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The pandemic has led to the isolation and social exclusion of older adults and cut them off from any exercise activity. Thus, it is more than ever necessary to implement organized interventions to prevent falls in older people as they remain a global health problem associated with serious injuries, chronic disability, and high costs for the healthcare system. Otago exercise program (OEP) can effectively reduce the number of falls.To study the effect of a 6 months modified video supported OEP in balance, functional ability, fear of falls and number of falls in Greek older people who have fallen.150 fallers aged 65-80 years [Median age 70 (67-74), 88.7% women] were divided into two groups (intervention and control). Primary outcomes included changes in Short FES-I, CONFbal scale, 4-Stage Balance test, BBS, TUG test and number of falls, while the secondary outcome consists of the monthly adherence to exercise after the intervention. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was applied.There were statistically significant between groups differences after 6 months with the OEP group to shows improved values in TUG time score (17.8 vs 3.9%, p 0.001, 95% CI), 4-Stage Balance Test (6.85 vs 1.09%, p 0.05 95% CI), 30-Second Chair Stand Test 7.35 vs 2.93%, p 0.001), BBS score (13.27 vs 3.89%, p 0.001, 95% CI), Short FES-I (35.78 vs 13.01%, p 0.001, 95% CI) and number of falls (69.12 vs 18.70%, p 0.001, 95% CI). All the above differences remained statistically significant in the 12 months follow-up (p 0.05), when differences in the CONFbal score were also observed (p 0.001, 95% CI). No differences were found in adherence to OEP (p 0.05).A modified OEP decreases the number of falls, improves the balance and functional ability of older adults and reduces the fear of falling. However, it did not contribute to satisfactory adherence to exercise.NCT04330053/April 1, 2020.

Psychological harassment in the workplace is a silent epidemic nowadays and verbal abuse is the most common form of harassment in the health professions. The apparentdeeper causes of the phenomenon vary, making it difficult to investigate but at the same time necessary because of its serious impact on the individual, the organization and society. Given the characteristics of pediatric physiotherapy, as a specialized profession requiring interdisciplinary collaboration and direct contact with the pain and dysfunction of the delicate group of pediatric patients and their families, we can assume the existence of verbal abuse in this job. In this case, there are negative consequences for the dynamics of the treatment team and the quality of medical care. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the verbal abuse against physiotherapists in pediatrics, in Greece

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of paralysis in infancy and childhood. There is evidence that the integration of hydrotherapy in the treatment program can significantly contribute to the rehabilitation of children and young people with CP by improving their functional limitations and overall, their quality of life. The purpose of this review was to present recent research data on the contribution and efficacy of hydrotherapy in the rehabilitation of children and young adults with CP. The Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched with the following keywords: cerebral palsy, hydrotherapy, rehabilitation. This review included 11 articles. The results of our research show that hydrotherapy, both as an individual treatment and in combination with a standard land-based exercise program, can significantly contribute to the improvement of gross mobility, the improvement of exercise endurance and the improvement of the quality of life of people with CP. Ideal dosage of hydrotherapy programs, according to the research included in the review is 2-3 sessions per week for more than six weeks. However, it should be noted that the literature is still limited and further research is needed.

BACKGROUND: Both spinal manipulation (SM) and Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) have a positive effect in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP), especially when they are combined with therapeutic exercise (TE). However, it has not been determined which of the above combinations is more effective in patients with CNP. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two different manual techniques (SM and INIT), when combined with the same TE program in the management of CNP. METHODS: Eighty women with CNP, allocated into four groups of 20 persons each. The first group followed a 10-week TE program, the second TE and INIT, the third TE and SM, and the fourth was the control group. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) of the neck muscles, neck active Range of Motion (ROM), Maximum Isometric Strength (MIS) of the neck muscles, craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) and SF-36 questionnaire scores were evaluated before, during and after the treatment period, with a six-month follow-up. RESULTS: There was between groups differences between the three intervention groups and the control group (p< 05), with the positive effects being maintained until the six-month follow-up. However, this improvement occurred earlier in the “TE + INIT” and “TE + SM” groups than in the “TE” group. Differences between the “TE + INIT” and the “TE + SM” groups were noticed only in the neck muscles PPT values, in which the “TE + INIT” group showed greater improvement. Furthermore, some non-statistically significant indications for further improvement of “TE + SM” were noted in the left lateral flexion ROM. CONCLUSION: The addition of INIT as well as SM in the same TE program can further increase the beneficial effect of exercise in women with CNP. In most measurements both combinations seem to be equally effective. However, INIT improved more local muscle tenderness, whereas SM aided more in the neck lateral flexion ROM.

Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is defined as mechanical musculoskeletal pain in the lower back that has no known cause and lasts for more than 12 weeks. It is one of the four most common health problems in the world with huge socio-economic consequences. Various interventions are used for its physiotherapy treatment, such as electrotherapy methods that seem to have a positive effect on reducing pain and improving the functioning of these patients. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of interferential current (IFC) in the treatment of patients with CLBP. The following databases were searched in English: MED line, Science Direct and Scopus; with the following keywords: Efficacy, chroniclowbackpain, interferentialcurrentelectrotherapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation. The review included 11 studies of which 10 were randomized control trials and one pilot study. Electrotherapy protocols were applied that included both the individual application of IFC protocols and combinations with other therapies. Discussion – results: The results of these clinical trials reinforce data on the positive effect of IFC on pain and quality of life in patients with CLBP. Their immediate analgesic effect has been shown to be effective both when applied as a single treatment and when combined with other natural means such as TENS or other physiotherapy interventions such as massage, stretching, Pilates and manual therapy techniques.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common peripheral neuropathy syndromes. Early intervention through physiotherapy with as many means as possible helps reduce symptoms, speeds recovery and prevents surgery as a last resort to manage CTS. The aim of this review is to investigate the efficacy of the use of Kinesio Tape (KT) in patients with CTS as the sole treatment or in combination with other physiotherapy techniques. Method: The Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and PEDro databases were searched with the following keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, kinesio tape, physiotherapy, rehabilitation. Both clinical studies and systematic reviews were included in the review. Results: Eventually, 10 articles were included, of which nine were clinical studies and one was a systematic review. Discussion-Conclusions: The majority of the articles included in this review report that the use of KT provides positive results regarding the reduction of pain, the increase of the space inside the carpal tunnel and the functioning of the upper limb. Some research comes to this conclusion using only KT and others in combination with different physiotherapy interventions. In general, the use of KT is encouraged by these studies, but the need for further research study to establish a treatment protocol on application manner and frequency and its combination with other interventions is emphasized.

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is the most common neuropathic syndrome affecting approximately 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes. One of its main clinical manifestations is neuropathic pain, which significantly complicates the daily life of patients and leads to a low quality of life related to health. The aim of this review is to describe research data on the means of electrotherapy used and their effects in the treatment of pain in patients with DPN. The PubMed, PEDro, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were searched in English with the following keywords: Diabetic Painful Neuropathy, Low-level Laser Therapy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and Electromagnetic Fields. The review included 10 clinical studies published in the period of 2004-2019. Discussion-Conclusions: Low-power lasers, pulsed electromagnetic fields and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) are treatment options for treating neuropathic pain in patients with DPN and are considered safe, effective, with minimal side effects compared to medication. However, diabetic neuropathic pain remains a challenge for health scientists. Although there is scientific evidence for the contribution of electrotherapy to its treatment, more focused research is needed.

The negative effect of diabetes on the microcirculation of the lower limbs and the lesions it causes in the peripheral nervous system have been documented. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) causes damage to the peripheral nerves of the limbs leading to paresthesia and other side effects. Exercise seems to have a positive effect on improving the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this literature review was to investigate the benefits of exercise in the context of physiotherapy intervention in patients with DPN.A literature search was performed in the databases PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in English with the following keywords: diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, physiotherapy interventions, therapeutic exercises. Clinical trials as well as systematic reviews were included in this review with a total of nine articles. Our results reinforce the notion that exercise has a positive effect in reducing sensory disorders and better managing the symptoms of diabetic patients with peripheral polyneuropathy. Physiotherapy interventions should integrate therapeutic exercise into treatment programs in order to achieve optimal results.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a peripheral neuropathy characterized by pain, numbness, and paresthesia. These symptoms usually occur on the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. The syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it crosses the wrist through the carpal tunnel. Physiotherapy is able to help patients with CTS in many cases. In recent years, the use of laser and therapeutic ultrasound has become increasingly popular in the treatment of CTS. The aim of this study is to review the latest research data and evaluate the effect of laser and therapeutic ultrasound, but also to compare the treatment methods with each other to find which of the two is more useful. Literature search was performed on the PubMed, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and Google Scholar databases. The keywords used are: carpal tunnel syndrome, laser, Ultrasound. Furthermore, appropriate criteria were applied in the search, such as language and time restriction. This review included 10 clinical studies. The literature review led to the conclusion that the application of laser and therapeutic ultrasound helps to treat the symptoms of the syndrome to a great extent. With proper application the results they offer can remain for many weeks after the end of treatment. Between the two, therapeutic ultrasound seems to be the best method of treatment, however, more studies are needed to draw a safe conclusion.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a median nerve entrapment syndrome that occurs in the carpal tunnel and causes a variety of motor and sensory impairments in the upper limb including pain and reduced functioning. The application of manual techniques in the context of physiotherapy improves the pain and functional ability of the upper limb. However, their effects require further research. The aim of this review is to investigate the effectiveness of manual techniques in the symptoms of CTS. Method: The Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched during the period of February – April. The following search terms were used: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Manual Therapy, Neurodymamic Therapy, Rehabilitation. Results: 10 studies (clinical studies and crossover studies) were included in this review. Discussion - Conclusions: The application of manual techniques seems to be an effective approach to improving the symptoms of mild to moderate CTS. From the results of the studies included in this review, it seems that out of all the manual techniques, the combination of soft tissue mobilization techniques and neurodynamic therapy provide the best results. More future research should focus on implementing protocols with this therapeutic combination.

The carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common type of peripheral entrapment of the median nerve that occurs in the wrist and specifically in the carpal tunnel. Laser therapy is one of the most widely used therapies available to the physiotherapist for the treatment of symptoms in the management of patients with CTS. However, its exact effects as well as the appropriate treatment parameters have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to describe recent research data on the efficacy of the application of laser in improving symptoms in patients with CTS as well as to provide data on device configurations and treatment time. The following databases were searched: PEDro, PubMed and Google Scholar, with the following keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome, physiotherapy, Low-Power Laser Therapy, High-Power Laser Therapy, rehabilitation. Both clinical studies and systematic reviews were included in the review and in total 10 articles were included. The results of this review show that laser treatment seems to have a positive effect on the treatment of symptoms in patients with CTS. However, the treatment parameters need to be further investigated, as different results can be obtained with different parameters.

Aim: A review of the literature on the effect of hydrotherapy on the symptoms of fatigue, pain, spasticity as well as on the balance and gait of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Method: Search databases such as MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and PEDro were used to search the literature. The inclusion criteria were studies that included physiotherapy and mainly hydrotherapy as a means of rehabilitation in MS. Results: Hydrotherapy programs significantly reduced the symptoms of fatigue, pain, spasticity as well as significantly improved balance and gait in patients with MS, as reflected in the evaluation tests. Conclusions: Hydrotherapy is proposed as a safe, effective and enjoyable method of rehabilitation in patients with MS to reduce symptoms and improve balance and gait.

The aim of the present review is to study the effect of deferent types of training on the clinical picture and quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. A bibliographic review was performed in international databases (PubMed and PEDro) from 2002 up to date. Eight clinical studies were included in this review. The evaluation of the internal validity of the studies was based on the PEDro scale. Results: The results showed that the application of a combined exercise program in patients with COPD that includes both types of exercise for 12 weeks and frequency 2-3 times per week, can have positive effects on their clinical picture and quality of life. However, few of the included studies performed follow-ups after the end of the intervention, so it is not known whether these benefits persisted for a long time. Conclusions: Both lower limb progressive resistance training as well as aerobic training significantly improve the clinical picture and quality of life of COPD patients, whether applied alone or in combination. However, more studies are needed in the future to study the long-term effects of exercise on patients with COPD.

In Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), compression and ischemia of the median nerve are caused leading to pain and paraesthesia as it courses through the hand. Neural tissue mobilization techniques help reduce pain and improve the functioning of the patient. The aim of this literature review is through recent studies to outline the effect of neural tissue mobilization techniques on pain and functioning in patients with median nerve entrapment in mild to moderate CTS. Google Scholar and PubMed were searched in English with the following keywords: Carpaltunnelsyndrome, mediannerve, manualtherapy, neurodynamictechniques, mobilization, Efficacy. The review included randomized clinical trials, comparative studies, and case studies. 17 sources were included in this review of which 13 were randomized clinical trials, three comparative studies and one case study. Discussion - Conclusions: The results of this review show that neural tissue mobilization techniques have a significant positive effect on reducing pain, severity of symptoms and increasing functioning in patients with nerve entrapment in mild to moderate CTS. On average, interventions are needed three times a week for a period of 2-24 weeks. More studies will be needed to further investigate the effects of these techniques.

Bell’s palsy (BP) or otherwise known as idiopathic facial nerve palsy is a form of paralysis or weakness of one side of the face. Physiotherapy interventions accelerate recovery, improve facial function and reduce the occurrence of complications. The aim of this review was to study in the modern literature the effect of different physiotherapy interventions for the treatment and improvement of BP symptoms. Method: We reviewed the literature in all modern databases, for the period 2015 - 2021, for studies related to the effect of different physiotherapy interventions on the symptoms of patients with BP. Inclusion criteria were: to refer to patients with BP, to contain experimental and control groups and the studies to be clinical trials. Results: Out of the 114 papers that included in their title and abstract the search terms, only 10 were included in our literature review. In the studies, the average sample was 41.2 patients with a distribution of 10 to 94 individuals. Conclusions: The results of the studies showed a great improvement of the facial function, faster recovery and in particular an improvement of the facial symmetry when a program of the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) method or the Kabat technique is applied in combination with nerve stimulation. In general, facial exercises seem to play an important role in improving the functioning of facial muscles when combined with other techniques or methods, while the application of acupressure massage seems to significantly reduce the underlying symptoms of paralysis and help improve the affected side.

