Physiotherapy Theory and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Cost of manual therapy for musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of systematic reviews with methodological and reporting quality.","authors":"Kaitlin Kirker, Michael Masaracchio, Rebecca States, Jodi Young","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2471398","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2471398","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this systematic review of systematic reviews was to determine the cost-effectiveness of manual therapy in the management of patients with musculoskeletal disorders, with an assessment of methodological and reporting quality.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To be included, publications needed to be systematic reviews including studies with participants with musculoskeletal conditions > 18 years old; the experimental intervention was manual therapy; assessed the cost of manual therapy; and were published in English. Literature, narrative, and scoping reviews were excluded. An electronic search was conducted in May 2024 using CINAHL (EBSCO Host), Ovid MEDLINE® ALL, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. The methodological and reporting quality of systematic reviews was assessed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020). Cost data was reported narratively. AMSTAR 2 and PRISMA compliancewas summarized narratively and graphically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eleven systematic reviews were included. Approximately half of the reviews on spine pain concluded that manual therapy and acupuncture were cost-effective compared to usual care. A limited number of systematic reviews on peripheral joint pain concluded that manual therapy was cost-effective for shoulder pain, but was inconclusive for ankle fractures and knee osteoarthritis. Confidence in the results of the included reviews was low to critically low. Compliance with PRISMA guidelines was highly variable.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall low to critically low methodological quality, variability in reporting quality, and heterogeneity of cost data makes it difficult to draw summative conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of manual therapy for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1968-1985"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143558304","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":"Use of blood flow restriction and electrical stimulation in a patient with transverse myelitis: a case report.","authors":"Paul Mintken, Winter Ball, Mark M Mañago","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2468909","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2468909","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Transverse myelitis (TM) is a rare inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord resulting in neurological impairments that impact motor function and mobility. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has emerged as a feasible intervention in neurologic populations to improve strength and functional performance. Recent studies suggest that combining BFR with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may further enhance outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effects of an 8-week, low-intensity lower-extremity resistance training program incorporating BFR (2×/week for 4 weeks) followed by combined BFR+NMES (2×/week for 4 weeks) on functional performance in a patient with chronic TM. The patient was seen for a total of 17 visits.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>A 31-year-old male with a 17-year history of TM presented with significant left lower extremity weakness, functional mobility limitations, and challenges navigating stairs and walking long distances. His primary goal was to improve his functional mobility.</p><p><strong>Outcomes: </strong>Post-intervention assessments demonstrated improvement across multiple functional performance measures. The patient's gait speed with the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) increased from 1.17 to 1.43 m/s (MDC 0.13 m/s), Timed Up and Go (TUG) time improved by 17.5% (MCID 10-15%), and his 30-Second Sit-to-Stand (30STS) performance increased by two repetitions (MDC 1.13). Improvements were also seen in the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and the SF-36.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings suggest that BFR, alone or in combination with NMES, may improve function in chronic TM patients with lower extremity weakness. BFR appears to offer a promising approach for individuals with neurological conditions where traditional high-intensity resistance training is limited.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"2011-2020"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143460305","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 in gait and functional abilities in an adult with posterior cortical atrophy after translingual neuromodulation with neurorehabilitation physical therapy: a case report.","authors":"Julie Ann Webeck, Katherine Laing, David M Andrews","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2464849","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2464849","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by progressive damage to the brain's visual and association areas, resulting in impaired spatial awareness, visual processing, and functional independence.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This report examines the effects of a 14-week treatment protocol consisting of translingual neuromodulation via a portable neuromodulation stimulator (PoNS_®¹) in conjunction with physical therapy on balance, gait, and functional mobility in an adult male with PCA.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>Assessments included objective and subjective measures of balance and gait - the 10-Metre Walk Test, Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M), Neuro-Quality of Life (Neuro-QoL), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. These were performed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 14 to evaluate the protocol's efficacy in improving balance, stability, and gait.