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Articles by Deborah Falla
Erector spinae muscle fibre size estimation using high-density surface electromyography in people with and without non-specific chronic low back pain: a cross-sectional study
Abstract There is limited evidence on whether lumbar erector spinae (ES) fibre morphology is altered in people with low back pain (LBP), due to the inherent challenges with biopsy studies. High-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) provides an opportunity to assess motor unit properties, allowing non-invasive estimation of muscle fibre morphology.
Electrical stimulation modalities for patellofemoral pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common knee disorder associated with persistent pain and functional limitations. Electrical stimulation modalities have been proposed as adjuncts to exercise-based rehabilitation; however, their effectiveness may differ according to modality and therapeutic target. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of different electrical stimulation modalities on pain, knee function, and muscle-related outcomes in adults with PFP.
Predictors of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms after musculoskeletal trauma
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Citation: Jadhakhan F, Falla D, Dallaway A (2026) Predictors of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms after musculoskeletal trauma. PLoS One 21(5): e0348595. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348595 Editor: Mohammad Sidiq, TIU: Tishk International University, IRAQ Received: December 11, 2025; Accepted: April 17, 2026; Published: May 6, 2026 Copyright: © 2026 Jadhakhan et al.
The effect of eccentric exercise-induced delayed onset neck muscle soreness on force steadiness and the spatial distribution of neck extensor muscle activity
Abstract This study investigated the effects of eccentric exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) on neck extensor muscle behaviour and force output, examining force steadiness and the spatial distribution of splenius capitis (SCap) and upper trapezius (UT) muscle activity.
How and Why Snacktivity Supports Physical Activity Engagement in Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Realist Review
You are already at the latest version Background: Physical activity is a recommended first‑line treatment for chronic low back pain, yet adherence to structured exercise remains poor due to pain, fear, fatigue, and contextual barriers. Snacktivity™, which promotes brief, frequent bouts of movement embedded in daily routines, has emerged as a potentially feasible alternative.
Load and muscle‐dependent changes in triceps surae motor unit firing properties in individuals with non‐insertional Achilles tendinopathy
Introduction Non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy (NIAT) is a common debilitating tendon disorder in the lower extremity, characterised by an insidious onset of pain accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and thickening in the midportion of the Achilles tendon (AT) (Bahari et al., 2023; Maffulli et al., 1998; Sara et al., 2023; van Dijk et al., 2011).
Emerging Applications of Augmented and Mixed Reality Technologies in Motor Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review
All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess.
The effects of exercise on neuromuscular function in people with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Citation: Dirito AM, Abichandani D, Jadhakhan F, Falla D (2024) The effects of exercise on neuromuscular function in people with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 19(12): e0315817. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0315817 Editor: Sahreen Anwar, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, PAKISTAN Received: March 19, 2024; Accepted: December 2, 2024; Published: December 19, 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Dirito et al.
Load and muscle dependent changes in triceps surae motor unit firing properties and motor unit firing-torque relationships in individuals with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy
The authors have declared no competing interest. This work was supported by ANID PhD Scholarship awarded by the Government of Chile. Recipient: Ignacio Contreras-Hernandez, Scholarship ID number: 72200295 Francesco Negro was funded by the European Research Council Consolidator Grant INcEPTION (contract no.
Eccentric exercise-induced delayed onset trunk muscle soreness alters high-density surface EMG-torque relationships and lumbar kinematics - Scientific Reports
Abstract We aimed to assess high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG)-torque relationships in the presence of delayed onset trunk muscle soreness (DOMS) and the effect of these relationships on torque steadiness (TS) and lumbar movement during concentric/eccentric submaximal trunk extension contractions. Twenty healthy individuals attended three laboratory sessions (24 h apart). HDsEMG signals were recorded unilaterally from the thoracolumbar erector spinae with two 64-electrode grids.
Evaluating the efficacy of wearable biofeedback on the outcomes of exercise interventions in people with chronic non-specific spinal pain: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Methods and analysis The protocol for this systematic review was developed in line with current Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Protocols (PRISMA-P) reporting guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023481393, date: 13 November 2023).
