Increasing numbers of individuals suffer from post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), which manifests with persistent symptoms, the most prevalent being dyspnea, fatigue, and musculoskeletal, cognitive, and/or mental health impairments. This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for individuals with PACS. We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, CINHAL, Scopus, Prospero, and PEDro databases and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to November 2021. We screened 516 citations for eligibility, i.e., trials that included individuals with PACS exposed to exercise-based rehabilitation interventions. Five RCTs were included, accounting for 512 participants (aged 49.2–69.4 years, 65% males). Based on the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2.0), two RCTs had “low risk of bias”, and three were in the “some concerns” category. Three RCTs compared experimental rehabilitation interventions with no or minimal rehabilitation, while two compared two active rehabilitation interventions. Rehabilitation seemed to improve dyspnea, anxiety, and kinesiophobia. Results on pulmonary function were inconsistent, while improvements were detected in muscle strength, walking capacity, sit-to-stand performance, and quality of life. Pending further studies based on qualitatively sound designs, these first findings seem to advocate for rehabilitation interventions to lessen disability due to PACS.

As the number of cancer survivors (CSs) is increasing worldwide, providing services relevant to the specific, unmet needs of these individuals is crucial. There are currently various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) whose aim is to identify the unmet needs of CSs. Still, limited guidance supports healthcare providers in choosing the most valid and reliable PROMs for this purpose. We conducted this overview of systematic reviews (SRs) on the psychometric properties of PROMs addressing the unmet needs of adult CSs suffering from non-cutaneous cancers. We searched databases for SRs published between 2012 and January 2023. Two SRs were included, covering 14 PROMs tested on 19,151 CSs. These were assessed according to the COSMIN methodology for SRs of PROMs for the quality of their measurement properties and risk of bias, thus providing guidance in selecting PROMs that appropriately reflect the unmet needs of CSs.

Background: The increasing number of cancer survivors ( CSs ) globally highlights the critical need for healthcare systems to address their unmet needs. These needs span physical, psychosocial, spiritual, informational, and practical dimensions and, if unaddressed, can impact quality of life and healthcare satisfaction. Aims: This study aimed to identify and understand the unmet needs of CSs in Italy to guide the development of patient‐centered survivorship care services. Methods: A cross‐sectional qualitative study was conducted between April 2023 and January 2024 at the Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Data were collected through focus groups and individual interviews with 35 CSs and seven caregivers selected via convenience sampling. Eligibility criteria included non‐cutaneous CSs with a 5‐year survival rate of ≥ 65% who had completed active treatment and were in follow‐up care. Data were analyzed using the Framework Method. Results: Four key themes emerged: (1) Dignity and Respect: Emphasis on the importance of treating CSs with dignity and respect within healthcare settings; (2) Desire for Normality: Highlighting CSs ' strong desire to regain a sense of normalcy post‐treatment; (3) Pursuit of Control Over One's Life: CSs ' need to maintain control, particularly regarding information needs and treatment management; (4) Existential Vulnerability: The vulnerability and fragility felt by CSs , underscoring their need for emotional support and reassurance. Conclusions: Unmet needs remain a significant challenge for CSs , necessitating the implementation of tailored, patient‐centered care interventions. Addressing these needs can enhance quality of life, satisfaction, and outcomes for CSs worldwide. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06236373

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of neurodynamic (ND) techniques in improving hamstring flexibility compared to other physiotherapeutic interventions or no treatment and to assess the relative efficacy among different ND techniques (sliders vs. tensioners). Methods: A systematic search was conducted across six databases and grey literature up to July 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults (≥18 years) with reduced hamstring flexibility, but without neurological or musculoskeletal conditions were included. Studies comparing ND techniques (e.g., sliders, tensioners) to static stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), or no treatment were eligible. Primary outcomes were hamstring flexibility measured via passive straight leg raise (pSLR) and active knee extension (aKE). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool and PEDro scale. Meta-analyses used random-effects models; evidence certainty was rated with GRADE. Results: Thirty RCTs (1379 participants) were included, with 19 analyzed quantitatively. ND techniques significantly improved hamstring flexibility over static stretching (mean difference [MD]: 3.48° for pSLR, 95% CI: 1.14–5.82; 3.78° for aKE, 95% CI: 0.43–7.12) and no treatment (pSLR MD: 9.44°, 95% CI: 6.74–12.14). Sliders were marginally superior to tensioners (aKE MD: 1.14°, 95% CI: 0.58–1.71). PNF outperformed ND in aKE (MD: −3.07°, 95% CI: −4.07 to −2.06), though evidence certainty was low. Conclusion: ND techniques, particularly sliders, enhance hamstring flexibility, supporting their clinical use. However, high heterogeneity and risk of bias in included studies necessitate cautious interpretation. Future research should standardize protocols and assess long-term effects.

Objective: Parkinson’s disease can impair gait and stability, leading to reduced independence and increased fall risk. While speed dependent treadmill training (SDTT) is clinically effective, the specific biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms driving these improvements remain unclear. The “StepuP” multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to elucidate these mechanisms and determine whether training enriched with virtual reality or mechanical perturbations (SDTT+) enhances gait efficacy and transfer to daily life. Methods: We will recruit 126 individuals with Parkinson’s disease across four clinical sites and 21 healthy older adults as a reference group. Participants will be randomized to receive either standard SDTT or SDTT+ for 12 sessions. To capture the trajectory of recovery and retention, assessments will occur at three distinct timepoints: baseline, post-intervention, and a 12-week follow-up, each assessment including synchronized 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and 3D kinematics. This multimodal setup allows for the quantification of cortical beta-band activity, corticomuscular coherence, and stability-related foot placement control. Furthermore, we will assess participant’s satisfaction, usability, and engagement through questionnaires and interviews to understand individual adherence and barriers to training. Significance: The primary clinical endpoint is comfortable overground walking speed. We hypothesize that gait improvements are mediated by improved stability-related foot placement and cortical sensorimotor integration. By correlating lab-based mechanistic changes with real-world mobility patterns and participant experiences, this study seeks to identify specific pathophysiological mechanisms engaged during the treadmill training. These insights will help distinguish responders from non-responders, facilitating the development of personalized, acceptable, and effective rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose Selecting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that accurately reflect the unmet needs of cancer survivors (CSs) remains a challenge in oncology, as current processes lack a structured methodology. This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of a replicable, patient-centred framework for PROM selection, ensuring alignment between survivors' lived experiences and standardised outcome measures across diverse healthcare settings. Methods Our methodology integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches, mapping patient-expressed unmet needs onto the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The process involved three steps: (1) identifying survivors’ needs through focus groups, interviews and questionnaires, (2) linking these needs to ICF categories using validated methodologies and (3) systematically evaluating existing PROMs based on their coverage of these categories. Application and results To demonstrate feasibility, we conducted a feasibility study involving 35 CSs and seven caregivers within the Italian healthcare context. Among the 14 PROMs analysed, the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES) covered 94.3% of ICF-linked needs, emerging as the most suitable option. The framework’s adaptability allows clinicians and researchers to identify context-specific PROMs for diverse populations and healthcare systems. Conclusions This study provides a robust, evidence-based methodology for optimising PROM selection, bridging the gap between patient narratives and standardised measurement. This feasibility study demonstrates the framework's practical applicability in clinical practice, with potential for broader implementation across diverse healthcare contexts. Its global applicability ensures that survivorship care remains patient-centred, data-driven and contextually relevant. Implications for Cancer Survivors By facilitating the selection of tailored PROMs, this framework enhances patient-centred survivorship care, ensuring that outcome assessments remain relevant to survivors’ experiences and improving care quality across different settings. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06236373.