospital. Interviews were driven by indicative questions based upon contemporary literature regarding advanced practice physiotherapy and conducted using a constructivist lens to capture diverse perspectives. Themes/subthemes were reviewed by the entire research team.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes, capturing conflicting views, were derived: 1) APP role clarity. 2) Enhancement of orthopedic services. 3) Health system challenges. 4) Expectations of orthopedic services. Theme one reflected a lack of clarity, amongst orthopedic consultants interviewed, regarding the advanced practice physiotherapist's role, scope of practice and level of education, while complimenting their diagnostic skills. Theme two highlighted enhancement of orthopedic services through thorough biopsychosocial assessments, contrasting perceptions regarding advanced practice physiotherapist efficiency, and considered whether advanced practice physiotherapists are a burden on orthopedic clinics. Theme three considered shifting clinical responsibilities and the perceived need for clinical pathways. Theme four highlighted negative perceptions of patient and referrer feedback.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of whole-body vibration and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle biomechanical properties and thickness in patients in the intensive care unit: a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Yunus Emre Tütüneken, Elif Kabasakal, Kübra Kardes, Hatice Karabulut, Beyza Tanrıöğen, Özge Şenel, Hande Cagliyan Erdogan, Burcu Işıkcı, Hakan Parlak, Gül Deniz Yılmaz Yelvar, Yasemin Buran Çırak","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2026.2660184","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2026.2660184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Critically ill patients face a high risk of rapid muscle atrophy and deterioration in muscle biomechanical properties due to prolonged immobilization. Whole body vibration (WBV) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) have emerged as adjunctive therapies to preserve muscle structure and function.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to compare the effects of WBV and NMES on muscle biomechanical properties and muscle thickness in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-five participants were randomly assigned to groups: WBV plus conventional therapy (CT), NMES plus CT, and CT alone. All groups received 4 weeks of treatment (5 sessions/week). The WBV group received vibration therapy, while the NMES group received electrical stimulation targeting the quadriceps femoris muscles. The control group received CT only, consisting of standard rehabilitation care. Muscle biomechanical properties of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles, together with muscle thickness of the quadriceps femoris and biceps brachii, were assessed using MyotonPRO and ultrasonography.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Whole body vibration produced bilateral increases in muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity (all <i>p</i> ≤ .004), with small-to-moderate effect sizes (η² ≤ 0.12). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation also yielded significant within-group improvements, although these were smaller, whereas the control group showed minimal and mostly non-significant changes. Muscle thickness of the biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris increased significantly in both intervention groups (all <i>p</i> ≤ .006). Quadriceps femoris and biceps brachii thickness, rectus femoris tone, and tibialis anterior elasticity exceeded the Smallest Worthwhile Effect, indicating clinical improvements. Quadriceps femoris thickness demonstrated significant time×group interaction effects with large effect sizes (η² = 0.24-0.30), with greater increases observed in the WBV and NMES groups than in the control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both interventions enhanced muscle biomechanical properties and muscle thickness, with WBV demonstrating more consistent and pronounced effects. These interventions may offer clinically meaningful benefits for preserving muscle quality and morphology in patients in the ICU.</p><p><strong>Clinicaltrials.gov: </strong>(Identifier: NCT06872697).</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}