Psychophysiological responses to a multimodal physiotherapy program in fighter pilots with flight-related neck pain: A pilot trial
The physical and cognitive demands of combat flying may influence the development and persistence of flight-related neck pain (FRNP). The aim of this pilot study was to analyse the effect of a multimodal physiotherapy program which combined supervised exercise with laser-guided feedback and interferential current therapy on psychophysiological variables in fighter pilots with FRNP. Thirty-one fighter pilots were randomly assigned to two groups (Intervention Group: n = 14; Control Group: n = 17).
Measurement proprieties of the CROM instrument for assessing head posture, neck retraction and protraction
Forward Head Posture (FHP) is a notable concern associated with musculoskeletal disorders, particularly neck pain, primary headaches, and temporomandibular disorders (Elizagaray-García et al., 2020; La Touche et al., 2011; Mahmoud et al., 2019; Paris-Alemany et al., 2021; Yip et al., 2008).
Biomechanical Posture Analysis in Healthy Adults with Machine Learning: Applicability and Reliability
All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess.
The effects of neck exercise in comparison to passive or no intervention on quantitative sensory testing measurements in adults with chronic neck pain: A systematic review
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Citation: Osborne D, Jadhakhan F, Falla D (2024) The effects of neck exercise in comparison to passive or no intervention on quantitative sensory testing measurements in adults with chronic neck pain: A systematic review. PLoS ONE 19(5): e0303166.
Outcome measures for young people with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A qualitative exploration of healthcare professionals’ perceptions and practices
Citation: Alamrani S, Gardner A, Falla D, Russell E, Rushton AB, Heneghan NR (2024) Outcome measures for young people with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A qualitative exploration of healthcare professionals’ perceptions and practices. PLoS ONE 19(1): e0297339. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297339 Editor: Abera Mersha, Arba Minch University, ETHIOPIA Received: September 7, 2023; Accepted: January 3, 2024; Published: January 26, 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Alamrani et al.
Effectiveness of thoracic spine manipulation for upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders: protocol for a systematic review
Systematic Review Spine Physical Therapy Modalities This study follows Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions guidelines. Risk of bias (ROB) will be assessed using the Cochrane Back Review Group’s recommended ROB2 tool. Strength of the evidence will be evaluated by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) pro approach.
Can baseline features predict a reduction in pain and disability following neck-specific exercise in people with chronic non-specific neck pain?: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Protocols guidelines checklist (see online supplemental file 1).44 The participants, interventions, comparators, outcomes and study design (PICOS) framework has been used to inform the eligibility criteria of studies.45 Inclusion criteria Population Studies will be included if they investigate participants (age between 18 and 55 years)...
Content validity of the Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22r): A qualitative concept elicitation study
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Abstract Introduction Scoliosis Research Society-22 revised (SRS-22r) is the common questionnaire used to evaluate health related quality of life (HRQOL) for young people with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The aim of this study is to evaluate its content validity for this population. Methods In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of young people with AIS (Cobb angle ≥25˚, aged 10–18 years).
Ultrasound imaging assessment of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles in people with a recent history of moderate Covid-19 infection and healthy participants: A cross-sectional pilot study (pdf) | Paperity
PLOS ONE, Feb 2023 This is a preview of a remote PDF: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0281098&type=printable Carlos Romero-Morales, Deborah Falla, Daniel Pecos-Martín, Guillermo García-Pérez-de-Sevilla, Paula García-Bermejo, Emmanuel Navarro-Flores, Daniel López-López. , PLOS ONE, 2023, Volume 18, Issue 2, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281098
Ultrasound imaging assessment of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles in people with a recent history of moderate Covid-19 infection and healthy participants: A cross-sectional pilot study
Ultrasound imaging B-mode USI measurements were performed using a Samsung H40 ultrasound system with a 4–13 MHz linear transducer (38-mm footprint). All the measurements were developed by the same evaluator with more than 10 years of experience in neuromusculoskeletal USI (P.G.B). For assessment of the EO, IO and TrA, the participants were in supine and the transducer was located in the mid-axillary line, between the subcostal line and the iliac crest (Fig 1A) [13].
Measuring complexity of muscle force control: Theoretical principles and clinical relevance in musculoskeletal research and practice
Bali K. Dhillon M. Vasistha R. Kakkar N. Chana R. Prabhakar S. Efficacy of immunohistological methods in detecting functionally viable mechanoreceptors in the remnant stumps of injured anterior cruciate ligaments and its clinical importance. Knee Surg. Sports Traumatol. Arthrosc. 2012; 20: 75-80 Spinal interneurons providing input to the final common path during locomotion. Prog. Brain Res. 2010; 187: 81-95 Biomedical Signal Processing and Signal Modelling.