In cerebral palsy (CP), severe dysfunction of the posture and voluntary movement is caused, due to some damage to the brain during childhood, before it is even completely formed. For this reason, the physiotherapy approach is a demanding and time-consuming affair. The application of Kinesio Taping (KT), in combination with other physiotherapy interventions, helps in the function of the trunk and lower limbs in children with CP. The aim of this review of the literature is through recent studies to outline the effect of KT application on the function of the trunk and lower limbs in children with CP. The Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched in English with the following keywords: Efficacy, Kinesio taping, gait, trunk, posture, cerebral palsy. The review included randomized clinical trials and pilot studies. Of the 10 articles that were included in this review, seven were randomized clinical trials and three were pilot studies. Discussion-Conclusions: The results show that the application of KT in children with CP has positive results in terms of increasing the function of the trunk and lower limbs. In most cases, in fact, it seemed that this happens not immediately after application, but shortly after its removal. Additionally, the combination of KT together with other physiotherapy interventions leads to even better results. More studies will be needed to further investigate its efficacy.

Background: Stroke is one of the most common central nervous system disorders. Early intervention through the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) technique can contribute to the better physiotherapy treatment of the person with stroke by improving the quality of their movement and reducing their functional limitations.Aim: The aim of this review is to describe recent research data on the efficacy of this method in improving functioning in patients with stroke.Method: The Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched with the following keywords: stroke, PNF, rehabilitation. Results: This review included 10 articles. Discussion - Conclusions: The application of the PNF method seems to have a positive effect on the treatment of movement disorders in patients with stroke when compared to conventional physiotherapy. The results of this review show that the intensive initiation of the PNF method is able to improve the functional level of the person with stroke in their daily life.

Background: The cervical syndrome is a set of different symptoms that are located in and around the neck area. Physiotherapy and specifically electrotherapy through can help relieve pain in patients with cervical syndrome.Aim: The aim of this review is to highlight, through recent articles, the efficacy of TENS in reducing pain in patients with cervical syndrome.Method: The Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched in English and Greek with the following keywords: cervical syndrome, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, TENS, physiotherapeutic rehabilitation. Clinical studies and systematic reviews were included in the review.Results: In total 10 sources were included in this review, of which seven were clinical trials and three were reviews.Discussion-Conclusions: Applying TENS, either low-frequency or high-frequency, for 30 minutes with three sessions per week and duration of treatment varying from three to six weeks can effectively help reduce pain in patients with acute or chronic cervical syndrome.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a type of injury that presents a high degree of disability and causes motor and sensory deficits. Applying virtual reality (VR) therapy can help better rehabilitate patients with SCI by improving their balance and other functional parameters. The aim of this review is to describe recent research data on the efficacy of this method in improving balance in adult patients with SCI. The Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and PEDro databases were searched for articles published from 2015 to date in English with the following keywords: spinal cord injury, virtual reality, balance, rehabilitation. The review included 10 articles (five clinical trials and five systematic reviews). Discussion-Conclusions: The application of VR can significantly contribute to the improvement of static, postural and dynamic balance in patients with SCI. The results of this review show that approximately 20 sessions of 30-60 minutes each are able to improve balance in these patients. More clinical studies are needed to draw safer conclusions.

Obstetric palsy (OP) is caused by excessive pulling of the brachial plexus during childbirth. Upper root injury (Erb’s), paralysis of the middle area of the plexus and complete plexus injury (Klumpke’s paralysis) may be a result of the condition. The application of physiotherapy from the early stages of palsy helps in the rehabilitation of the patient. The aim of this review is to describe research data on the applications of Kinesiotaping (KT) and other means of physical therapy in children with OP, depending on their age. The Google Scholar, PubMed and PEDro databases were searched with the following keywords: obstetric palsy, physiotherapy, Erb’s palsy, rehabilitation. The review included nine articles. The results of this review show that the application of physiotherapy means contributes to the recovery of OP. In the first stage of rehabilitation, in infants diagnosed in the first months after birth, physiotherapy may include hydrotherapy, subcutaneous tissue massage, manual massage, limb muscle stretching and KT applied for 2-3 days, then removed for 1-2 days and applied again. In children diagnosed after the first year, Vojta and Bobath techniques, electrotherapy with the application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and application of exercises and activities that have the form of play are also suitable. In older children, treatment may include the Vojta technique and the MIRA software platform, where clinical exercises are converted into video games. What seems to determine the results is the early intervention and the cooperation of the rehabilitation team with the parents.