Physiotherapy [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Immersive learning: The role of virtual reality in patient education for musculoskeletal conditions - A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Jahromi MM, Gao H, Sharma NK
Physiotherapy · 2026 May · PMID 42385546 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: The study aims to seek if virtual reality (VR) delivered patient education (PE) is a safe, feasible approach and can affect pain intensity, physical function, psychological stress or other outcomes related to...
OBJECTIVES: The study aims to seek if virtual reality (VR) delivered patient education (PE) is a safe, feasible approach and can affect pain intensity, physical function, psychological stress or other outcomes related to chronic Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: Seven electronic databases and one registry were searched from inception to December 2024 and updated in March 2026. Studies that included VR-based PE programs delivered in-person or at-home for MSK pain disorders were eligible. We assessed risk of bias with Cochrane RoB1 and ROBINS-I tools. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS: Data extraction followed predefined objectives. Studies were categorized by characteristics, intervention specificities, and outcomes. Pain scores (primary outcome) from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on low back pain (LBP) were separately extracted for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies, 18 RCTs and 3 non-RCTs met study criteria. Of the 18 RCTs, 14 included LBP, and 4 included mixed MSK conditions. Meta-analysis of seven RCTs with LBP showed a significant reduction in pain (p < 0.05) in favor of VR-based PE with low-to-medium effect size (SMD = -0.41; 95% 95% CI, - 0.69 to - 0.41; p < 0.01) and low heterogeneity (I² = 35%). VR-based interventions also showed improvement in function and psychological measures and were well tolerated with high patient satisfaction, but few studies reported mild dizziness. CONCLUSION: VR-based PE seems an effective PE modality for improving pain, function and psychological stress in individuals with MSK pain. The interactive and engaging nature of VR can facilitate patient learning and improve the success rate of patient education. REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO: CRD42024610605. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
When patients bring AI into physiotherapy: Why and how clinicians should engage?
Vancampfort D, Van Damme T
Physiotherapy · 2026 May · PMID 42378989 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Continuing Professional Development for physiotherapists: The state of play in the European Region of World Physiotherapy.
Nemeth T, Thijs L, Meesen R
Physiotherapy · 2026 May · PMID 42365744 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of the Continuing Professional Development frameworks employed by the European Region of World Physiotherapy member organisations. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Descriptive study using semi-...
OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of the Continuing Professional Development frameworks employed by the European Region of World Physiotherapy member organisations. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Descriptive study using semi-structured interviews based on survey data to explore policy experts' perspectives from 37 European countries. RESULTS: Across Europe 19 countries apply a voluntary and 18 countries apply a mandatory CPD framework. The reasons to apply a voluntary system are: (1) responsibility of the physiotherapist, (2) leverage to negotiate fees and benefits and, (3) historical trends. The rationales for mandatory CPD frameworks are: (1) legislation, regulation and policy compliance, (2) license to practice renewal and, (3) maintain professional recognition and standardisation of the profession. Countries with a mandatory CPD framework impose consequences such as the loss of the license to practice, an additional licensure exam or, payment of a fine when physiotherapist do not adhere to the set standards. France and Ireland have a robust system in place with subsequent steps starting with a warning over supervised practice to the physiotherapist's permanent loss of the license to practice. CONCLUSION: Less than 50% of the countries have a mandatory system in place. Currently, only three out of eighteen countries with a mandatory CPD framework use the CPD to standardise practice and ensure professional recognition. Despite its recognised importance in maintaining professional competence, CPD remains largely unstandardised across the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Adapting the MSK-HQ for paediatric musculoskeletal care: Insights from a national survey and focus group of physiotherapists.
Monga A, Dunn KM, Hill JC
Physiotherapy · 2026 Jun · PMID 42365743 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: There is a need for a valid outcome measure of musculoskeletal (MSK) health status in children and young people, for use across MSK clinical pathways. The Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) is used...