The role of post‐trauma stress symptoms in the development of chronic musculoskeletal pain and disability: a systematic review
REVIEW ARTICLE This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi:10.1111/ejp.2048 Abstract Background and objective Traumatic injuries are among the leading causes of death and disability in the world across all age groups.
Early interventions for post-traumatic stress following musculoskeletal trauma: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Methods This systematic review protocol follows the reporting guidelines according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P checklist)37 (online supplemental file 1). This review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 19 May 2022 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/export_details_pdf.php).
Exploring pain interference with motor skill learning in humans: A systematic review
3.2. Risk of bias assessment The ROB2 and ROBIN-I summaries for each outcome measure for each study can be seen in Tables 4–7. The agreement between reviewers when classifying ROB2 and ROBIN-I domains for all outcome measures was moderate, k = .582 (95% CI, .477 to .685), p < .000 and k = .642 (95% CI, .452 to .832), p < .000, respectively. Disagreements were discussed and a consensus was reached.
JCM | Free Full-Text | The Spatial Extent of Pain Is Associated with Pain Intensity, Catastrophizing and Some Measures of Central Sensitization in People with Frozen Shoulder | HTML
Open AccessArticle by Mercè Balasch-Bernat 1, Lirios Dueñas 1,*, Marta Aguilar-Rodríguez 1, Deborah Falla 2, Alessandro Schneebeli 2,3, Marta Navarro-Bosch 4, Enrique Lluch 1,5,† and Marco Barbero 3,† 1 Physiotherapy in Motion, Multi-speciality Research Group (PTinMOTION), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain 2 Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and...
Does the Score on the MRC Strength Scale Reflect Instrumented Measures of Maximal Torque and Muscle Activity in Post-Stroke Survivors?
All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited.
Mechanisms of recovery after neck‐specific or general exercises in patients with cervical radiculopathy
Abstract Background The mechanisms of action that facilitate improved outcomes after conservative rehabilitation are unclear in individuals with cervical radiculopathy (CR). This study aims to determine the pathways of recovery of disability with different exercise programs in individuals with CR. Methods We analysed a dataset of 144 individuals with CR undergoing conservative rehabilitation.
Regional changes in muscle activity do not underlie the repeated bout effect in the human gastrocnemius muscle
ORIGINAL ARTICLE Patricio A. Pincheira Corresponding Author p.pincheiramiranda@uq.edu.au orcid.org/0000-0001-8528-1515 School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, Australia Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile Correspondence Patricio A. Pincheira, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Blair Drive 26b, St Lucia (4072), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Influence of low back pain and its remission on motor abundance in a low-load lifting task
Abstract Having an abundance of motor solutions during movement may be advantageous for the health of musculoskeletal tissues, given greater load distribution between tissues. The aim of the present study was to understand whether motor abundance differs between people with and without low back pain (LBP) during a low-load lifting task.
Clinical indicators to identify neuropathic pain in low back related leg pain: a modified Delphi study
Abstract Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is common in patients presenting with low back related leg pain. Accurate diagnosis of NP is fundamental to ensure appropriate intervention. In the absence of a clear gold standard, expert opinion provides a useful methodology to progress research and clinical practice. The aim of this study was to achieve expert consensus on a list of clinical indicators to identify NP in low back related leg pain.
Diagnostic utility of patient history, clinical examination and screening tool data to identify neuropathic pain in low back related leg pain: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Abstract Background Low back-related leg pain (LBLP) is a challenge for healthcare providers to manage. Neuropathic pain (NP) is highly prevalent in presentations of LBLP and an accurate diagnosis of NP in LBLP is essential to ensure appropriate intervention. In the absence of a gold standard, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of patient history, clinical examination and screening tool data for identifying NP in LBLP.
Physiotherapy after subacromial decompression surgery: development of a standardised exercise intervention
Abstract This paper describes the development and details of a standardised physiotherapy exercise intervention designed to address pain and disability in patients with difficulty returning to usual activities after arthroscopic decompression surgery for subacromial impingement syndrome.
Is kinesiophobia and pain catastrophising at baseline associated with chronic pain and disability in whiplash-associated disorders? A systematic review
Is kinesiophobia and pain catastrophising at baseline associated with chronic pain and disability in whiplash-associated disorders?
