Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research

Abstract Background: Previous studies have found educational games effective in improving students’ learning quality and enhancing their ability to apply material in clinical environments. Therefore, this study designed the Nava Game Multimedia Software to teach dysarthria diagnostic skills to speech therapy students and examined its effectiveness in this population.
Methods: This non-experimental descriptive-analytical study evaluated 42 speech therapy students who were divided into two groups. After designing and producing the content for the Nava educational game, the first group learned about dysarthria through theoretical instruction. In contrast, the second group received theoretical instruction supplemented by the Nava software. At the end of the training, students’ knowledge was assessed through final exam scores, and their attitudes were measured using a researcher-developed questionnaire.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation scores for the first group were 15.01 ± 1.32, and for the second group were 17.86 ± 1.04. The difference between the two groups was significant (p < 0.001). Attitude scores also differed significantly between the first group (29.61 ± 14.72) and the second group (43.14 ± 16.50) (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Nava is a game-based software that can be installed on an Android phone. Its use led to increased learning, improved students’ attitudes toward learning, and greater satisfaction among both instructors and students regarding dysarthria diagnosis.

Abstract Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of soft tissue injuries in the upper and lower limbs among professional racquet sports players.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Articles published between 2000 and 2025 were considered. A total of 90 full-text articles were initially retrieved, and 11 were included in this systematic review based on predefined selection criteria.
Results: Analysis of the selected studies revealed a high prevalence of soft tissue injuries at the elbow and ankle joints in the upper and lower limbs, respectively. Regarding injury severity, mild injuries were more common, while severe injuries were less frequent. Specifically, mild injuries accounted for approximately 70% and severe injuries for about 10% of soft tissue injuries at the elbow and ankle joints.
Conclusion: This review indicates a high prevalence of mild soft tissue injuries and a relatively low prevalence of severe injuries in both the upper and lower limbs of professional racquet sports players.  Furthermore, based on injury grading, there was a high incidence of mild injury (70%) and a low incidence of severe injury (10%) in soft tissues at the elbow and ankle joints, respectively. These findings underscore the importance of targeted preventive strategies to reduce injury risk in these populations.

Abstract Background: Chronic non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting athletes. While core muscle strengthening is effective in managing NS-LBP, the role of the diaphragm in spinal stability is often overlooked. Kinesio taping may enhance muscle function; however, its efficacy when combined with diaphragm strengthening exercises has not been explored in female athletes with NS-LBP. This study aims to investigate the effects of adding Kinesio taping to diaphragm strengthening exercises on pain, function, core muscle endurance, agility, and balance in this population.
Methods: This protocol describes a single-blind randomized controlled trial that will recruit 32 female recreational athletes aged 30–50 years with chronic NS-LBP. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: diaphragm-strengthening exercises with Kinesio taping (experimental group) or diaphragm-strengthening exercises alone (control group). The intervention will be conducted over 4 weeks. Outcome measures will include: pain (Numerical Rating Scale), function (Oswestry Disability Index and Athlete Disability Index), core muscle endurance (Prone Bridge Test, Side Bridge Test, Unilateral Hip Bridge Endurance Test, Feet Elevated Side Support Test), balance (Single Leg Stance Test, Y Balance Test), and agility (Illinois Agility Test). Assessments will be performed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 2-week follow-up.
Results: The study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of combining Kinesio taping with diaphragm strengthening exercises in female athletes with NS-LBP.
Conclusion: Findings may guide clinical practice by determining whether this combined approach yields superior outcomes compared to diaphragm exercises alone.

Abstract Background: Ensuring the safety and functional independence of older people is becoming increasingly important. Fall-prevention guidelines emphasize the use of highly challenging training modalities to reduce fall risk. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of combined training (CT) on functionality, balance, and gait speed in older adults.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases—PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science—from inception to June 2, 2024. Standardized mean differences (SMDs), weighted mean differences (WMDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models, depending on heterogeneity.
Results: Twelve studies involving 570 participants met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis indicated that CT significantly improved functionality (SMD = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.34–0.93; p = 0.003), balance (SMD = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.39–0.90; p = 0.001), and gait speed (SMD = 1.18; 95% CI: 0.76–1.59; p = 0.001). Furthermore, CT was superior to traditional training (TT) in enhancing functionality (SMD = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28–0.73; p = 0.001).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates that combined training has a significant positive effect on functionality, balance, and gait speed in older adults. Compared with traditional training, CT yields greater improvements in functional performance. Therefore, CT is an effective and practical method for enhancing physical function and mobility in older people.

