Physiotherapy Profession Research Articles

Capsular Stretches and Shoulder Mobility Exercises to Improve Range of Motion of Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis Following Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation - A Case Report

The majority of patients will experience some post-traumatic stiffness following traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, but this typically goes away on its own. Rarely do traumatic anterior shoulder instability result in secondary frozen shoulder. However, a tiny but expected percentage of patients who first have frozen shoulder may later experience secondary frozen shoulder, which causes pain and stiffness and slows rehabilitation. It's possible that this will happen after a period of shoulder immobilization, albeit the exact cause is still unknown. This case report details the results of professional physical therapy interventions used to treat secondary adhesive capsulitis after recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations using a conservative approach. This case study aimed to show how physical therapy can help people with secondary adhesive capsulitis restore, range of motion, strength and improve shoulder function.

Effect of integrated manual and verbal cueing on functional transfers in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled study

Purpose The profession of physical therapy has historically relied on manual facilitation to improve motor control strategies and performance in persons rehabilitating from a stroke, yet there is insufficient evidence to support its use during functional task training. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of integrated cueing (verbal and manual) and verbal cueing approaches during sit-to-stand training on midline alignment & muscle activation in chronic stroke survivors. Methods Twenty-one chronic right-brained stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly assigned to the Integrated Cueing or Verbal Only group and outcome measures were recorded using an 18-Camera Motion Capture System, force plates, and surface electromyography (EMG). Results Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in symmetry toward the midline after thirty training repetitions. Significant improvements in muscle activation were found in two muscle groups on the affected side of the body in the Integrated Cueing group, gastrocnemius and rectus femoris. Conclusion Both the Verbal Only and Integrated Cueing groups made significant progress toward more symmetrical movement, yet more significant changes in the activation of hemiparetic extensor muscles were seen in the Integrated Cueing group. These findings support the use of manual cueing in movement activation and performance during the training of functional tasks. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHAB Physical therapists commonly use manual tactile cues to facilitate movement performance but there is currently insufficient evidence to support this use with stroke survivors. In a relatively small sample size, both verbal cues and integrated cues (verbal plus manual) improved symmetry during sit to stand in chronic right brain stroke survivors. Integrated cueing enhanced motor activation and performance during sit to stand better than verbal cues alone. Manual tactile cueing should be considered during functional task retraining.

Physiotherapists working with pessaries

Pessaries and the physiotherapy profession have evolved over the past 10 years, and pelvic health physiotherapists can now prescribe vaginal pessaries. Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) is developing ways to support members with these skills. Globally, up to 50% of women will suffer from pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (Carroll et al. 2022), and this condition costs the UK National Health Service £45 million every year (PCWHF 2019). The most common symptom is a vaginal bulge. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend either doing nothing, or pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs), vaginal pessaries or surgery (NICE 2019). Pessary services are provided in dedicated clinics, usually in general practice or secondary care. There has been an increase in physiotherapists delivering pessary care over the past decade: in 2013, it was reported that 1.4% were part of the pessary workforce compared to 5% in 2020 (Bugge et al. 2013; Brown et al. 2021). Currently, ineffective patient pathways, poor service provision and lack of training are barriers to treatment. Poorly designed patient pathways are frustrating, and women are often required to return to primary or secondary care to get a referral to a pessary clinic. Physiotherapists are well placed to offer a pessary alongside PFMEs since it is part of the range of conservative treatment options. They also build strong a rapport with their patients because of the therapeutic nature of the treatment sessions, and typically, offer longer appointments than postnatal period. A prospective multicentre trial demonstrated the acceptability of and compliance with using a pessary immediately after childbirth irrespective of any pelvic floor dysfunction or mode of delivery (Baessler et al. 2019). The majority of women used the pessary to treat the symptoms of POP. Further work is required to investigate pessary use and the prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction in this cohort of women. The results of the TOPSY [Treatment Of Prolapse with Self-care pessarY] trial (Hagen et al. 2023) highlighted that pessary self-management is cost-effective and reduces complications. This is excellent news because physiotherapists are well placed to teach women pessary self-management because of: generally longer appointments; and the well-established rapport built up over time while teaching PFMEs. Despite women reporting that pessary use during exercise relieves their symptoms, this is an under-researched area. The impact of exercise on POP, and whether there are any protective factors involved that prevent its progression, are not fully understood. There also remains a gap in the evidence with regard to the use of PFMEs and vaginal pessaries. Research proposals are currently in development to address this. A pessary course is being developed by POGP, and this will be launched in 2024 alongside a mentoring programme as part of the pessary accreditation scheme jointly written with the United Kingdom Continence Society. Further governance documents have been created by the Physiotherapists Working with Pessaries subgroup of POGP, including a standard operating procedure, emergency out-of-hours statement, note proformas and template letters (POGP 2024).

