1. Early rehabilitation after total hip or knee joint replacement : a narrative reviewManca Zupančič Opara, Žiga Kozinc, Helmut Kern, Klaus Müller-Hohenstein, Stefan Loefler, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: When conservative treatment of osteoarthritis is not effective, patients may undergo total joint replacement. Postoperative rehabilitation is a crucial component of recovery, and early rehabilitation plays a particularly important role in optimizing outcomes, with the aim of enabling patients to return to independence and work as soon as possible. The aim of this paper is to summarize the role of early rehabilitation after total knee and hip joint replacement, including its main goals, key components, optimal timing, potential risks, and the evidence comparing early with delayed rehabilitation. Current evidence indicates that early inpatient rehabilitation contributes to faster recovery of mobility, improved joint range of motion and muscle strength, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stays. Early outpatient rehabilitation initiated soon after discharge may further support recovery by increasing daily physical activity, improving joint mobility, and reducing rehabilitation costs. Although some studies report similar clinical outcomes between early and delayed physiotherapy, earlier initiation may allow patients to achieve comparable functional recovery sooner. Overall, early rehabilitation represents a safe and effective approach that should be integrated into standard postoperative care pathways
Keywords: knee, hip, rehabilitation
Published in RUP: 07.06.2026; Views: 55; Downloads: 4
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2. The relationship between braking rate of force development, braking force impulse, push-off force distribution and jump performance : an exploratory studyŽiga Kozinc, Darjan Smajla, Daichi Nishiumi, Norikazu Hirose, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, original scientific article Keywords: jump, force, power
Published in RUP: 14.05.2026; Views: 195; Downloads: 8
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3. Body ownership illusions in immersive virtual reality : a implications for musculoskeletal rehabilitationManca Zupančič Opara, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, review article Keywords: avatar, embodiment, musculoskeletal pain, predictive coding, Proteus effect, psychosocial barriers, VR
Published in RUP: 26.04.2026; Views: 402; Downloads: 5
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4. Lower-limb damping characteristics during various repetitive jumping forms : reliability and sensitivity analysisMarko Kapeleti, Marc Elmeua González, Igor Zlatović, David Nikolić, Oskar Cvjetičanin, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: An essential aspect of jumping performance is the ability to control impact forces. One of the key measures of this ability is the damping ratio, a dimensionless parameter that quantifies the rate at which oscillations decay following a disturbance. This study aims to assess the intra-session and inter-session reliability of damping ratios at different lower-limb anatomical landmarks and evaluate their sensitivity in detecting differences between various repetitive jumping forms, with an emphasis on establishing a specific methodological approach. Twenty-three physically active male and female students performed maximal countermovement jumps (CMJs) and bilateral (BL) and unilateral (UL) hopping (HOP). Ten wireless inertial measurement units recorded inertial data of five bilateral lower-limb anatomical landmarks. Results showed that the damping ratios during CMJ and HOPUL demonstrated good reliability, whereas in HOPBL were moderately reliable. The damping ratios of nearly all the anatomical landmarks differed between the jumping forms. CMJ had the highest values, HOPBL the lowest, and HOPUL values in between, likely due to variations in joint stiffness and amplitude displacement, as well as stretch‒shortening cycle reliance. Methodologically, using 20 repetitions in an intra-session trial and averaging left and right sides for inter-session reliability and inter-jump sensitivity, damping ratios are acceptably reliable and sufficiently sensitive for biomechanical analysis of different repetitive jumping forms. This metric could potentially be a valuable tool in developing theoretical nonlinear multibody mass‒spring‒damper models and could enhance biomechanical analysis with practical applications in sports training and rehabilitation.
Keywords: stretch–shortening cycle, stiffness, impact absorption, oscillation, intraclass, correlation coefficient
Published in RUP: 13.04.2026; Views: 331; Downloads: 10
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5. Occupational and non-occupational device-measured movement behaviours and low back pain : a compositional isotemporal substitution analysisKaja Kastelic, Nejc Šarabon, Michael David Burnard, Željko Pedišić, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep were shown to be independently associated with low back pain (LBP). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the associations between 24-hour movement behaviour compositions and the occurrence, severity, and estimated level of LBP impact on an individual’s life. Methods: A convenience sample of 197 adults (40% females, 37 ± 11 years of age) were asked to wear an activPAL accelerometer for at least 7 consecutive days to assess their time-use composition consisting of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), light- intensity physical activity (LPA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep and to complete a questionnaire on LBP and sociodemographic characteristics. Compositional isotemporal substitution analyses were conducted separately for the non-domain-specific and domain- specific (including occupational and non-occupational domains) movement behaviour compositions. Results: Reallocating time from MVPA to any other movement behaviour or from sleep to LPA was associated with a higher LBP impact score. For example, reallocating 60 min/day from MVPA to LPA was associated with on average 17 points (95% CI: 6 to 28) higher LBP impact score (on a 0-70 scale). We did not find significant associations between the domain- specific time-use composition and LBP impact score (p = 0.060). We also did not find significant associations of the time-use compositions with occurrence and severity of LBP (p- value range: 0.067 to 0.649). Conclusion: Our study suggests that LBP sufferers with higher MVPA and sleep better cope with LBP. The differences in the LBP impact scores associated with theoretical reallocations between movement behaviours may be deemed clinically important. Future longitudinal and experimental studies in population-representative samples are needed to confirm our findings.