Abstract Background: This study investigated the effectiveness and durability of a combined exercise program on strength, endurance, speed, agility, flexibility, and quality of life in sedentary older adults.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 27 older adults participated, including 13 individuals in the training group (TG; six women and seven men) and 14 in the control group (CG; six women and eight men). Speed, agility, flexibility, lower-limb muscle strength and endurance, and quality of life were assessed at baseline, immediately after the 8-week intervention, and again two months after the post-test. The TG performed combined exercises (strength plus functional training) three times per week for eight weeks.
Results: At the post-test, the TG showed significantly greater improvements than the CG in speed (p < 0.001), flexibility (p = 0.04), lower-limb muscle strength (p = 0.002) and endurance (p < 0.001), agility (p = 0.001), and quality of life in both the physical (p < 0.001) and mental (p < 0.001) domains. At follow-up, significant between-group differences persisted in speed (p < 0.001), flexibility (p = 0.03), strength (p = 0.001), endurance (p < 0.001), agility (p < 0.001), and quality of life in the physical (p = 0.03) and mental (p = 0.04) components.
Conclusion: The combined exercise program produced durable improvements in functional capacity and quality of life among sedentary older adults. These findings support the use of multimodal exercise interventions to enhance physical and mental health outcomes in this population.

Abstract Background: Musculoskeletal injuries are highly prevalent among military students, and exercise therapy is widely used for both the prevention and rehabilitation of such injuries. This study aimed to examine the effects of selected American Sports Medicine exercises on functional performance, pain levels, and quality of life among students at Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense University.
Methods: Forty male students from Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense University in Tehran (mean age: 20.1 ± 0.6 years; mean height: 184.9 ± 8.9 cm; mean weight: 72.5 ± 11.2 kg) were recruited and stratified by pain level to an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The experimental group completed an eight-week training program consisting of selected American Sports Medicine exercises (three sessions per week, one hour per session). Functional performance, pain, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Persian version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mixed-model ANOVA with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Significant time-by-group interactions were observed for functional performance, pain, and quality of life. The experimental group experienced significant improvements in functional test scores (P = 0.001), reduced pain levels (P = 0.001), and enhanced quality of life (P = 0.01) following the intervention. No significant changes were observed in the control group.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that selected American Sports Medicine exercises effectively improve functional performance, reduce pain, and enhance the quality of life in military students. These exercises are therefore recommended as an evidence-based approach for promoting musculoskeletal health in military populations.

Abstract Background: Approximately 40% of individuals who experience an ankle sprain subsequently develop Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI). Recent evidence highlights alterations in Central Nervous System (CNS) function and deficits in neurocognitive performance among this population. Therefore, there is a need for interventions that target neural excitability alongside traditional physical rehabilitation.
Methods: This study is a randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Twenty participants with CAI will be randomly assigned to two groups (n=10 per group): (1) anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (a-tDCS) combined with exercise, and (2) sham tDCS combined with exercise. The intervention consists of 12 sessions (three times per week). Assessment of self-reported outcomes, balance, functional performance, and neurocognitive function (such as reaction time) will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (6th session), and post-intervention (12th session).
Results: As this is a study protocol, primary results are expected to demonstrate whether the combination of a-tDCS and exercise leads to superior improvements in postural balance and neurocognitive reaction time compared to exercise with sham stimulation. It is hypothesized that tDCS will enhance neural plasticity, thereby amplifying the functional gains from the exercise program and improving self-reported stability.
Conclusion: This study aims to provide empirical evidence for the role of non-invasive brain stimulation in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. If effective, tDCS could be established as a valuable complementary intervention alongside exercise therapy to address both the physical and neurocognitive deficits associated with Chronic Ankle Instability, potentially reducing the recurrence of sprains.

Abstract Background: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) often face numerous challenges in their communities after completing rehabilitation. This study aimed to examine the socioeconomic status and level of life satisfaction among individuals with SCI living in community settings in Bangladesh.
Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted among 150 individuals with SCI who had completed rehabilitation at a specialized center. Participants were recruited from all eight divisional regions of Bangladesh. Life satisfaction and socioeconomic status were assessed using the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11 (LISAT-11) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), respectively. Spearman’s correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to explore associations between variables.
Results: Among the participants, 84% had traumatic SCI, and 90% were male. Paraplegia was present in 64.7%, and 74% resided in rural areas. Approximately 46.7% reported a modest monthly income. The majority experienced moderate disability (43.68%) and reported life satisfaction (30.67%). Higher disability levels were strongly associated with lower life satisfaction (r = -0.852, p < 0.001). Life satisfaction was also significantly correlated with monthly income and injury severity.
Conclusion: Individuals with SCI in Bangladesh face substantial reductions in life satisfaction, economic hardship, and challenges in community participation after returning to the community.