Physical Therapy Comes to British Columbia, Canada: Modernity, Movement, and the Press for the Professional Regulation of Purposive Exercise in the Early 20th Century

This article explores the early roots of physical therapy as a professional field of expertise in British Columbia during the first decades of the twentieth century. It points to the importance of Pehr Henrik Ling's earlier work at the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics in Sweden and traces the movement of Ling trained female gymnasts and physiotherapists to Canada and their role in the development of rehabilitation services for wounded soldiers returning from WW1, first in Ontario and Quebec and later in British Columbia. We trace the efforts of a small group of female physiotherapists in British Columbia to engage with an emergent female-dominated profession of physiotherapy in Canada while aligning with and remaining firmly linked to the authority of the male dominated medical profession. In this sense, women were both winners and losers in their efforts to gain access to and control over early developments in Canadian physical therapy.

Extent and Pattern of Physiotherapy Profession: A pilot Study

Question: What is the level of awareness and understanding of the Physiotherapy profession among the general population of Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), India? Objective: To evaluate the general awareness of the physiotherapy profession among the general population of Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). Design: A cross-sectional survey and qualitative analysis of multiple-choice responses. Participants and Methods: In this pilot study total responses 250 and participants were randomly selected from the general public in areas of Delhi NCR were collected using an investigator-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed with MS office and SPSS. Results: In this study there were 250 respondents, out of them 121 (48%) were males and 129 (52%) were females. Out of total participants only 1% were illiterate and 99% were literate. 88% of the respondents were aware of the term ‘physiotherapy’ and 12% had never heard about it. 52% had the knowledge of a physiotherapist’s qualifications and 49% had knowledge of various physiotherapy services. Lack of awareness and knowledge was thought to be the main cause behind why people do not access physical therapy services, followed by the perception that it is all about massage and lastly that it is just for the elderly population, with figures 67%, 22% and 11%, respectively. Conclusion: The study’s participants had moderate level of awareness and positive belief regarding physiotherapy. The findings suggested that there is still a need to increase the awareness of the role of a physiotherapist among the general population so that its maximum potential can be tapped.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion-Related Curricular Elements in Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education: A Delphi Study.

The purpose of this Delphi study was to determine whether experts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the field of physical therapy could achieve consensus on the key JEDI-related curricular content topics to be included in entry-level physical therapist education. Inequities exist at all levels of health care for historically underserved populations, including referrals, access, and quality of physical therapy services. The physical therapy field is facing challenges and opportunities in how to best prepare providers to address individual, community, and population health inequities. There is a lack of consensus in physical therapist education regarding essential curricular content related to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism. Eighty-four experts in JEDI in the physical therapy profession were invited through email to participate in the Delphi process. A Delphi survey brought together 39 identified experts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field of physical therapy to reach consensus on key JEDI-related curricular topics in physical therapist education. In the first-round survey, participants answered an open-ended question: "What JEDI-related curricular content should be included in entry-level physical therapist education?" The work team coded these free-text responses to populate an initial list of curricular elements. Over 2 subsequent rounds of surveys, the experts came to a consensus on which curricular elements should be addressed within physical therapist education. Nineteen experts completed all survey rounds. In round I, coding of the expert group's responses generated 61 initial JEDI-related curricular elements. By round III, the group refined the list to 43 curricular elements; 41 of the 43 (95%) elements garnered 94% or higher consensus. The expert group deemed 30 of the elements "entry-level" content and 13 as more "advanced practice" topics. Experts had a strong consensus on key JEDI-related curricular elements that physical therapist education programs should include to best prepare providers to improve the health of society. Future scholarship will explore recommendations for how physical therapist education programs might prioritize and implement JEDI-related content.