Outcome measures evaluating physical functioning and their measurement properties in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a protocol for a systematic review
Outcome measures evaluating physical functioning and their measurement properties in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a protocol for a systematic review Samia Alamrani1,2, http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8114-7669Alison Rushton1, Adrian Gardner3, http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1689-6190Deborah Falla1, Nicola R Heneghan1 1Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK 2Physical Therapy...
Myotonometry for the evaluation of Achilles tendon mechanical properties: a reliability and construct validity study
Myotonometry for the evaluation of Achilles tendon mechanical properties: a reliability and construct validity study http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8411-2012Alessandro Schneebeli1,2, http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1689-6190Deborah Falla2, http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7125-5332Ron Clijsen1,3, http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8579-0686Marco Barbero1 1Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern...
Is kinesiophobia and pain catastrophising at baseline associated with chronic pain and disability in whiplash-associated disorders? A systematic review
Is kinesiophobia and pain catastrophising at baseline associated with chronic pain and disability in whiplash-associated disorders?
Is kinesiophobia and pain catastrophising at baseline associated with chronic pain and disability in whiplash-associated disorders? A systematic review
Is kinesiophobia and pain catastrophising at baseline associated with chronic pain and disability in whiplash-associated disorders?
The relative strength of common synaptic input to motor neurons is not a determinant of the maximal rate of force development in humans
Research Article Alessandro Del Vecchio, Deborah Falla, Francesco Felici, and Dario Farina Abstract Correlation between motor unit discharge times, often referred to as motor unit synchronization, is determined by common synaptic input to motor neurons. Although it has been largely speculated that synchronization should influence the rate of force development, the association between the degree of motor unit synchronization and rapid force generation has not been determined.
A novel application of strain sonoelastography can detect changes in Achilles tendon elasticity during isometric contractions of increasing intensity
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research201912:30 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-019-0342-1 © The Author(s). 2019 Received: 7 November 2018 Accepted: 10 May 2019 Published: 21 May 2019 Abstract Background Mechanical and morphological properties of the Achilles tendon are altered in disease and in response to changes in mechanical loading. In the last few years different ultrasound based technologies have been used to detect tendon mechanical properties changes mainly in resting condition.
Measures of central sensitisation and their measurement properties in the adult musculoskeletal trauma population: a protocol for a systematic review and data synthesis
Rehabilitation medicine Protocol Measures of central sensitisation and their measurement properties in the adult musculoskeletal trauma population: a protocol for a systematic review and data synthesis Nicola Middlebrook, Alison B Rushton, Nicola R Heneghan, Deborah Falla Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK Correspondence to...
The influence of musculoskeletal pain disorders on muscle synergies-A systematic review
MSK pain alters the structure of variability in muscle control, although its specific nature remains unclear. Greater consistency in muscle synergy analysis may be achieved with appropriate selection of muscles assessed and ensuring consistent achievement of motor task outcomes. Synergy analysis is a promising method to reveal novel understandings of altered motor control, which may facilitate the assessment and treatment of MSK pain disorders.
What is the effect of prolonged sitting and physical activity on thoracic spine mobility? An observational study of young adults in a UK university setting
Sedentary lifestyles are an undesirable hallmark of modern society, affecting a significant proportion of the population.1 Prolonged sitting (a form of sedentary behaviour) has progressively become the norm with computerisation in the work place, transportation modernisation and advances in domestic technology.2 These developments are not only detrimental for physiological health and well-being with rising levels of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease,3 but also musculoskeletal...
Thoracic dysfunction in whiplash associated disorders: A systematic review
This is the first methodologically rigorous systematic review investigating thoracic dysfunction in whiplash associated disorders. From a comprehensive search, 38 studies were included and evaluated as part of the review. Many studies were at risk of bias, primarily due to poor reporting with most studies published prior to the introduction of the STROBE reporting guidelines for observational studies.
The Use of Physiotherapy among Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: Impact of Sex, Socio-Demographic and Clinical Factors
Physiotherapy with exercises is generally recommended in the treatment of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). We aimed to investigate the use of physiotherapy in patients with SIS in Danish hospital settings as part of initial non-surgical treatment and after SIS-related surgery and to evaluate to which extent sex, socio-demographic and clinical factors predict the use of physiotherapy.
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