BACKGROUND: There is a need for a valid outcome measure of musculoskeletal (MSK) health status in children and young people, for use across MSK clinical pathways. The Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) is used with adults but is not yet adapted for paediatric settings. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate UK clinicians' views on the relevance of adapting the MSK-HQ for use in paediatric MSK services. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed to clinicians who manage patients aged 8-18 years with MSK conditions, using snowball recruitment through professional networks, pediatric musculoskeletal forums, and social media. An online focus group was conducted with paediatric physiotherapists to explore their views in more depth. RESULTS: A total of 55 paediatric clinicians (54 physiotherapists and 1 podiatrist) participated in the survey. Of these, 76% (n = 42) recognised the value of developing a paediatric-specific MSK-HQ, and 89% (n = 49) agreed that an adapted MSK-HQ would benefit paediatric care and that they would be interested in using it. Ten paediatric physiotherapists attended the focus group and expressed strong endorsement for adapting the MSK-HQ. CONCLUSION: Our findings endorse the adaptation of the MSK-HQ for a paediatric population, and its perceived potential for improving paediatric MSK care. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Usefulness of ChatGPT in physiotherapy practice: A scoping review.
Crinion B, Forde C, Ryan T … +2 more , Mockler D, Broderick J
Physiotherapy · 2026 May · PMID 42365742 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To map the current evidence examining the use of ChatGPT within musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy, with a focus on how the technology has been studied rather than on claims of effectiveness or readiness for...
OBJECTIVE: To map the current evidence examining the use of ChatGPT within musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy, with a focus on how the technology has been studied rather than on claims of effectiveness or readiness for clinical practice. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidance. Electronic searches were performed in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, CINAHL, PEDro and the Cochrane Library, with the most recent update conducted in November 2025. Empirical studies evaluating ChatGPT in physiotherapy-relevant or MSK rehabilitation contexts were included in this review. Included studies were mapped descriptively according to clinical task, study design, comparator, outcome domain, and interaction conditions, including prompt structure. No critical appraisal of effectiveness or safety was undertaken. RESULTS: Fourteen studies published between 2023 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. Study designs, clinical tasks, comparators and outcome measures were highly heterogeneous. ChatGPT was evaluated across diagnostic, treatment, educational and informational tasks, using different types of MSK scenario or guideline-derived questions. Outcome domains included agreement with expert judgement, alignment with clinical practice guidelines, and ratings of clarity or appropriateness. No shared or standardised evaluation framework was used across studies. Apparent differences in reported agreement between diagnostic and treatment-related tasks were largely attributable to differences in task framing, reference standards, and evaluation methods rather than intrinsic model capability. CONCLUSION: The current evidence base examining ChatGPT in MSK physiotherapy is exploratory and methodologically immature. Reported accuracy or alignment metrics cannot be interpreted independently of study design and interaction conditions. Future research should prioritise physiotherapy-focused study designs that clearly define diagnostic and treatment tasks, specify prompt and interaction conditions, and examine how artificial-intelligence-generated outputs are interpreted and used by clinicians, students and patients.
Developing and feasibility testing a digital platform aimed at enhancing primary care physiotherapists' ability to screen for serious pathology.
Jørgensen CL, Mose S, Christiansen DH … +1 more , Budtz CR
Physiotherapy · 2026 Jan · PMID 42225053 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Physiotherapists play an important role in detecting serious pathologies. However, they express doubts about what to screen for, how to do it, and call for accessible information. The purpose of this study wa...
OBJECTIVES: Physiotherapists play an important role in detecting serious pathologies. However, they express doubts about what to screen for, how to do it, and call for accessible information. The purpose of this study was to describe the development and feasibility testing of a Digital Learning Platform on serious pathology aimed at primary care physiotherapists. DESIGN: The platform was developed and feasibility-tested following the Medical Research Council's framework for complex interventions. The feasibility study was conducted with a mixed-method convergent design, in which we collected data from Danish primary care physiotherapists via a questionnaire (N=24) and interviews (eight think-aloud interviews and six semi-structured). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data using thematic analysis, before merging the results for joint interpretation. RESULTS: Two out of three physiotherapists found the Digital Learning Platform useful and acceptable. After using the platform, they reported feeling more aware of serious pathology, as well as more confident and secure in screening for serious pathologies. However, one in three physiotherapists did not use the platform. Experience, professional identity, habits, and lack of time appeared to be barriers to use. The physiotherapists also called for content that better reflects the clinical setting. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists found the platform useful and acceptable, and the results indicate that it is feasible to implement the platform into physiotherapy practice. However, the identified barriers of time constraints and professional identity, along with the need for content that more closely reflects the clinical setting, should be addressed. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Continuing professional development for physiotherapists: An organisational overview of frameworks in the European Region of World Physiotherapy.