A Survey of Practice and Factors Affecting Physiotherapist-Led Health Promotion for People at Risk or with Cardiovascular Disease in Cameroon.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and associated risk factors are a growing concern in Cameroon. Physiotherapists (PTs) can play a crucial role in prevention and management. However, the extent of Cameroonian PT involvement in health promotion (HP) activities remains unclear. This study assessed Cameroonian physiotherapists' current HP practices for people at risk of or with CVDs (pwCVDs). A cross-sectional survey was administered online to PTs practising in Cameroon. Out of 181 PT responses, 95% reported providing a variety of HP activities, including weight management (74%), dietary advice (73%), physical activity (69%), smoking cessation (69%), stress management (61%), and sleep promotion (48%). While PTs were confident in lifestyle assessments, they felt less confident about sleep interventions. Strong beliefs, confidence, team support, and time allocation enhanced HP practice. However, preference for passive modalities, patient adherence issues, organisational challenges, role ambiguity among healthcare providers, inadequate training opportunities, and the absence of established guidelines for CVD prevention negatively affect HP practice. These findings highlight the challenges and opportunities for enhancing HP delivery within the physiotherapy profession in Cameroon. The findings are useful for future strategies by clinical practitioners and policy makers to address barriers and leverage facilitators effectively for scaling up HP initiatives in Cameroon.

Physical therapists’ perceptions and attitudes towards artificial intelligence in healthcare and rehabilitation: A qualitative study

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being introduced to rehabilitation practices, and it can optimize the patient's outcome through their ability to design personalized care strategies and interventions. To understand the attitudes and perceptions of physical therapy professionals on the use of AI in rehabilitation in regard to treatment planning, diagnosis, outcome prediction, and advantages and disadvantages. This paper followed an exploratory, qualitative research design. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted with participants of different experience levels and specialties in physical therapy. Results were evaluated using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: (i) perceptions of AI and its applications in healthcare services, (ii) impact on the workforce (iii) considerations around implementing AI within rehabilitation and (iv) AI, and the fast-approaching future. Participants shared views on the potential impact of AI on rehabilitation practices, such as aiding the decision-making process, saving time and effort of both the therapist and patients. Participants have stressed on potential pitfalls that still need to be considered, such as patient data privacy, potential loss of patient-healthcare practitioner relationship, ethical concerns regarding overreliance on these applications and how that might hinder effective patient care. The findings add to the literature about physical therapists' understanding regarding the use of AI in patient care. Several concerns were raised to the adoption of AI, including concerns about patient privacy, and ethical concerns. Based on the study findings, researchers emphasize the importance of establishing guidelines when incorporating AI in rehabilitation to improve the therapist's knowledge and skills.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-Related, Non-Specific Low Back Pain Among Physiotherapists in Ahmedabad City

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is the major public health problem across the world. Physiotherapy professionals are more prone to work related LBP because they are linked to major physical efforts such as transfers and patient handling manoeuvres, uncomfortable or prolonged working positions, trunk flexion and rotation movements and reactions to a fall or unexpected movement by the patient. LBP is a multifactorial condition. Various factors like, personal, biomechanical, psychosocial and organisational are associated with work related LBP among physiotherapists. Methodology: A link to an online self-questionnaire was sent to physiotherapists working in Ahmedabad city since last 12 months. The various patterns of practice were compared with regard to the prevalence of LBP, the total number of days with LBP during last 12 months, and the degree of exposure to organisational, biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors. Results: The result was carried out by using Microsoft excel. Results showed that there is 95% prevalence of work-related low back pain among physiotherapists specifically, those working since last 12 months. The mean score of NPRS was 7. Conclusion: There is significant prevalence of work-related low back pain among physiotherapists in Ahmedabad city. Keywords: physiotherapists, work-related, low back pain, Ahmedabad city

Impact of evidence-based pedagogical approach on clinical reasoning among undergraduate physical therapy students

Abstract Background: Various educational methods have been used by professional physical therapy teachers for their students. Since physical therapy includes both theory and practical, students may need to critically think about each patient’s intervention based on the stage of their illness. It is necessary to teach and assess students’ clinical reasoning abilities, so as to deal with the patients. The aim of the study was to find the impact of evidence-based pedagogical approach on clinical reasoning among undergraduate physical therapy students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in our institution and it was a pre- and post-test experimental study design. Forty students in their 3rd year of undergraduate physical therapy (BPT) degree program were randomly assigned to experimental group (evidence-based pedagogical approach, n = 20) and to control group (traditional pedagogical approach, n = 20). They were assessed with Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning (SACRR), clinical reasoning assessment tool (CRAT) (3 domains), and multiple-choice test, at the baseline and after 4 weeks of training. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test. Results: Experimental group showed a significant difference in SACRR (t = 3.4446, P < 0.05), CRAT (Content knowledge and Conceptual reasoning domains showed significant differences with t = 3.2110; 2.7973, P<0.05, but Procedural knowledge domain was not significant with t = 0.7791, P<0.05), and multiple-choice test (t = 5.8538, P < 0.05) scores than the control group. Conclusions: The use of evidence-based pedagogical approach may be more effective than the traditional pedagogical approach for improving clinical reasoning among undergraduate physical therapy students.

Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency: Development of an ICU Knowledge and Skills Assessment Tool

BackgroundPhysical therapy for patients in the ICU is advanced practice demanding specialized knowledge and skills. However, ICU physical therapy competency standards lack uniformity or defined processes. ObjectivesTo describe the development process of the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency and to assess its face and content validity. MethodsQuantitative research study for the content validation of the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency using a panel of experts. The face validity assessment consisted of two informal surveys and discussions with clinicians representing various disciplines in ICU. Main Outcome MeasuresA content validation survey included analysis of sufficiency, clarity, coherence, and relevance for items in the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency. For the quantitative analysis of content validity, the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) was used. Scale-level content validity index based on the universal agreement method (S-CVI/UA) was calculated as the proportion of items on the scale that achieve a relevance scale of 3 or 4 by all experts. Scale-level content validity index was calculated based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave). ResultsThe sufficiency, clarity, coherence, and relevance of the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency items presented S-CVI/Ave greater than 80 % (97 %, 97 %, 99 %, 95 %, respectively). ConclusionThis study establishes that the Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency has a satisfactory level of face and content validity. Implications for clinical practiceThe Perme ICU Physical Therapy Competency, with its solid framework, is a valuable assessment tool applicable for integration in any ICU competency program. It can be utilized as a self-assessment tool by individual therapists or in collaboration with mentors and evaluators to evaluate knowledge and skills effectively. This innovative tool not only enhances clinical practice but also presents an opportunity for advancing the physical therapy profession within the ICU setting.

Epistemological Flexibility in Person-Centered Care: The Cynefin Framework for (Re)Integrating Indigenous Body Representations in Manual Therapy.

Chiropractic, osteopathy, and physiotherapy (COP) professionals regulated outside the United States traditionally incorporate hands-on procedures aligned with their historical principles to guide patient care. However, some authors in COP research advocate a pan-professional, evidence-informed, patient-centered approach to musculoskeletal care, emphasizing hands-off management of patients through education and exercise therapy. The extent to which non-Western sociocultural beliefs about body representations in health and disease, including Indigenous beliefs, could influence the patient-practitioner dyad and affect the interpretation of pillars of evidence-informed practice, such as patient-centered care and patient expectations, remains unknown. our perspective paper combines the best available evidence with expert insights and unique viewpoints to address gaps in the scientific literature and inform an interdisciplinary readership. A COP pan-professional approach tends to marginalize approaches, such as prevention-oriented clinical scenarios traditionally advocated by osteopathic practitioners for patients with non-Western sociocultural health assumptions. The Cynefin framework was introduced as a decision-making tool to aid clinicians in managing complex clinical scenarios and promoting evidence-informed, patient-centered, and culturally sensitive care. Epistemological flexibility is historically rooted in osteopathic care, due to his Indigenous roots. It is imperative to reintroduce conceptual and operative clinical frameworks that better address contemporary health needs, promote inclusion and equality in healthcare, and enhance the quality of manual therapy services beyond COP's Western-centered perspective.

How Much Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Osteopathy Care Do Compensated Australian Workers with Low Back Pain Receive? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

To identify the prevalence and frequency of physiotherapy, chiropractic, and/or osteopathy care in Australians with workers' compensation claims for low back pain (LBP). We included workers with accepted workers' compensation claims longer than 2weeks from the Australian states of Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. Workers were grouped by whether they attended physiotherapy, chiropractic, and/or osteopathy in the first 2years of their claim. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to describe differences between groups. Descriptive statistics and negative binomial regression were used to describe differences in the number of attendances in each group. Most workers had at least one physical therapy attendance during the period of their claim (n = 23,619, 82.0%). Worker state, socioeconomic status, and remoteness were the largest contributing factors to likelihood of physical therapy attendance. Most workers only attended physiotherapy (n = 21,035, 89.1%, median of 13 times). Far fewer only attended chiropractic (n = 528, 2.2%, median of 8 times) or only osteopathy (n = 296, 1.3%, median of 10 times), while 1,750 (7.5%) attended for care with more than one type of physical therapy (median of 31 times). Most Australian workers with workers' compensation time loss claims for LBP attend physiotherapy at least once during their claims. State of claim is the strongest predictor of which physical therapy profession they attend, possibly due to regional availability. Workers who see a physiotherapist have significantly more attendances. Future research should explore the relationship between these patterns of care and claimant outcomes, including work disability duration.

