Journal of Physiotherapy & Physical Rehabilitation

Left ventricular myxomas are rare cardiac tumors, particularly in pediatric patients and their presentation with acute lower limb ischemia is exceptionally uncommon. We present a case of a giant left ventricular myxoma causing acute lower limb ischemia in a pediatric patient. A 10-yearold male presented with sudden-onset severe left lower limb pain and cyanosis. Imaging revealed a large mass obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract, causing compromised blood flow to the lower extremities. Urgent surgical intervention was performed to resect the myxoma and restore perfusion to the lower limbs. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a left ventricular myxoma. This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac tumors in the differential diagnosis of acute limb ischemia, particularly in pediatric patients and underscores the need for prompt recognition and surgical intervention to prevent limb-threatening complications.

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common condition characterized by muscle pain, stiffness and tenderness that typically occurs 24 to 72 hours after intense or unaccustomed exercise. While DOMS is self-limiting and resolves within a few days, it can significantly impair physical performance and quality of life. Physical therapies, including various modalities such as massage, stretching, cryotherapy and electrotherapy, are commonly used to alleviate DOMS symptoms and facilitate recovery. However, the evidence base supporting the effectiveness of these interventions remains heterogeneous and inconclusive. This umbrella review protocol outlines the methodology for systematically synthesizing and evaluating existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses on physical therapies for DOMS. The review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence, identify gaps and inconsistencies in the literature and generate recommendations for clinical practice and future research. By synthesizing high-quality evidence from multiple systematic reviews, this umbrella review protocol seeks to inform healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers about the effectiveness and safety of physical therapies for managing DOMS.

Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, strength and function with aging, poses significant challenges to the health and independence of older adults. This comprehensive review provides an overview of recent advances in sarcopenia therapies, encompassing insights into pathogenesis mechanisms and emerging treatment innovations. Understanding the multifactorial etiology of sarcopenia, including age-related hormonal changes, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and physical inactivity, is essential for developing targeted therapeutic interventions. Recent research has elucidated the role of molecular pathways, such as the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) axis, myostatin signaling and protein synthesis pathways, in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia, offering potential targets for pharmacological and lifestyle interventions. Treatment innovations include resistance training, protein supplementation, pharmacological agents targeting myostatin inhibition and hormonal therapies aiming to restore anabolic hormone levels. Additionally, emerging modalities such as nutraceuticals, dietary interventions and regenerative medicine approaches hold promise for preserving muscle mass and function in aging populations. This review synthesizes current evidence on sarcopenia pathogenesis and treatment strategies, highlighting opportunities for personalized and multidimensional approaches to sarcopenia management in clinical practice.

Pediatric cooperative neurorehabilitation is a dynamic field that has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, particularly with the integration of intelligent robotics technologies. This review explores the role of intelligent robotics in pediatric cooperative neurorehabilitation, focusing on its applications, benefits and challenges. Intelligent robotic systems offer promising opportunities for enhancing rehabilitation outcomes by providing personalized, interactive and engaging therapy interventions for children with neurological disorders. Key areas of application include upper and lower limb rehabilitation, gait training, balance training and cognitive rehabilitation. Moreover, intelligent robotics enable real-time performance monitoring, adaptive task progression and data-driven decision-making, facilitating tailored interventions that address individual needs and maximize therapeutic benefits. Despite the potential advantages, challenges such as cost, accessibility and user acceptance remain barriers to widespread adoption. Future research directions include the development of more affordable and user-friendly robotic systems, integration of virtual reality and gamification elements and validation of intelligent robotics interventions through rigorous clinical trials. By leveraging intelligent robotics in pediatric cooperative neurorehabilitation, clinicians and researchers can enhance the quality of care, optimize functional outcomes and improve the overall wellbeing of children with neurological impairments.