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Call for papers - Physiotherapy for spine disorders

Guest Editors

Filippo Maselli, PhD, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Paul Oakley, MD, York University, Canada
Fabrizio Russo, MD, PhD, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Submission Status: Open   |   Submission Deadline: 15 January 2026

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders welcomes submissions to the Physiotherapy for spine disorders Collection. This Collection aims to advance the understanding and application of physiotherapy and prognostic profiling strategies in the rehabilitation of spine disorders. We invite submissions focused on evidence-based approaches, including self-management strategies, exercise therapy, and rehabilitation techniques, with an emphasis on optimizing outcomes for patients with both conservative and post-surgical spine conditions.


New Content ItemThis Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Meet the Guest Editors

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Filippo Maselli, PhD, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Filippo Maselli received his Physiotherapy degree from the University of Bari (Aldo Moro) in 2003. He has cultivated his physiotherapy knowledge and practice in the field of musculoskeletal disorders, manual therapy, sports injuries, research and differential diagnosis. He was awarded a PhD degree with full marks in Neuroscience from the University of Genova in 2020. He completed an extensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy program [Master] granting his status of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapist (Full IFOMPT) from the University of Genova in 2007. Moreover, he completed a Masters program in Project Manager in Health from Università di Foggia, in Coordination of Health Rehabilitation Professions from Università di Roma (Sapienza), in Methodologies and technology to support engagement and communication with the patient from Università di Niccolò Cusano.

He is currently pursuing a master's degree in emergency medicine as a student. Moreover, he gained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition from the University of Bari (Aldo Moro), a Post-Graduate Certificate in Manual Therapy from the Curtin University of Perth, and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation sciences of the health professions at the University of Bari (Aldo Moro), in 2009. He has also completed several distinguished certifications including spinal manipulation, vestibular rehabilitation and football medicine. He is a Lecturer in the IFOMPT Post-Graduate master’s degree at La Sapienza University of Rome, University of Genova and University of Molise. Moreover, he was a President of the Italian Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Group 2016 - 2022. Dr Maselli boasts of more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice and management, being a reference for patients and colleagues from all over Italy. 

Currently, he joins La Sapienza University of Rome as Skill Coordinator of the Master Musculoskeletal and Rheumatological Physiotherapy Program. He achieved the National Scientific qualification as associate professor in the Italian higher education system, in the call 2023/2025 (Ministerial Decree n. 1796/2023) for the disciplinary field of 06/N1 - Technology and methodology in medicine and nursing sciences. (Academic Recruitment Field 06/N - Technology and methodology in medicine, nursing and sport sciences, according to the national classification).

Paul Oakley, MD, York University, Canada

Dr. Paul Oakley has interests in the spine and posture and how it relates to health, wellness, and functional performance. He has maintained a clinical practice for over 20 years, and has over 150 publications. He is currently conducting research on spinal deformities and how this relates to postural control and falls risk.
                                                   

Fabrizio Russo, MD, PhD, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Fabrizio Russo is an orthopaedic surgeon and researcher with extensive clinical and academic experience in the field of spinal disorders. He holds a PhD in musculoskeletal sciences and has developed a strong research portfolio focused on minimally invasive spine surgery, regenerative medicine, and physiotherapy-based rehabilitation. His work spans the full spectrum of spine care—from conservative management to surgical intervention and post-operative recovery. A core focus of his research is the integration of physiotherapy with advanced technologies, including gait analysis, motion tracking, and digital rehabilitation tools, with the goal of improving functional outcomes and patient quality of life. He is also actively involved in studies evaluating the role of biomarkers and artificial intelligence in musculoskeletal diagnostics and recovery. Dr. Russo has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented at leading international conferences. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across Europe and beyond, advocating for evidence-based, patient-centered approaches to spine care. His educational contributions include authorship of academic texts and mentoring of young clinicians and researchers. Dr. Russo aims to highlight current advancements in assessment, rehabilitation, and education, while fostering interdisciplinary dialogue that supports innovation in both non-surgical and surgical pathways for spinal disorders.

About the Collection

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders is calling for submissions to our Physiotherapy for spine disorders Collection. This Collection covers a broad range of topics related to physiotherapy in the context of spine disorders, including the role of exercise therapy, rehabilitation techniques, and self-management strategies. It explores interventions for both non-surgical and post-surgical patients, with a focus on optimizing function, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. Key areas include spinal biomechanics, physiotherapeutic assessments, (including screening for referral and differential diagnosis strategies), the role of physiotherapy in pre- and post-operative spine surgery, and evidence-based approaches to managing a variety of spine disorders.
 

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

  • Assessment and diagnosis: biomechanics, postural, motion and gait analysis, postural alignment, serious pathologies and atypical clinical conditions;
  • Physiotherapy: stabilization exercises, strengthening, proprioceptive training, functional movement training;
  • Advancements in in rehabilitation for spine disorders and health: efficacy and long-term outcomes for degenerative spine conditions, impact on spinal surgery rates and recovery, combined therapies (e.g. physiotherapy with cognitive-behavioural therapy for spine pain), digital and tele-rehabilitation;
  • Education: resources, ergonomics for workplace and daily activities, spinal injury prevention.


All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. 

Image credit: ©  joyfotoliakid / stock.adobe.com

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Physiotherapy for spine disorders" from the dropdown menu.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.