Physiotherapy’s necessity for ableism: reifying normal through difference

Although critical disability studies has become more widely recognized within physiotherapy scholarship and education, ableism still profoundly influences and directs the physiotherapy profession. We draw from post-structural French philosopher Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy to highlight how ableism is bound up in the taken-for-granted assumptions of physiotherapy. We outline how ableism is entangled with the profession’s ontology and European notion of human. As a result, ableism is maintained by clinicians through the embodiment of the ideal species typical human, in both the domain of the mind and body. As it stands, to do physiotherapy necessitates ableism. Imagining physiotherapy otherwise, we set out to critique and unsettle the profession’s metaphysical presuppositions, creating the possibility for new generative avenues for physiotherapy. Deleuze’s ontology of difference provides the profession an alternative starting point which makes the notion of ‘normal’, and consequently ableism, unthinkable.

Cardiological emergency and acute myocardial infarction: physician and physiotherapist perceptions of immediate care, use of prehospital ECGS and patient referrals

Doctors and physiotherapists play a key role in reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality from acute myocardial infarction through well-applied care, as well as through the key point of health education, given that most of the risk factors are modifiable. This article is a literature review, which aims to explore the challenges faced by patients with acute myocardial infarction. This review shows that heart attacks are a serious problem. The study proves that this damage can be reduced or minimized with the training of medical and physiotherapy professionals in recognizing the signs and symptoms in good time, as well as the best treatment.

Predictors of real-world response in adults treated with botulinumtoxin-A for upper limb spasticity

Background: To explore predictors of treatment response in adults receiving botulinumtoxin-A (BoNT-A) for upper limb spasticity (ULS) and to describe the association between response and concomitant medication, professional physical therapy, and quality of life (QoL). Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the longitudinal Upper Limb International Spasticity study (ULIS-III) data set. Eligible patients were adults receiving/initiating BoNT-A treatment for ULS in clinical practice. The treatment response was a goal attainment scaling (GAS) T score change of ≥10 points from baseline to follow-up for each cycle. Concomitant medication was recorded. Time spent on professional physical therapy and self-management was recorded using the Upper Limb Focal Spasticity Therapy Recording (ULSTR) schedule. QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Baseline patient and clinical characteristics were described. Factors predictive of treatment response were explored using stepwise multivariable regression modeling (linear or logistic as appropriate for the outcome) and backward elimination (α=0.1). Results: Overall, 828/981 patients had response data; 71.9% responded to BoNT-A therapy. Potential predictors of response identified were the use of injection guidance techniques (P=0.001), female sex (P=0.031), and abobotulinumtoxin-A therapy (vs. onabotulinumtoxin-A; P<0.001). Compared with nonresponders, responders had marginally lower use of concomitant medication, received marginally more professional physical therapy and (subgroup only) had improved QoL. Age, duration/distribution, severity of impairment, and previous BoNT-A had no predictive value. Conclusions: Future analyses of ULIS-III data will aim to validate these findings and further explore determinants of treatment response and the interplay between care modalities.

Brazilian classification of physical therapy diagnosis

BackgroundThe Brazilian Classification of Physical Therapy Diagnosis, developed by the Federal Council of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (COFFITO), has the constitutional objectives of standardizing ethical, scientific and social aspects of the Physical Therapy profession. ObjectiveTo describe the work process, rationale and proposal for standardization of a physical therapy diagnosis classification system in Brazil. MethodsA working group was created to propose a standardized classification for the description and codification of physical therapy diagnoses. Some terminologies common to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) were used to make the nomenclature of diagnoses compatible with the outcomes inherent in the field of physical therapy. ResultsThe Brazilian Classification of Physical Therapy Diagnosis project culminated in a physical therapy diagnosis model consisting of terms grouped by organic systems and identifying codes. In addition, an application was developed to allow professionals to use the standardized diagnostic classification in an online system. ConclusionThe diagnostic classification system is expected to advance the Physical Therapy profession allowing the identification of structural and/or functional alterations in a simplified and standardised manner. From a physical therapy perspective, this classification may help to consolidate the autonomy of the Brazilian physical therapists by establishing a clearer pathway between the diagnosis and interventions.