</p><p><strong>Outcomes: </strong>Postural stability, balance, gait patterning, and gait speed improved, enhancing daily functioning abilities and self-confidence. Gait speed improved by 0.48 m/s (comfortable) and 0.46 m/s (fast), exceeding MDC thresholds. The participant's FGA score increased 21 points and DGI increased 17 points, both exceeding their respective MDC thresholds (6 points for FGA, 3.2 points for DGI), reflecting marked gait improvements. The CB&M score rose 24 points, exceeding the MDC of 9.6 points. Despite these gains, gait speed remained below age-related norms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Given the largely positive response to the protocol, further investigation should be undertaken to continue to explore the efficacy of PoNS_® and physical therapy to determine its viability as a treatment for symptoms of PCA.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"2002-2010"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143374403","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":"Current state of entry-level physical therapy qualitative research methods curricula in the United States: A faculty survey.","authors":"Michelle E Wormley, Chris Sebelski, Jason Cook, Gail Jensen, Melissa M Tovin","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2471409","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2471409","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Qualitative research methods in healthcare delve into the nuanced complexities of health professions work, seeking to comprehend the contextual and interpretive dimensions of patient, caregiver, and provider perspectives and experiences. Qualitative research is an essential contribution to evidence-based and evidence-informed practice, and therefore foundational for practice across all health professions.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to examine the breadth and depth of curricular content, delivery models, instructional strategies, and resources related to qualitative research methods in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the United States.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional design, an online survey was developed, piloted, and emailed to 256 Commission for the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education accredited DPT programs. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square statistics were completed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall response rate was 31.6%. Respondents reported a mean of 5 instructional hours of qualitative research content, ranging from 0 to 12 hours. Analysis revealed a significant difference in contact hours (<i>p</i> = .026) between faculty reporting no expertise (2.7 hours) and high expertise (7.5 hours). Qualitative research content was primarily located early in the curriculum (76%) and in a stand-alone course (70%), with wide variability in intended learning outcomes, activities, and resources.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Given the critical importance that clinicians understand and apply qualitative and quantitative findings as part of evidence informed practice, this study highlights the need for building resources and faculty capacity to integrate qualitative methods of education in DPT curricula. Findings may inform the development of curriculum models, guidelines, and DPT learner competencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1771-1782"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143525000","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":"Experience of physiotherapeutic care in pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: A qualitative study from a primary care perspective.","authors":"Malin Eklund, Rita Sjöström","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2478494","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2478494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Although pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is a common cause of pain, there seem to be deficiencies in healthcare, regarding both knowledge and awareness of the condition. There is clearly a need for more research in the field of PPGP.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim was to highlight how people affected by PPGP experience physiotherapeutic care in the primary care setting in Sweden.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative interview study applied an inductive approach. The participants were selected through strategic sampling in primary healthcare units and via snowball sampling. Sixteen individual interviews were analyzed via qualitative content analysis according to Graneheim and Lundman.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis identified one overarching theme: Reflection on the participants' experiences cracks the façade, exposing a great need for healthcare. This theme is based on the participants' descriptions of initially feeling satisfied with the care they received for PPGP. However, when given the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, the participants clearly expressed wishes for improvements in physiotherapists' competence and interventions. The participants also emphasized a great desire to improve society's understanding of female-coded diagnoses.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results highlight the participants' ambivalent experience of healthcare for PPGP. Paying attention to the diagnosis and taking it seriously should be emphasized. One way to improve healthcare for PPGP would be to improve physiotherapists' competence regarding PPGP.