Introduction Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) remains challenging to manage, with high rates of symptom recurrence. Subgrouping has been suggested as a strategy to enhance treatment effectiveness. Objectives This scoping review aimed to map the emerging literature on PFP subgroups and their evolution over time. Specifically, it explored study designs, stratification methods, subgroup classifications, and discussed their methodological rigor and clinical applicability. Methods Searches were conducted in seven databases. The review followed the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Critical appraisal was performed using JBI checklists. Results Forty-six studies were included. While efforts to stratify individuals with PFP date back to the 1990s, 90% of the studies were published after 2010. Most were observational cross-sectional designs (52.17%), and 17.39% were interventional. Twenty research groups proposed novel subgrouping approaches, but only four were replicated in subsequent studies. Many methods relied on imaging and biomechanical assessments, potentially limiting clinical use. Conclusion Subgrouping in PFP research has increased notably since 2010. Despite growing interest, few models have been tested in intervention studies, and their dependence on specialized assessments may hinder routine clinical implementation. Importantly, the most cited approach uses simple, low-cost clinical tests to classify individuals into three subgroups.

Introduction Physiotherapy plays a vital role in palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. However, access to physiotherapy is often limited in resource-limited communities. To address this gap, a screening tool tailored to clinical needs and contextual constraints is needed. Objective To develop and validate the content of the FisioCan-CP, a physiotherapy screening tool for patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care in resource-limited communities. Methods A methodological study was conducted in two phases: (1) development of the instrument based on clinical data, targeted literature review, and expert brainstorming; and (2) content validation by Delphi method. Results Eleven preliminary items were generated and submitted to expert evaluation. In the first Delphi round, 10 items reached the consensus threshold, resulting in the exclusion of the delirium item, the merging of two functionality-related items, and the addition of fall risk. In the second round, all remaining items achieved high agreement (Content Validity Index >0.90). The final FisioCan-CP consists of 10 items: functional limitation, immobility syndrome, frailty, moderate/severe pain, asthenia/fatigue, lymphedema, vascular changes, pressure injuries, dyspnea, and fall risk. Conclusion The FisioCan-CP demonstrated strong content validity and provides an initial, conceptually grounded tool to support physiotherapy referral in palliative care.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients benefit from aerobic exercise, but cardiovascular impairments may limit participation and outcomes. This review aims to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on respiratory function, cardiopulmonary fitness, autonomic cardiovascular function and functional capacity in individuals with PD. A narrative review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted using PubMed, PEDro, and Scopus databases. Studies examining cardiovascular responses to aerobic exercise in PD were included and five RCTs were analyzed. Aerobic exercise improved respiratory pressures and some markers of cardiovascular function, but limitations remained. Cardiovascular barriers included autonomic dysfunction, reduced cardiopulmonary fitness, and respiratory muscle weakness. Aerobic exercise can produce beneficial effects on respiratory muscle strength, and blood pressure regulation in individuals with PD. However, persistent cardiovascular impairments, including autonomic dysfunction and limited cardiopulmonary fitness, continue to restrict full exercise benefits. Tailored interventions and comprehensive assessments are necessary to maximize safety and therapeutic benefits.

Introduction Healthcare practitioners (HCPs) are at risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) due to manual handling, with associated staff shortages and reduced quality of healthcare. Whilst manual handling challenges for HCP’s have previously been explored, there is a research-practice gap in handling during positioning. This scoping review maps challenges and practices in manual handling during patient positioning. Method This scoping review comprised (MEDLINE®, CINAHL, AMED, Scopus, Embase), and grey literature sources, including papers in English published from 1992 to 2025. Results Of 7,376 unique papers, 118 met the criteria for inclusion. Findings were categorized into injury-associated factors and optimized practices for safety. Repositioning and turning patients into side-lying were reported as the most frequent and challenging tasks compared to other positioning care (e.g. bed mobility,posture management). Available practices had limitations and did not completely remove the risk of excessive exertion from the HCPs. Studies recommended that using a system of low-tech handling devices and optimized techniques to support patient positioning in bed was pivotal to improving outcomes. Discussion Implementation of common positioning devices (e.g. slide sheet, hoist, pillows/wedges) has fallen short in significantly reducing the incidence of WRMSDs during patient positioning in bed. Emerging evidence supports integrated systems of low-tech handling devices, such as the in-bed sliding systems and wedges. However, further work is needed to quantify the biomechanical impact of these systems on the HCPs and patients.

Background Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are essential in managing bronchiectasis. This study investigates whether adding Acapella (AC) or Bubble Positive Expiratory Pressure (B-PEP) to the Forced Expiration Technique (FET) improves secretion clearance. Methods Randomized crossover pilot study compared FET, AC+FET, and B-PEP+FET over three days, with a three-day washout. Outcome measures included sputum expectoration, cough transport, and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores. Results Median [IQR] sputum expectoration during intervention was 31.25 [16.72, 56.87] g for FET, 20.30 [12.16, 50.27] g for AC+FET, and 27.50 [18.87, 52.01] g for B-PEP+FET (p = 0.607). Preferences varied: two preferred FET, three AC+FET, and three B-PEP+FET. Conclusion This pilot study did not show additional benefit of AC or B-PEP compared to FET alone in secretion clearance. Although not sufficiently powered to confirm effectiveness, the findings provide useful direction for future randomized controlled trials assessing secretion clearance, health-related quality of life, and patient preferences.