Keywords: musculoskeletal health, physical behaviours, time-use epidemiology
Published in RUP: 30.03.2026; Views: 412; Downloads: 9
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6. Start detection in resisted sprinting : a validity and reliability analysis of encoder- and sensor-based methodsOskar Cvjetičanin, Matic Sašek, Živa Mesec, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: This study evaluated the validity and reliability of start detection methods for determining 5-m sprint time using a resistance device with an encoder. Seventeen recreationally trained participants completed 12 resisted 5-m sprints across two sessions. Sprint start was identified using three encoder-based methods (position, velocity [MEv], and acceleration), a rear-foot release sensor and hip-marker kinematics (KIN) as a proxy for forward center-of-mass displacement. Reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), typical error (TE), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC), while agreement was examined using Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman analysis. All methods showed moderate to excellent reliability (ICC = 0.54–0.93; CV ≤ 11.1%) and strong agreement with KIN (r = 0.90–0.94). MEv showed the smallest bias (−0.00 ± 0.07 s) and narrowest 95% limits of agreement, and is therefore preferred for sprint start detection in practical settings.
Keywords: resisted sprinting, sprint start, encoder, performance monitorin
Published in RUP: 26.03.2026; Views: 408; Downloads: 17
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8. Experiences and perceptions of a 12-week combined exercise and dietary supplement program for individuals with knee osteoarthritis : a qualitative focus group studyTina Čeh, Jernej Završnik, Nejc Šarabon, Mirko Prosen, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Background Exercise program and dietary supplements are commonly used in the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and have both been shown to reduce pain and improve physical function. Combining these approaches may offer additive benefits or introduce specific adherence challenges from the patient perspective. The combination of structured exercise with dietary supplements remains underexplored, especially through qualitative approaches. This study aims to investigate the lived experiences, perceived benefits, challenges, and motivational factors among participants of a targeted exercise program combined with dietary supplementation. Methods A qualitative study design with three focus group was used to explore participants overall experiences, motivational factors, and barriers to participation immediately after program. The sample included 16 older adults with KOA (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1–3, 14 women and 2 men). Two moderators facilitated each focus group using topic guide. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Six main themes were identified: (1) recognized effects of exercise, (2) motivators and barriers to exercise, (3) group exercise and its impact on daily life, (4) recognized health care limitations, (5) experiences and practices of dietary supplement use, and (6) perspectives on program continuation and expansion. Conclusions Participants’ experiences with the combined exercise and dietary supplementation program for KOA highlighted the importance of social support, professional guidance, and self-motivation. Barriers included physical limitations, time constraints, and psychological challenges, while reported benefits included reduced pain, improved mood, and enhanced social engagement. Participants’ tendency to perceive exercise and supplementation as separate components indicates that, in practice, combined interventions may function as parallel rather than integrated strategies unless explicitly framed and supported as a unified approach
Keywords: knee osteoarthritis, exercise program, dietary supplements, qualitative study, physical rehabilitation, patient experience, motivation
Published in RUP: 21.02.2026; Views: 458; Downloads: 1
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9. Disease severity affects knee range of motion but not strength deficits in knee osteoarthritis : a systematic review and meta-analysisManca Zupančič Opara, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, review article Abstract: Objectives: To compare knee range of motion and muscle strength between individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and healthy controls, and to assess how Kellgren–Lawrence grade and measurement protocols affect these outcomes.Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies comparing knee flexion/extension range of motion or flexor/extensor strength between patients with knee osteoarthritis and controls. Risk of bias was assessed with Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Pooled mean and standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses.Results: Thirty studies were included. Compared with healthy controls, individuals with knee osteoarthritis showed significantly reduced knee flexion [MD = 16.30°, 95%CI (11.40, 21.21)] and extension [MD = 4.25°, 95%CI (2.30, 6.19)], with greater flexion loss in advanced KL grades. Knee osteoarthritis participants also demonstrated significantly lower strength across all contraction types: isometric [extensors: SMD = 0.86, 95%CI (0.57, 1.14); flexors: SMD = 0.52, 95%CI (0.30, 0.74)], concentric [extensors: SMD = 1.07, 95%CI (0.65, 1.50); flexors: SMD = 0.77, 95%CI (0.43, 1.12)], and eccentric extensor strength. Strength deficits were consistent across Kellgren–Lawrence grades, knee joint angles, and angular velocities during testing.Conclusions: Individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis present with marked reductions in knee range of motion and strength. While range of motion impairments worsen with disease severity, strength deficits are stable across Kellgren–Lawrence grades and measurement protocols. Given the very low to low certainty of evidence, results should be interpreted with caution. 1 Introduction
Keywords: osteoarthritis, knee, arthritis, risk factors, rehabilitation
Published in RUP: 18.02.2026; Views: 433; Downloads: 4
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