Peter Bablis. Ryan R. Day . Sophia Bablis . Henry Pollard

This narrative review explores the integration of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) into musculoskeletal (MSK) care, based on the premise that addressing the mind–body interface can enhance patient outcomes. First, we outline how chronic stress affects twelve physiological systems and contributes to the onset and persistence of MSK conditions. Second, we synthesise evidence showing that MBIs mitigate these stress effects through mechanisms such as improved attention regulation, interoceptive awareness, and reduced catastrophising. Third, we highlight Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) as a practitioner-facilitated hybrid-MBI exemplar that targets unresolved emotional stress patterns and aligns with the biopsychosocial model of healthcare. We also note contraindications via red and yellow flag considerations, emphasising the importance of careful patient selection and responsible application. Taken together, this review provides a rationale for incorporating MBIs as adjuncts to conventional therapies, supporting recovery, fostering resilience, and advancing patient-centred MSK care.

Gerry Leisman . Robert Melillo

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that manifests in early childhood and persists throughout an individual’s life. Characterized by a range of symptoms affecting social interaction, communication, and behavior, ASD presents a spectrum of varying degrees of severity and presentation. Recent research emphasizes the importance of understanding the diverse manifestations of ASD across different populations. Core features include social communication differences and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs), often linked to co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and ADHD. The study of ASD has evolved significantly, highlighting the need for individualized approaches to diagnosis and intervention. This paper explores current knowledge on ASD, examining the latest research findings and discussing future directions for improving the lives of those affected by the disorder. The purpose is to present a map of the field and an evidence-strength framing of what is known and unknown, and where the evidence is equivocal. Key areas of focus include behavioral, psychological, genetic, metabolic, immunological, and neurological features, as well as developmental and maturational factors. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of what is known, what remains unclear, and where future research should be directed.

Baogan Peng . Liang Yang . Yongchao Li . Tanghua Liu .Yanqing Liu

Neck pain is very common, but most of the causes are unknown, making diagnosis and treatment extremely challenging. Current studies have found that one of the main problems in patients with neck pain is the impairment of cervical proprioception, which subsequently leads to cervical sensorimotor control disturbances. Cervical spine has a very delicate proprioceptive system that plays a crucial role in controlling posture and balance. Cervical proprioceptive impairment in neck pain occurs through a variety of mechanisms. Experimental neck muscle pain induced by injection of hypertonic saline results in inhibition of the activation of painful muscle; chronic neck pain causes structural and functional impairment of cervical muscles; excessive activation of mechanoreceptors in degenerative cervical discs and facet joints produces a large number of erroneous sensory signals. Clinical examinations to assess the link between structural pathology and neck pain have been unsuccessful, opening the way for the development of function-based tests. To date, eight neck sensorimotor control tests have been reported to evaluate patients with chronic neck pain. Although some tests may involve different subsystems (such as oculomotor system and vestibular system), all tests measure sensorimotor control in the neck, and the most commonly used is cervical joint position error (JPE) test. Current studies support the effectiveness of exercises targeting different aspects of sensorimotor function, in particular retraining aimed at improving cervical proprioception and muscle coordination. Based on the available evidence, it is recommended that patients with neck pain should be assessed and managed for cervical proprioceptive impairment and sensorimotor control disturbances.