Background This study investigates the participation of Finnish physiotherapy (PT) students in interprofessional education (IPE), self-assessed levels of four interprofessional competences, and the effects of background variables on these competences. Methods A core competence questionnaire was sent twice to all student members of the Finnish Association of Physiotherapists (N = 773/2017; N = 861/2018) pursuing their professional degree in physiotherapy. The average response rate was 24% (n = 198; 82% women; Mean age 28.6). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics, employing non-parametric tests. Results & conclusion Total of 68% of the respondents had participated in IPE, mostly with occupational therapists, nurses and social educators. On average, self-assessed competence levels ranged from good to very good (median 3.0–4,2; Scale1–5). Compared to other background variable categories Interprofessional Agency was assessed higher among early middle-aged (30–39 years; p = 0.004) and advanced students (≥120 ECTS; p = 0.001–0.002), those with other University of Applied Sciences qualifications (p = 0.012), longer work experience (6 years; p = 0.019–0.028), and IPE experience (p = 0.038). Values and Ethics (>180 ECTS; p = 0.024), Roles and Responsibilities (≥120 ECTS; p = 0.001–0.002), and Teams and Teamwork (>180 ECTS; p = 0.009) competences were higher among advanced students. Competence assessments varied by background factors. These findings should be considered when designing interprofessional modules in PT education. Further research on interprofessional competences and IPE is needed.

Background Virtual health is evolving rapidly, yet knowledge regarding patients’ experiences of video-based knee assessment remains limited. The aim was to explore patients’ experiences and perceptions of video-based assessment of the knee in contrast to conventional face-to-face assessment. Methods A qualitative focus group study was conducted with sixteen participants aged 45 years or older with non-traumatic knee pain. Participants were recruited from a previous study comparing video-based physiotherapy assessment with conventional face-to-face assessment of potential KOA among patients with non-traumatic knee pain. They were divided into four groups of four to seven participants. Group discussions lasted 35–40 min. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed inductively using qualitative content analysis as described by Krueger and Casey. Results The analysis resulted in four categories with two to three subcategories each, under the overarching theme Another road to diagnosis. The categories were: clear and adequate communication, a different personal contact, increased patient responsibility, and confidence in being adequately assessed. Conclusion The main findings of this study underscore the essential role of trust in the diagnostic process and suggest that the experience and nature of assessment may take another form in the video-based context in relation to conventional face-to-face assessment. The findings suggest that video-based assessment can be perceived as a feasible alternative to face-to-face assessment by patients, particularly those who trust the physiotherapist and can perform their part of the assessment and who, for various reasons, need flexibility regarding location.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed widespread implementation of online learning in tertiary education. Despite this transition, empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of online courses in enhancing knowledge, skills, and learning experiences of physiotherapy undergraduates (PTUGs) remains limited. Additionally, most available online courses for PTUGs have been developed from educators’ perspectives without systematic instructional design methodology. In this study, we evaluated the impact of a purposefully designed online course using the ASSURE model on non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) among PTUGs. Methods In this one-group quasi-experimental design, 87 PTUGs from two public and two private universities in Malaysia were involved. The online course was offered on an open learning platform in an asynchronized, self-directed mode for eight weeks as part of their curriculum. The impact on knowledge and skills was evaluated via quiz and Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE), respectively. An online survey was used to evaluate satisfaction, learning experience, and confidence to assess and manage patients with NSLBP at the end of the course. Results PTUGs demonstrated statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvements in knowledge and demonstrated a statistically significant level of skill acquisition, achieving scores above the 50% OSPE cut-off value. A majority of PTUGs reported enhanced learning experiences, high satisfaction, and increased confidence in NSLBP patient assessment and management. Conclusion This research represents an innovative application of the ASSURE model in physiotherapy education. While findings contribute valuable evidence regarding the positive impact of structured online course, further research should address methods to enhance interpersonal interactions within virtual learning environments.

Background Chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain are among the most common causes of disability worldwide. These conditions frequently co-occur with symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact clinical outcomes. Early identification of psychological symptoms is essential but physiotherapists’ accuracy in detecting these symptoms is unclear. Objectives Evaluate the accuracy of the observer-based Generalised Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), compared to a numeric rating scale (NRS) in screening for anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with chronic neck, shoulder, and/or low back pain. Methods Sixty-three physiotherapists and their 390 patients with chronic neck, shoulder, and/or low back pain were recruited. Physiotherapists screened for symptoms of anxiety and depression using the observer-based GAD-2, PHQ-2, and a 0-to-10 NRS. Patients completed the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to calculate the accuracy of the screening tools compared to the NRS in detecting symptoms of anxiety and depression. The area under ROC curves (AUC) was used to determine the discriminative ability of each tool. Results The observer-based GAD-2 and PHQ-2 are more accurate in screening mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to the NRS. Conclusion Physiotherapists screen anxiety and depression symptoms more accurately using the observer-based GAD-2 and PHQ-2 in patients with chronic neck, shoulder and/or low back pain. Therefore, these screening tools are preferable to the NRS for these patients.

Purpose This study investigated Chinese physiotherapists’ role in the healthcare system, their explanatory models for low back pain (LBP) causes and treatment strategies, and their perspectives on biopsychosocial models for LBP in Chinese rehabilitation. Methods Between February 2021 and June 2022, qualitative semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 19 physiotherapists (N = 19) from East China, who had experience treating LBP patients. Interviews were analysed through inductive thematic analysis. Results Three themes and five sub-themes were found in our study about Chinese physiotherapists’ insights for LBP care. These themes include constrained autonomy of Chinese physiotherapists within Chinese LBP care, the somatic-based LBP management model in physiotherapy, and a blended understanding of pain within the Chinese context. Conclusions Our findings highlight that LBP rehabilitation in China is shaped by: (1) systemic constraints, including a strict medical hierarchy relied on doctors’ prescription and limited physiotherapy autonomy; (2) a somatic-based explanatory model continues to dominate Chinese physiotherapists’ clinical reasoning and treatment choices; and (3) a blended pain philosophy, combining dominant somatic-based LBP beliefs with acknowledgements of psychosocial and TCM perspectives of pain.

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disease characterised by exertional dyspnoea, intolerance to daily life activities, and dysfunction of skeletal muscle, which collectively exacerbate disability and elevate mortality risk. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes on aerobic capacity and peripheral muscle strength in individuals with IPF. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted up to April 2025 using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool, and the GRADE approach was applied to determine the certainty of the evidence. Results Nine randomised controlled trials were included. PR significantly improved aerobic capacity, increasing the six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance by 34.4 metres (95% CI 22.00–46.84, p < 0.00001) after the programme, peak work rate (PWR) by 9.9 watts (95% CI 6.39–13.49, p < 0.00001), and exercise time by 138.3 s (95% CI 72.81–203.85, p < 0.0001). Changes in peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) were not statistically significant (mean difference 6.42 ml/kg/min; 95% CI −0.04–12.87; p = 0.05). Regarding muscle strength, only one study assessed this outcome, and its results did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Pulmonary rehabilitation improves aerobic capacity in patients with IPF, achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in 6MWT distance at the end of the programme, but this is not maintained during follow-up. Evidence on peripheral muscle strength is limited and exploratory, precluding firm conclusions.