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1874-1885"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143634878","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":"Physical therapist characteristics and therapeutic relationship process construct factors that improve patient health outcomes in physical therapy: a systematic review.","authors":"Óscar Rodríguez-Nogueira, Eduardo Alba-Pérez, María José Álvarez-Álvarez, Antonio Rafael Moreno-Poyato","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2469162","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2469162","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>It appears that the therapeutic relationship in physiotherapy practice facilitates the success of patient health outcomes, although the process by which it is carried out has been poorly studied.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the influence of the therapeutic relationship on any patient health outcomes in physical therapy settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS and Dialnet databases were systematically searched following PRISMA guidelines. The searches were completed in August 2024. Qualitative and quantitative studies measuring the therapeutic relationship and assessing its influence on health outcomes of patients treated with physical therapy were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The search yielded a total of 769 results. 13 studies ultimately retained for analysis. A total of 1555 individuals were studied who had suffered injuries such as low back pain; osteoarthritis; underwent cardiac surgery; hip fracture and elite athletes recovering from injuries. The results obtained were classified into three main themes: characteristics and skills of physical therapists (interpersonal, organizational, leadership and communication skills), therapeutic relationship factors (shared decision making, trusting relationships, motivating the patient and individualization of care) and patient health outcomes influenced by therapeutic relationship (functional outcomes, disability, pain intensity, outcome expectations, perceived global effect, adherence, self-efficacy, sports performance and lung function).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Through physical therapist's soft skills, therapeutic relationship factors are built under the paradigm of person-centered care and shared decision making, having a positive influence on certain patient health outcomes. Therefore, evidence support that therapeutic relationship contributes to improved patient health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1952-1967"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143484321","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":"Cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Balance Recovery Confidence Scale in older Turkish adults.","authors":"Abdulkadir Dağbaşi, Serdar Arslan, Gökmen Yapali","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2552292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2025.2552292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Falls cause significant morbidity/mortality in older adults. Current scales assess fear of falling and proactive balance confidence but neglect confidence in reactive balance recovery (regaining stability after perturbations). The Balance Recovery Confidence Scale (BRCS) fills this gap, requiring cultural adaptation for Turkish populations.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the BRCS in community-dwelling Turkish older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following Beaton's guidelines, BRCS underwent forward-backward translation, expert review (<i>n</i> = 10), and pilot testing (<i>n</i> = 30). Psychometric validation included 76 adults ≥65 years. Content validity used Content Validity Index (CVI) and Ratio (CVR). Construct validity employed Exploratory/Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA/CFA). Reliability was assessed via Cronbach's α and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC₃,₁; 7-day retest). Convergent validity examined Spearman correlations between Turkish BRCS and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Tinetti Balance & Gait Test (TBT&TGT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30s-CST), and Handgrip Strength Test (HGST).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Content validity was excellent (mean CVI = 0.92, CVR = 0.70-1.00). EFA/CFA confirmed a one-factor structure with excellent fit (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.045). Internal consistency (α = 0.94) and test-retest reliability (ICC₃,₁ = 0.94) were excellent. Turkish BRCS correlated strongly negatively with FES-I (-0.68), strongly positively with ABC (0.74), and moderately with physical performance tests (all <i>p</i> < .05). Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) = 6.91; Minimal Detectable Change at the 95% confidence level (MDC₉₅) = 19.16.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Turkish BRCS is a valid, reliable tool for assessing reactive balance recovery confidence in older adults, suitable for clinical and research applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144975243","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":"The coexistence of low back pain and lower urinary tract symptoms in men affects physical functioning.","authors":"Tom Vredeveld, Stephan P J Ramaekers, Michel W Coppieters, Annelies L Pool-Goudzwaard","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2549140","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2025.2549140","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The course of low back pain (LBP) may be influenced by comorbidities, including lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study aimed to explore the impact of the coexistence of LBP and LUTS on physical functioning, quality of life, sleep quality, comorbidities and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in men.