Nemeth T, Lamers I, Meesen R
Physiotherapy · 2026 May · PMID 42202627 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to provide an overview of the organisation of CPD frameworks in the European Region of World Physiotherapy (ERWP) member organisations. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Descriptive study using semi-st...
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to provide an overview of the organisation of CPD frameworks in the European Region of World Physiotherapy (ERWP) member organisations. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Descriptive study using semi-structured interviews based on survey data to explore policy experts' perspectives from 37 European countries. RESULTS: Across Europe the organization of CPD is supervised by the professional organisation, a regulatory body, a trade union or several associations in collaboration. Besides the physiotherapist, as the person with the primary responsibility, the named organisations also handle CPD data collection. The data is collected online, through a portfolio or in hard copies. In 31 countries the system focusses on input-based data collection. Only the UK and Ireland applied a robust reflective practice approach in the CPD data collection. GDPR is not fully applied in all CPD frameworks when dealing with collection and use of data. Participants reported that CPD data is mostly used to check adherence. The data is not systematically incorporated in physiotherapy policy development. CONCLUSION: The CPD frameworks' structure should foster data collection that is useful for health system improvement. Stockpiling data without relevance to the quality of care is inefficient and adds to the waste of vast amounts of energy in storage and human resources. Physiotherapy stakeholders should collaboratively consider systemising relevant CPD data collection to substantiate policy development advancing the profession. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Re: Occhetto et al. "Red flags to screen for tumours in patients with neck pain: A scoping review" (Physiotherapy, 2025).
Kumbara F, Turan A
Physiotherapy · 2026 Apr · PMID 42135188 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Effectiveness of functional tasks exercise on functional ability and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
van der Veen R, Prinsen EC, Bramer W … +1 more , Speksnijder CM
Physiotherapy · 2026 Apr · PMID 42107163 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Functional Task Exercise (FTE) aims to improve functional ability by training tasks that resemble activities of daily living. However, its effectiveness compared with strength training (ST) or control interve...
BACKGROUND: Functional Task Exercise (FTE) aims to improve functional ability by training tasks that resemble activities of daily living. However, its effectiveness compared with strength training (ST) or control interventions in older adults remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of FTE on functional ability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PEDro, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to 22 January 2026. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials comparing FTE with ST or control and reporting functional ability or HRQoL. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted when ≥2 studies reported the same outcome domain; heterogeneity was quantified with I². RESULTS: Fourteen articles (10 studies; n = 583) were included. Compared with control conditions, FTE demonstrated large effects on activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility. Compared with ST, FTE showed a medium effect on ADL but no statistically significant effect on mobility. No significant effects were found for HRQoL. Certainty of evidence was high for ADL and mobility outcomes versus control, moderate for ADL versus ST, and low or very low for mobility and HRQoL outcomes. LIMITATIONS: The number of studies per outcome domain was limited, outcome measures varied across studies, and heterogeneity in several analyses. CONCLUSION: FTE improves ADL and mobility versus control and appears superior to strength training for ADL; effects on mobility versus strength training and on HRQoL remain inconclusive. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42018090080. CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.
On the facility of a physiotherapy role-emerging placement scheme in residential care: A qualitative account of the student experience.
Smith S, Jamieson J, Miller PK
Physiotherapy · 2026 Apr · PMID 42054828 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To qualitatively explore the experiences of final-year physiotherapy students regarding a role-emerging placement (REP) in a residential care setting, examining its potential contribution to their professiona...
