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Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents a significant clinical challenge due to limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Beyond mere survivorship, setting up an effective framework to improve functioning and quality of life is an urgent need in the comprehensive management of MPM patients. Therefore, this study aims to review the current understanding of MPM sequelae and the effectiveness of rehabilitative interventions in the holistic approach to MPM. A narrative review was conducted to summarize MPM sequelae and their impact on functioning, disability, and quality of life, focusing on rehabilitation interventions in MPM management and highlighting gaps in knowledge and areas for further investigation. Our findings showed that MPM patients experience debilitating symptoms, including fatigue, dyspnea, pain, and reduced exercise tolerance, decreasing quality of life. Supportive and rehabilitative interventions, including pulmonary rehabilitation, physical exercise improvement, psychological support, pain management, and nutritional supplementation, seem promising approaches in relieving symptoms and improving quality of life but require further research. These programs emphasize the pivotal synergy among patient-tailored plans, multidisciplinary team involvement, and disease-specific focus. Despite advancements in therapeutic management, MPM remains a challenging disease with limited effective interventions that should be adapted to disease progressions. Rehabilitative strategies are essential to mitigate symptoms and improve the quality of life in MPM patients. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitative interventions tailored to the unique needs of MPM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Hemophilic arthropathy is a detrimental condition that crucially affects functional outcomes in hemophilic patients. In recent years, due to the advances in systemic therapies, growing attention has been raised in the rehabilitation field in order to improve functional outcomes of hemophilic patients. However, the optimal rehabilitation modalities in these patients are far from being fully characterized. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess the effects of different rehabilitation interventions on physical functioning and health-related quality of life of hemophilic arthropathic patients. METHODS: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Five databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until June 22nd, 2023. The selection criteria included adult patients with hemophilia A and B receiving rehabilitation interventions. The outcomes were muscle strength, physical function, pain intensity, physical performance, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Out of 1,743 identified records, 17 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Rehabilitation interventions were categorized into exercise intervention, fascial therapy, and multimodal intervention. The findings suggested positive outcomes in terms of muscle modifications, range of motion improvements, joint health enhancements, pain intensity reduction, and quality of life improvements. More in detail, meta-analyses showed significant improvements in pain intensity [ES: - 1.10 cm (- 1.37, - 0.82), p < 0.00001], joint health [ES: - 1.10 (- 1.38, - 0.82), p < 0.00001], In accordance, exercise interventions showed significant benefits in terms of joint health [ES: - 2.54 (- 3.25, - 1.83), p < 0.00001)] and quality of life [ES: 1.17 (0.48, 1.86), p < 0.0000)]. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation interventions have a positive impact on functional outcomes and health-related quality of life of hemophilic arthropathic patients. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the role of a comprehensive intervention combining different rehabilitation approaches to treat hemophilic arthropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs) commonly result from low bone mass and microarchitecture deterioration of bone tissue. spinal orthoses are common non-pharmacological options for managing vertebral fracture pain. However, the effects of spinal orthoses on pain, physical functioning, and quality of life (QoL) are still debated. OBJECTIVE: This survey aimed to investigate the patients-reported outcomes of a dynamic spinal orthosis prescribed in the routine clinical practice of VFFs management. METHODS: This multi-center national-wide prospective cohort study assessed older patients (aged > 60 years) diagnosed with acute VFFs and prescribed with a dynamic spinal orthosis (Spinfast®). A survey questionnaire was realized and included sections on patient characterization, osteoporosis characterization, spinal orthosis, clinical outcomes, pain medications, and osteoporosis medications. The questionnaire was administered at baseline and after three months. A total of 68 patients completed the questionnaire at three months. Most patients had one or two VFFs and were treated with pain medications and osteoporosis medications. Compliance and tolerability of the spinal orthosis were assessed, and clinical outcomes such as pain intensity, physical functioning, and QoL were measured. RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences in outcomes between age subgroups. Italian physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians were commonly involved in the management of VFFs patients. Sixty-six patients completed the questionnaire. The results showed that pain intensity, physical functioning and QoL improved after three months of spinal orthosis wearing (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The correct management of VFFs is mandatory to improve pain and reduce disability, and our findings suggested a positive