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Men aged 40 years and older were invited by their health care professional or social media and websites to participate in a cross-sectional survey. LUTS severity and bother (ICIQ-MLUTS), physical functioning (PROMIS-PF-10), physical and mental health (PROMIS-GH-10), symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21-R), presence of comorbidities, and sleep quality (PSQI) were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-three men entered the survey, with 57 respondents (mean age = 58 years, <i>sd</i> = 12) completing the LBP and LUTS questionnaires and 49 the entire survey. LBP was present in 52 respondents, and severity of LUTS was mild (<i>n</i> = 41), moderate (<i>n</i> = 13), or severe (<i>n</i> = 3). The models revealed that physical functioning was better explained by including both LUTS severity (R² = 0.31) and LBP, rather than LBP (R² = 0.23) or LUTS severity alone (R² = 0.18). Bother due to LUTS and LBP was also associated with reduced physical functioning (R² = 0.29) and health (R² = 0.31).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Physical limitations are affected by the coexistence of LBP and LUTS. Mental health, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, and other comorbidities were not. Health care professionals should assess LUTS when treating men with LBP, and LBP when treating men with LUTS.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144975233","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":"The first steps into physiotherapy: A qualitative exploration of student motivations and early-career intentions as they prepare to enter the workforce.","authors":"Abraham Hkw Jones, Alana Dinsdale, Allison Mandrusiak, Roma Forbes","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2551273","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2025.2551273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>New graduate physiotherapists play a vital role in meeting the increased demand for health services, and aligning graduate career aspirations with evolving workforce needs is crucial for the profession's future. However, little is known about the underlying motivating factors that influence early-career intentions for physiotherapy students preparing to enter the workforce.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To explore the motivating factors influencing physiotherapy students preparing to enter the workforce and the impact of these factors on workplace and early-career intentions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian entry-level physiotherapy students in their final six months of study (<i>n</i> = 13), recruited through a snowball sampling approach. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The Self Determination Theory was used to guide the interview framework, inform data analysis, and interpret participants' deeper motivations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four major themes were developed and structured as statements made from the perspectives of participants: 1) I want my personal values to be fulfilled; 2) Supports I seek in my professional setting; 3) Relationships I hope to form within my career; and 4) Experiences that shape my early-career intentions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings indicate that physiotherapy students are influenced by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, alongside their placement experiences, when making decisions at the outset of their career. Consistent with Self Determination Theory, students seek to fulfill their innate psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness, and recognize the importance of aligning their values with prospective team environments and people in their early career.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144975176","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":"Immediate effects of Compressive Myofascial Release versus Talocrural Joint Mobilization on passive mechanical properties and functional outcomes in participants with Achilles tendon repair.","authors":"Firat Tan, Zilan Bazancir-Apaydin, Defne Kaya Utlu, Ahmet Gurler, Mehmet Orçun Akkurt, Hande Guney-Deniz","doi":"10.1080/09593985.2025.2547294","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2025.2547294","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the immediate effects of two manual therapy techniques - Compressive Myofascial Release (CMR) and Talocrural Joint Mobilization (TJM) - on passive mechanical properties, ankle mobility, and functional performance in individuals following Achilles tendon repair.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty participants with surgically repaired Achilles tendons received a single session of either CMR or TJM. Passive mechanical properties (tone, elasticity, stiffness) of the medial/lateral gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon were assessed via handheld myotonometer. Functional outcomes included the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT), Achilles Tendon Resting Angle (ATRA), and heel-rise height. Patient-reported outcomes were the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Demographic variables were similar between groups (<i>p</i> > .05). The mean time since surgery was 12.8 ± 10.3 months in the TJM group and 16.8 ± 13.25 months in the CMR group. CMR led to significantly greater improvements in MG stiffness (<i>p</i> = .007, <i>r</i> = 0.85), MG tone (<i>p</i> = .032, <i>r</i> = 0.68), and LG stiffness (<i>p</i> = .005, <i>r</i> = 0.89), with changes exceeding minimal detectable change (MDC) values. Although Achilles tendon stiffness also decreased significantly (<i>p</i> = .037, <i>r</i> = 0.66), this change did not exceed its MDC. Both groups showed statistically and clinically meaningful gains in ATRA, heel-rise height, and WBLT (all <i>p</i> < .01, <i>r</i> > 0.85). ATRS and FAOS indicated high functional recovery.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CMR yielded greater short-term improvements in clinically relevant muscle-tendon mechanical properties than TJM and may be a valuable therapeutic option following Achilles tendon repair.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level II.</p>","PeriodicalId":48699,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Theory and Practice","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144975211","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}