OBJECTIVES: To qualitatively explore the experiences of final-year physiotherapy students regarding a role-emerging placement (REP) in a residential care setting, examining its potential contribution to their professional development. DESIGN: Qualitative study with semi-structured, open-ended interviews to understand participants' experiences. Data were examined through reflexive thematic analysis to identify and interpret key themes. SETTING: An intervention in a single residential care facility in Northwest England, administered by a single UK university. PARTICIPANTS: Six final-year physiotherapy students (four undergraduate, two postgraduate) who completed a 6-week REP in residential care. Of these, four identified as female and two as male. RESULTS: Analysis revealed five interconnected major themes: (1) preparedness and complexity; (2) peer environment; (3) free to fall; (4) free to fly; and (5) ecological validity. Participants described varying degrees of initial uncertainty followed by growing professional confidence, with peer learning and increasing autonomy contributing to their development. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The REP model showed promise for physiotherapy education in residential care contexts. While some participants reported initial uncertainty, all described growth in resilience and professional confidence by the end of the placement. For potential implementation, placement designers might consider enhanced preplacement preparation, structured early-stage guidance, and attention to peer-group composition. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Intra-abdominal pressure and pelvic floor muscle activation observed during hypopressive exercises performed in supine and standing: An observational cohort study.
Saraiva S, McLean L
Physiotherapy · 2026 Mar · PMID 42000333 · Publisher ↗
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: (1) To evaluate whether hypopressive exercises (HEs) cause changes in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and/or electromyographic (EMG) activation of the levator ani muscles (LAMs), (2) to determine wheth...
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: (1) To evaluate whether hypopressive exercises (HEs) cause changes in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and/or electromyographic (EMG) activation of the levator ani muscles (LAMs), (2) to determine whether these effects differ when HEs are performed with vs without a hypopressive posture and (3) to determine if there is an association between change in IAP and activation of the LAMs during the performance of HEs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six females naïve to HEs. INTERVENTION: Two HE training sessions, two weeks of practice, one laboratory-based data collection session. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in IAP and EMG amplitude of the LAMs normalized to the peak smoothed EMG amplitude measured during a maximum voluntary contraction (% MVC). RESULTS: Intra-abdominal pressure did not reduce during the performance of the HE. The mean (SD) IAP changed by -1.1(3.3) cmH2O (95% confidence interval -2.0 to 0.2 cm H2O) in the supine Demeters posture and the mean (SD) IAP changed by -2.9(8.4) cmH2O (95% confidence interval -5.6 to 0.2 cmH2O) in the standing Athenas posture. LAM activation in supine was (median, interquartile range) 37( 20 to 52)%MVC while in standing it was 47(16 to 60)%MVC. There was no effect of body position or the hypopressive posture on either outcome in either position. There was also no association between the extent of change in IAP and the extent of increase in LAM activation during the HEs. CONCLUSION: HE maneuvers performed with or without beginner hypopressive postures do not reduce IAP yet do cause LAM activation in females. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Comment on "Socio-cultural associates of pain, disability and health-related quality of life in 1350 primary care physiotherapy patients with non-specific musculoskeletal pain".
Mehta R, Sah R
Physiotherapy · 2026 Mar · PMID 41997819 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Development and implementation of a child-specific dynamic stretching exercise programme for ambulant children with spastic cerebral palsy: The SPELL trial.
Barry C, Wood H, Hopewell S … +7 more , Keene DJ, Rapson R, Ryan JM, Katchburian L, Kwok CWJ, Ye K, Theologis T
Physiotherapy · 2026 Jan · PMID 41946024 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: The SPELL trial is a large-scale, multicentre, two arm, parallel group, superiority randomised controlled trial assessing the clinical effectiveness of an individually tailored dynamic stretching exercise pro...