Abstract Background: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder frequently associated with proprioceptive impairments and reduced cervical mobility. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of Mulligan’s mobilization and conventional physiotherapy, with and without Kinesio taping, on pain intensity, cervical range of motion (RoM), and proprioception in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain.
Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial included 24 patients (9 men, 15 women; aged 20–55 years) with non-specific chronic neck pain. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving conventional physiotherapy, Mulligan’s mobilization, and Kinesio taping, or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy and Mulligan’s mobilization alone. Pain intensity, active cervical RoM, and proprioception were assessed pre- and immediately post-intervention. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests were used for within-group comparisons, and independent t-tests or Mann–Whitney tests for between-group comparisons.
Results: Both groups demonstrated significant post-treatment reductions in pain intensity (control: p = 0.10; experimental: p < 0.001). The experimental group showed significant increases in RoM for cervical flexion and left lateral flexion, whereas the control group improved in extension and right lateral flexion (p < 0.05). Regarding proprioception, the experimental group exhibited significant improvement in repositioning accuracy from left rotation to neutral (p = 0.02) and to the target position (p = 0.03). No other proprioceptive measures changed significantly in either group (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The addition of Mulligan’s mobilization to conventional physiotherapy reduced pain and improved cervical RoM, with greater benefits observed when combined with Kinesio taping. The combined intervention also resulted in superior improvements in cervical proprioception compared with Mulligan’s mobilization alone.

Abstract Background: As athletes develop, their motor patterns evolve from variable to adaptive neuromuscular control strategies, enabling precise execution of complex movements. Traditional linear biomechanical analyses of wrestling techniques often focus on averaged data points, overlooking motor pattern variability and nonlinear dynamic characteristics. Understanding these nonlinear dynamics can enhance skill acquisition, injury prevention, and training optimization. This study is the first to apply multidimensional recurrence quantification analysis (MDRQA) of electromyography (EMG) signals to compare motor patterns in elite and sub-elite wrestlers during a shadow freestyle tie-up drill (SFTUD).
Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical observational study recorded EMG signals from the triceps, biceps, anterior deltoid, and latissimus dorsi of the dominant upper limb during a 15-second SFTUD. Determinism (%DET) and laminarity (%LAM) were used to assess repeatability and stability, while diagonal (EntL) and vertical (EntV) entropy measured complexity and adaptability.
Results: Elite wrestlers exhibited significantly higher %DET and %LAM, indicating greater consistency in their motor patterns. Elevated EntL and EntV values further suggest enhanced complexity and adaptability in neuromuscular control, reflecting the chaotic dynamics associated with superior performance.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of nonlinear motor pattern dynamics in the development of wrestling skill. MDRQA can identify expertise-related movement patterns, enabling coaches and practitioners to design targeted training programs that optimize performance and reduce injury risk.

Abstract Background: The combined effects of sleep deprivation and fatigue may increase the risk of injury. Analyzing ground reaction force (GRF) components during activities such as cutting maneuvers provides valuable insights into musculoskeletal function. This study aimed to investigate the effect of partial sleep deprivation on GRF components before and after fatigue.
Methods: This semi-experimental study included 14 young women who were evaluated twice, with a 5-day interval between sessions. During the pre-test, participants had full sleep, whereas during the post-test, they experienced partial sleep deprivation (4 hours of sleep at the beginning of the night). In each session, participants performed five attempts without fatigue and three attempts under fatigue. GRF components were measured using a Kistler force plate under all conditions.
Results: At the heel contact phase (FZ1), both fatigue (P = 0.012) and fatigue combined with partial sleep deprivation (P = 0.025) significantly reduced the time to reach peak vertical GRF. Moreover, the interaction between fatigue and partial sleep deprivation resulted in a significant decrease in vertical loading rate (P = 0.019). However, no significant differences were observed in the peak GRF or impulse across conditions.
Conclusion: The interaction of fatigue and partial sleep deprivation appears to exacerbate injury risk factors, particularly by increasing loading rates and reducing the time to reach peak GRF.