Research on TPACK Framework Construction of Teaching Models in the Education of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists must have a rich understanding of medical knowledge, professional skills, and educational background to assist patients in their recovery effectively. However, the academic approach and teaching methods have always been an essential topic in the training of physical therapy professionals. The TPACK framework provides a method for integrating teaching techniques, subject knowledge, and technological applications for professional educators, which can promote more effective educational methods and improve student learning experiences. This study explores constructing and applying a teaching model based on the TPACK framework in physical therapy. By combining technological knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and content knowledge, this study will examine the value and effectiveness of this teaching model by analyzing real cases and teachers' feedback in the context of physical therapy education. Additionally, we will consider the rapid development of educational technology and future challenges and how to address these challenges to meet the needs of physical therapy education better. Through in-depth research and discussion, this study aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for education in physical therapy to promote the development of more effective educational models and training methods that better meet patient rehabilitation needs.

Student Pedagogical Consultants: A Strategy for Increasing Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and a Sense of Belonging in Curricular Approaches in Physical Therapist Education.

Diversity within the physical therapy profession lags in comparison to the United States population. As the profession strives to diversify, faculty must pay attention to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI-B) in curricular approaches, including classroom materials, instruction, and assessment. With critical application, students from equity-deserving groups (EDGs) can provide unique perspectives to faculty about curricular approaches. Case study purposes were to 1) enable students from EDGs to partner with faculty, as student pedagogical consultants (SPCs), in 2 courses in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program to provide feedback on DEI-B efforts related to curricular approaches and 2) describe the outcomes of SPCs experience. Eight female students from EDGs partnered with 3 White, female, faculty members in 2 courses: pediatrics and neurorehabilitation. Two SPCs teams observed the classrooms, met with faculty, and administered two-minute papers to classmates to gather feedback on DEI-B curricular approaches. Faculty and student SPCs wrote reflective papers, postproject, documenting their experiences. Themes informed a conceptual framework describing SPCs: 1) motivation for engaging in partnership; 2) creation of a pedagogical partnership space to promote dialogue and problem-solve barriers to DEI-B; 3) deeper understanding of teaching; 4) transfer of learning from the SPC experience to future work locations; and 5) faculty modification of teaching. Students raised awareness regarding the pain of exclusion and provided suggestions for modifying curricular approaches to consider DEI-B. Curriculum redesign using innovative strategies can meet the contemporary needs of students from EDGs.

The Musculoskeletal 30-question multiple choice questionnaire (MSK-30): a new assessing tool of musculoskeletal competence in a sample of Italian physiotherapists

BackgroundThe prevalence and cost of musculoskeletal diseases increased dramatically over the past few decades. Therefore, several institutions have begun to re-evaluate the quality of their musculoskeletal educational paths. However, current standardized questionnaires inadequately assess musculoskeletal knowledge, and other musculoskeletal-specific exams have limitations in implementation. The musculoskeletal 30-question multiple choice questionnaire (MSK-30) was proposed as a new tool for assessing basic musculoskeletal knowledge.AimTo analyse basic musculoskeletal knowledge in a sample of Italian physiotherapists by administering the MSK-30 questionnaire.MethodsAfter a transcultural adaptation process, the MSK-30 was developed and administered to Italian physiotherapists to assess their musculoskeletal knowledge. Participants were invited to participate in the survey via the SurveyMonkey link. Mann-Whitney test and the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction were used to observe the differences between groups in the MSK-30 scores.ResultsFour hundred-fourteen (n=414) physiotherapists participated in the survey. The median MSK-30 value was higher in physiotherapists who attended the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists postgraduate certification than in those who attended unstructured postgraduate training in musculoskeletal condition or in those who had not completed any postgraduate training in this field (p<0.001).ConclusionsThis work demonstrates significant differences in the management of musculoskeletal disorders between those with specific postgraduate university education and those without. The findings can contribute to the advancement of the physiotherapy profession in Italy. Authors recommend further research with more robust methodologies to deeper understand this topic. Musculoskeletal conditions will continue to represent a significant portion of primary care visits, and future generations of physiotherapists must be prepared to address this challenge.