OBJECTIVES: The SPELL trial is a large-scale, multicentre, two arm, parallel group, superiority randomised controlled trial assessing the clinical effectiveness of an individually tailored dynamic stretching exercise programme compared to usual care in ambulant children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Here we describe the development, implementation and details of the physiotherapy-led interventions. METHODS: Medical Research Council guidance for developing complex interventions were used, taking into account clinical guidelines, expert and patient opinion, research evidence, current practice variation, and deliverability. A stakeholder meeting of 26 experts, clinicians, researchers, and patient representatives was used to design key components of the interventions. The interventions were designed to be deliverable across the UK's National Health Service, and this was tested during a six-month internal pilot. RESULTS: A child-specific dynamic stretching exercise programme was developed consisting of 6 sessions, overseen by a physiotherapist, over 16 weeks. Participants are asked to complete the dynamic stretching exercises 4-5 times per week. The programme incorporates behaviour change strategies designed to support long-term exercise adherence and is hosted on a fun web-based app, including exercise videos. Follow up sessions offer the opportunity for progression, supervised practice and feedback. The usual care comparator consists of one face-to-face session with a physiotherapist and content includes core, standardised components, alongside continuation of their normal physiotherapy care. CONCLUSION: Despite complexities and lack of good quality evidence, it was possible to develop, a widely accepted, well-defined dynamic stretching exercise programme. The SPELL trial will assess the effect of the dynamic stretching exercise programme on functional mobility in ambulant children with CP compared with usual care. Dissemination is anticipated in 2027. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN 15808719. CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.
Impact of a physiotherapy-led low threshold exercise and protein supplementation intervention to optimise physical function and target frailty in people experiencing homelessness and addiction: The LEAP-II trial.
Kennedy F, Cheallaigh CN, Romero-Ortuno R … +2 more , Murray D, Broderick J
Physiotherapy · 2025 Dec · PMID 41946023 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Frailty is an age-associated state of physiological vulnerability due to loss of biological reserves and is associated with adverse outcomes such as falls, disability and hospitalisation. People who are homel...
OBJECTIVES: Frailty is an age-associated state of physiological vulnerability due to loss of biological reserves and is associated with adverse outcomes such as falls, disability and hospitalisation. People who are homeless and in addiction experience health inequities and have a higher burden of poor physical function and frailty than the general population. DESIGN: Pre-post intervention study. SETTING: Day service centre for people with chronic addiction issues and homelessness. PARTICIPANTS: People experiencing homelessness and addiction. INTERVENTION: A physiotherapy-led low threshold three-times weekly exercise intervention with protein supplementation was flexibly delivered over 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome of feasibility was measured by recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were physical function, pain, frailty and nutritional status, and self-reported health. RESULTS: Forty-three participants enrolled. Overall retention was 70%, with higher retention observed in subgroups (women and older adults). Programme adherence and acceptability was reported in 93% and 100% of participants, respectively. No adverse events occurred. At baseline, sub-normative values were demonstrated for limb strength and balance; pain was prevalent in 35%; 70% had poor nutritional health and between 33% and 72% lived with some degree of frailty. Significant improvements were demonstrated for lower limb strength, gait speed, pain, nutritional status and frailty, (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This novel and pragmatic intervention delivered to this commonly overlooked population was shown to be feasible and impactful, indicating proof of concept. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials.gov: NCT05700305. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Patients' attitudes toward melatonin for musculoskeletal pain: Insights for rehabilitation practice.
Wu K, Puterflam J, Beckenkamp PR … +5 more , Hall M, Gordon C, Ferreira ML, Grunstein R, Ferreira P
Physiotherapy · 2025 Dec · PMID 41936187 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To assess the perceptions and attitudes of individuals with chronic MSK pain toward melatonin as a potential treatment for pain management. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Nationwide survey conducted...
OBJECTIVE: To assess the perceptions and attitudes of individuals with chronic MSK pain toward melatonin as a potential treatment for pain management. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Nationwide survey conducted via social media platforms and offline advertisements. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (≥ 18 years) with chronic MSK pain. A total of 254 individuals completed the survey (mean age 60.8 years; 87 % women). METHODS: Participants completed a custom-designed survey capturing demographics, pain and sleep disturbances, prior melatonin use, and attitudes toward melatonin for pain and sleep. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Descriptive statistics of melatonin use, perceived effectiveness, concerns, and willingness to use melatonin for pain management. RESULTS: Sleep disturbances were reported by 73 % of participants, with insomnia most common. Forty percent had previously used melatonin, primarily for sleep, yet 57 % of users were uncertain about its analgesic effects. Willingness to use melatonin was expressed by 79 % of users and 83 % of non-users for pain management. General concerns included side effects, drug interactions, efficacy, and cost. CONCLUSIONS: While less than half of the participants had used melatonin for sleep, there was a positive attitude towards its use as a potential treatment for MSK pain management. Future high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of melatonin for MSK pain management. CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.