role of dynamic spinal orthosis to improve the comprehensive management of VFFs patients. However, high-quality research trials are warranted to provide clear recommendations for the correct clinical management of VFF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a prevalent condition with socioeconomic and healthcare challenges. The flexion–relaxation phenomenon (FRP) evaluation is a valid clinical tool for low back pain (LBP) assessment. Yoga, a holistic mind–body practice, has been explored as an LBP intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of yoga asanas on the FRP in women with NSLBP. The study included healthy and chronic NSLBP females who underwent an eight‐session yoga asanas program, with the first session conducted in‐clinic and the rest delivered with tele‐approach. Outcome measures included pain intensity, flexion–relaxation ratio (FRR), and trough surface electromyography collected during trunk maximum voluntary flexion (MVF). The study included 11 healthy and 10 NSLBP women. Repeated measures test in chronic NSLBP group showed a significant decrease in pain intensity after the 4 weeks follow‐up (visual analog scale [VAS]: 6.80 ± 1.48 vs. 3.30 ± 1.25; p < 0.001) and an FRR improvement after the intervention (5.12 ± 0.93 vs. 9.49 ± 0.92; p < 0.001). VAS and FRR effect sizes were 0.77 and 0.47, respectively. Therefore, we performed a Prophet evaluation to assess FRR trends, finding a growth rate (k) of 0.405 ± 0.448, with a forecast 1 month after the end of the intervention approaching the trend line of the control group. The findings suggested that tele‐yoga asana might have a positive impact on pain intensity and the FRP in chronic LBP. Further research is warranted to confirm the long‐term effects of yoga for managing LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Although the growing literature is now focusing on the long-term effects of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD), there is still a large gap of knowledge about its long-term implications in rehabilitation. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effects of rehabilitation in PD patients years after DBS implantation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective case–control study analyzed records from Moriggia-Pelascini Hospital, Italy from September 2022 to January 2024. Data of PD patients (n = 47) with (DBS group, n = 22) and without (control group, n = 25) DBS were considered. All study participants underwent a daily rehabilitation program lasting four weeks, including warm-up, aerobic exercises, strength training, postural exercises, and proprioceptive activities. The outcomes assessed were the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 6 Min Walk Test (6MWT), and Self-Assessment Parkinson Disease Scale (SPDDS). Results: DBS group showed significant improvements in terms of all outcome measures after the rehabilitation intervention (UPDRS III: −7.0 (−11.5 to −1.0); p = 0.001; UPDRS I II IV: −12.0 (−19.0 to −4.5); p = 0.001; BBS: 7.0 (3.8 to 10.3); p < 0.001; TUG (s): −2.8 (−5.7 to −1.1); p < 0.001; SPDDS: −8 (−13.0 to −4.0); p < 0.001; 6MWT (m): 81 (37.3 to 132.3); p < 0.001). No differences were reported in the between-group analysis (p: NS). Conclusions: This study emphasizes positive rehabilitation effects on PD patients irrespective of DBS status. Further research is essential to elucidate long-term effects of DBS on rehabilitation outcomes of PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although rehabilitation medicine emphasizes a holistic health approach, there is still a large gap of knowledge about potential interventions aimed at improving overall wellbeing through cosmetic interventions. Therefore, this narrative review investigates the role of different rehabilitative techniques in enhancing aesthetics, quality of life, and psychosocial wellbeing for patients with disabilities. The study follows the SANRA framework quality criteria for a narrative review. Literature searches across PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus identified articles focusing on rehabilitation strategies within the aesthetic rehabilitation domain. The review identified evidence supporting injection procedures, such as Botulinum Toxin, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Hyaluronic Acid, Ozone, and Carboxytherapy, and assessing their applications in several disabling disorders. Additionally, physical therapies like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Laser Therapy, Microcurrent Therapy, Tecar Therapy, and physical exercises were explored for their impact on cutaneous microcirculation, cellulite treatment, wound healing, and scar appearance improvement. Lastly, the manuscript underlines the role of manual therapy techniques in addressing both physical discomfort and aesthetic concerns, discussing their effectiveness in adipose tissue therapy, scar tissue mobilization, and regional fat thickness reduction. Taken together, this review emphasizes the role of a multidisciplinary approach, aiming to provide valuable insights into potential benefits for both functional and aesthetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, discusses the role of bone-muscle crosstalk in secondary osteoporosis. Secondary osteoporosis is a condition that is often linked to chronic inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, medications, and lifestyle factors. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between bone and muscle health in order to develop effective therapeutic strategies for patients with secondary osteoporosis. It also highlights the need for integrated care approaches and the potential use of biomarkers to assess muscle and bone health. The article concludes by discussing the complex interconnections between inflammatory conditions, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia, and the importance of a holistic approach to managing these conditions. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic progressive disease that impresses a noticeable burden to society and healthcare systems. Physical exercise constitutes the first-line hip OA treatment approach, nevertheless, there is currently no gold standard method to treat this disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on functioning in patients with hip OA. METHOD: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out on patients with painful bilateral hip OA with a body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2. After the randomization, the experimental group was treated with PNF protocol and the control group with conventional physical therapy (10 sessions of manual therapy, 5 sessions/week for 2 weeks). The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was the primary outcome, whereas we assessed as secondary outcomes: pain, range of motion, and muscle strength of hip, physical performance, and quality of life. RESULTS: Twenty patients (40 hips) were enrolled and randomized into two groups: PNF group (mean age: 70.7 ± 8.07; BMI: 25.1 ± 3.07; 7 females and 3 males) and control group (mean age: 74.9 ± 10.72; BMI: 26.8 ± 3.78; 6 females and 4 males). The results showed a statistically significant improvement of HHS in the study group (T1: 90.6 ± 5.63) than in the control group (T1: 77.3 ± 10.9) (between-group p value < 0.001). Three months after the treatment we have statistically significant maintenance in the PNF group (T2:89.6 ± 6.32, within-group Δ T0-T2 p < 0.01) while the control group did not maintain the improvements recorded at T1 (T2: 71.4 ± 15.8). CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot RCT showed that incorporating PNF exercises into the rehabilitation program yielded notable enhancements in improving lower limb function, strength and ROM in hip OA patients. Nonetheless, further prospective studies including wider sample size are needed to implement scientific knowledge on this physical therapy approach, in patients with hip osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of add-on pelvic floor exercises on a weight management rehabilitation program. Patients and methods: This proof of principle study was conducted between July 2019 and December 2019. Ninety-three adult female inpatients with obesity and diagnosis of urinary incontinence (UI) were assessed for inclusion, and the suitable patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. Both groups underwent a weight management rehabilitation program, while the experimental group also performed pelvic floor exercises. The primary outcome was UI severity, assessed by the 1-h pad test. Secondary outcomes were urinary symptoms, assessed by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), and Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL). Results: Sixty female inpatients were randomly assigned to the experimental group [n=30; median age: 64.50 (51.25 to 70.50) years] or the control group [n=30; median age: 67.50 (58.50 to 74.75) years]. The experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction in UI severity [pad test: 2.08 (1.21 to 8.85) g vs. 0.54 (0.24 to 1.13) g, p<0.01; ICIQ-SF: 14.00 (10.25 to 17.00) vs. 8.00 (6.25 to 11.75), p<0.01; I-QOL: 56.37 (42.28 to 73.64) vs. 78.64 (64.32 to 90.68), p<0.01]. Statistically significant differences were found in the between-groups analysis [pad test: 0.54 (0.24 to 1.13) g vs. 1.08 (0.83 to 3.86) g, p<0.01; ICIQ-SF: 8.00 (6.25 to 11.75) vs. 12.00 (10.00 to 16.00), p<0.01; I-QOL: 78.64 (64.32 to 90.68) vs. 68.18 (60.00 to 84.32), p<0.01]. Conclusion: Including pelvic floor exercises might provide additional benefits compared to standard rehabilitation in reducing UI symptoms in obese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training improves muscle strength and functional outcomes, but the proprioceptive implications of this technique in the rehabilitation field are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at assessing the effects of BFR in terms of stabilometric and balance performance. METHODS: In this pilot randomized cross-over study, healthy young adults were included and randomly assigned to Groups A and B. Both groups underwent a postural assessment with and without wearing a BFR device. Study participants of Group A underwent postural baseline assessment wearing BFR and then removed BFR for further evaluations, whereas subjects in Group B performed the baseline assessment without BFR and then with BFR. Stabilometric and balance performance were assessed by the robotic platform Hunova, the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), the self-reported perceived balance (7-point Likert scale), and discomfort self-rated assessment. Moreover, the safety profile was recorded. RESULTS: Fourteen subjects were included and randomly assigned to Group A (n: 7) and Group B (n: 7). Significant differences were shown in balance tests in static conditions performed on the Hunova robot platform in terms of average distance RMS (root-mean-square) with open eyes (OE), anteroposterior (AP) trunk oscillation range with OE, mediolateral (ML) average speed of oscillation with OE, and total excursion AP range with closed eyes (CE) (BFR: 3.44 ± 1.06; without BFR: 2.75 ± 0.72; p = 0.041). Moreover, elastic balance test showed differences in Romberg index (BFR: 0.16 ± 0.16; without BFR: 0.09 ± 0.07; p = 0.047). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our data showed that BFR affects balance performance of healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to better characterize the possible role of BFR treatment in the context of a specific rehabilitation protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]