Finding the right time to initiate exercise rehabilitation following a cancer diagnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Tan GA, Peiris CL, Taylor NF … +2 more , Harding KE, Dennett AM
Physiotherapy · 2026 Jan · PMID 41936186 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of earlier vs. later initiation of exercise rehabilitation on patient and health service outcomes in individuals with cancer. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE and PubMed were searc...
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of earlier vs. later initiation of exercise rehabilitation on patient and health service outcomes in individuals with cancer. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE and PubMed were searched until October 2025. STUDY SELECTION/ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials including adults and/or children with cancer that compared exercise rehabilitation initiated at different times were eligible. The primary outcome was physical activity. Secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness, walking capacity, fatigue and quality of life; and health service outcomes such as hospital length of stay. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS: Outcome data were extracted, and the methodological quality assessed using PEDro. Clinically homogenous data were combined in meta-analyses; overall quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. RESULTS: Fifteen trials involving 1270 participants most commonly with breast (n = 6), colorectal (n = 3) and haematological (n = 3) cancers were included. There was low to moderate certainty evidence demonstrating similar improvements in physical activity (SMD -0.03, 95% CI -0.60 to 0.54), fitness (SMD 0.17, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.48), walking capacity (SMD 0.78, 95% CI -0.6 to 0.54), fatigue (SMD -0.11, 95% CI -0.55 to 0.33) and quality of life (SMD 0.17, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.50) when comparing earlier to later initiation. No differences were found in hospital length of stay (MD 0 days, 95% CI -0.9 to 0.9). CONCLUSION: People with cancer can achieve comparable health benefits, regardless of when exercise rehabilitation is initiated. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO Registration Number CRD42024518878. CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.
Adult patients' experiences on the management of gluteal tendinopathy: A qualitative study.
Bremer T, Chavez-Hernandez A, Fearon A … +1 more , Morrissey D
Physiotherapy · 2026 Feb · PMID 41935880 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Best management for the common condition of gluteal tendinopathy (GT) has not been determined, with the lack patient voice regarding the experience of receiving treatment being notably absent. We aimed to inf...
BACKGROUND: Best management for the common condition of gluteal tendinopathy (GT) has not been determined, with the lack patient voice regarding the experience of receiving treatment being notably absent. We aimed to inform clinical care by exploring patient opinions on, and experiences of, the management of gluteal tendinopathy. METHODS: An interview topic guide was developed and validated based on a literature review, expert and patient input. Participants were recruited via social media and purposive sampling. Semi structured online interviews were conducted, and a framework analysis with an interpretivist approach employed to interpret the data. RESULTS: Nine participants (2 males, 7 females) were interviewed for (mean (SD) 45 (9)) min yielding 4 main themes of: The experience of having gluteal tendinopathy,"Just felt like the most excruciating pain down my leg"; therapeutic alliance, "He (physiotherapist) does explain things. He never makes me feel stupid (when I ask questions)… ";receiving treatment, "She's (physiotherapist) very analytical and she went into it and gave me a lot of rehab exercises for the hips and everything",service delivery,"Thankfully, I got an appointment quite quickly." CONCLUSION: Patients with gluteal tendinopathy were keen to have prompt access to expert clinicians who strive to build a positive reflexive therapeutic alliance. Personalised therapy is central to successful management of symptoms that can be very severe and profoundly compromise everyday life. CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.
Physiotherapists' experiences of the implementation of neck-specific exercise for patients with chronic neck pain: A qualitative study.
Ask S, Carlfjord S, Peterson G … +2 more , Peolsson A, Strid EN
Physiotherapy · 2025 Nov · PMID 41934739 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: A neck-specific exercise programme (NSE) for whiplash-associated disorders has shown good results in randomized controlled trials. The results were as good when delivered on-site as delivered via internet (NS...
OBJECTIVES: A neck-specific exercise programme (NSE) for whiplash-associated disorders has shown good results in randomized controlled trials. The results were as good when delivered on-site as delivered via internet (NSEIT). Health care practitioners' experiences can provide valuable insights into factors contributing to successful implementation. The aim of this study was to describe physiotherapists' experiences of the implementation of NSE and NSEIT in primary care physiotherapy for patients with chronic neck pain. DESIGN: A qualitative study based on focus group discussions, analysed with qualitative content analysis and inductive category development. SETTING: This study was part of a cluster-randomized study aiming to implement NSE and NSEIT. Twenty physiotherapy units in primary care in Sweden were randomized to two different implementation strategies. PARTICIPANTS: Six focus group discussions, each with three to five physiotherapists working at the same physiotherapy unit, were conducted after the implementation activities were ended. RESULTS: Categories developed in the analysis were: contextual factors, implementation strategy, characteristics of the implementation object and implementation outcome. The physiotherapists reported that they had integrated NSE into their clinical practice, but NSEIT was more challenging to implement. The positive characteristics of NSE, education, time for reflection and collegial support were described as vital for the successful implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest an implementation strategy with education containing theoretical background and practical training to promote the implementation of NSE. Internet delivery may complement NSE, but requires additional time and effort to implement. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
A chatbot tool on a smart mobile device to promote adherence to home rehabilitation after total knee replacement: A randomized controlled trial.
Pérez-Maletzki J, Roig-Casasús S, Díaz-Díaz B … +3 more , Martínez-Garrido I, Hernández-Guillén D, Blasco JM
Physiotherapy · 2025 Dec · PMID 41934738 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of using an automated chatbot to promote adherence to home rehabilitation following total knee replacement surgery. Additionally, exploring the impact on functionality, pain, an...
OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of using an automated chatbot to promote adherence to home rehabilitation following total knee replacement surgery. Additionally, exploring the impact on functionality, pain, and physical activity. DESIGN: Two-armed randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital in Valencia, Spain. PATIENTS: Ninety-one participants following total knee replacement surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to standard care or an experimental group (home rehabilitation supervised via chatbot). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was adherence to the intervention, defined as completing at least 80 % of the prescribed sessions within three months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included functionality, pain, and physical activity. Additionally, the system's usability, safety, and feasibility were evaluated. RESULTS: Adherence rate was 89 % (SD 31 %) in the experimental group compared to 74 % (SD 52 %) in the control group. The usability, safety, and feasibility scores, as measured by the System Usability Scale, were 80.4 (SD 36.6; range 49-100). Significant between-group differences were identified in functionality, as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (-2; IQR - 7 to 4) and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (-0.6; IQR - 2.9 to 1.7). No significant differences were observed for the Knee Range of Motion or Visual Analogue Scale of Pain. CONCLUSIONS: An automated chatbot tool effectively promotes adherence to early postoperative home rehabilitation in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. This approach has increased functional benefits, although it did not provide any benefits in terms of pain relief. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05363137. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Unlocking the potential of Artificial Intelligence: A guideline for deployment.
Winward C, Vaz J, Rakha I … +4 more , Wilson A, Efford C, Novak A, Ather S
Physiotherapy · 2026 Jan · PMID 41934737 · Publisher ↗
The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence technology and digital tools is becoming pivotal to advancing healthcare. AI technology has demonstrated significant capabilities as a clinical decision support tool, extr...
The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence technology and digital tools is becoming pivotal to advancing healthcare. AI technology has demonstrated significant capabilities as a clinical decision support tool, extracting actionable data from free-text medical notes, and saving clinical and administrative time. AI's potential integration in healthcare services has increased the need for up-to-date professional guidance on the safe and effective deployment of trustworthy AI solutions. As a result, it is essential that clinicians receive support in gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to guarantee future successes, and importantly, the critical skills to evaluate AI solutions relevant to practice. However, there is a lack of specific guidance from most health professional regulators on how to navigate and deploy AI safely. Radiology has comprehensive deployment guidance, establishing itself as a benchmark for professional standards applicable to AHPs which could leverage safe and effective AI deployment and support AHPs to be more confident. Here we examine the advantages of an AHP guideline for AI deployment for use across healthcare settings. It emphasises the importance of integrating digital education and literacy at all levels, from novice to expert practitioners, to effectively equip professionals with the necessary skills for trustworthy, safe and effective AI deployment. CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.
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