Introduction Tendinopathies are challenging to manage due to their complex pathoaetiology. Intratendinous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which may enhance tendon regeneration, are increasingly used, but their clinical efficacy remains inconclusive. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of PRP injections in addition to exercise-based interventions for lower limb tendinopathies. Methods A systematic review of randomized control trials (RCTs) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021251907). MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus were searched from January 2005 to July 2024. Eligible studies included participants (≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of a lower limb tendinopathy, comparing PRP injections plus exercise versus placebo injections plus exercise. The primary outcome was the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment (VISA) at 12 weeks. Results Six studies (n = 250) were included. PRP preparation and injection protocols were heterogeneous across studies. The mean baseline VISA-A/P scores were 45.95 for PRP and 45.8 for control. At 12 weeks, the intervention group showed a mean change of 10.75 in VISA-A (range; 3.4–15.2) and 19.8 in VISA-P (range; 14–23.6). Similar effects were observed in control groups, with no significant between-group differences at 12-weeks. The quality of intervention reporting, assessed using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication, had a mean score of 14.3/22. Conclusion There is insufficient evidence to support PRP for lower limb tendinopathies due to methodological inconsistencies and poor reporting. Future research should focus on establishing an optimal PRP protocol before conducting rigorous RCTs.

Background A pressure injury is described as a breach or break on an intact skin or mucous membrane that is often related to severe and/or prolonged pressure over bony prominences against surfaces, to which patients with spinal cord injury are often predisposed. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice of physical therapists about positional training in pressure injury management and prevention among patients with spinal cord injury. Method A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among all physical therapists working in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. An electronic survey was used to collect data, including sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and practice regarding pressure injury. Results The study included 338 participants, with 181 (53.6%) being males, and 58.3% being aged 30–40 years. The mean score of knowledge and practice separately were 8.18 ± 1.9 out of 14, and 16.34 ± 2.87 out of 24, respectively. Knowledge was significantly associated with age < 30 and > 50 years (p < 0.012), while practice was associated with familiarity with pressure injury complications (p = 0.041), and knowledge and practice of participants were positively correlated (r = 0.273, p < 0.001). Conclusion The overall knowledge and practice of included physical therapists about pressure injury and the significance of positioning therapy in preventing pressure injury were poor, although the majority of participants had experience in hospital care for more than five years. Knowledge and practice of physical therapists were significantly correlated, which is supported by the association between knowledge of pressure injury complications and the practice of physical therapists.

Objective This protocol describes methods of collecting and analyzing evidence for a Scoping Review, describing effective interventions that redress systemic discrimination and mitigate racism in U.S. health professions graduate education. Introduction Physical Therapy leaders have committed to creating anti-racist and anti-bias policies, programming, and actions that will support equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic programs. Best practices can be informed by an analysis of currently available evidence. Methods The scoping review will follow JBI methodology and the PRISMA-ScR extension. Databases will include MEDLINE PubMed, SportDiscus, Web of Science, PAIS Index, Google Scholar, and Thesis and Dissertations. Data will be organized within a policy framework (i.e. policy, standard, guideline, or procedure), as well as conceptual layer (Culture & Climate, Access & Advancement, Faculty/Clinician Education & Training, and Student/Trainee Education and Training). Dissemination The published Scoping Review will inform best practices to address systemic discrimination and racism within U.S. health professions education.

Background Tinel’s test is commonly used in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) despite its questionable diagnostic test accuracy (DTA). This systematic review investigated the DTA of Tinel’s test in CTS using electrodiagnosis as the reference standard and explored the heterogeneity between included studies. Methods Prospective studies evaluating Tinel’s test in adults with CTS were included. The principal measures were sensitivity and specificity. A literature search was conducted for studies published up to 7 June 2024. The methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Narrative synthesis of study results and heterogeneity was undertaken. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to the high variability in diagnostic thresholds. Results Fifteen out of 4099 identified studies met the inclusion criteria. Patient selection scored ‘high’ in risk of bias and applicability concerns. Examiner blinding was poorly reported. Sensitivity varied from 30 to 89%. Specificity varied from 41 to 100%. Heterogeneity was found across all studies in participant selection criteria, Tinel’s test performance, electrodiagnostic criteria, and diagnostic thresholds. Conclusions Tinel’s test demonstrated variable diagnostic accuracy in CTS. Due to poor methodological quality and high variability among the studies, more DTA studies are necessary. PROSPERO Protocol number CRD42020218165 dated 27 November 2020.

Background Systematic reviews are potentially less biased and provide more precise estimates than primary studies of diagnostic test accuracy. Their use to inform evidence-based diagnosis is rapidly expanding. However, the extent, scope and methodologies of systematic reviews of studies of the accuracy of diagnostic tests relevant to physical therapy have not yet been described. Information about methods used in these systematic reviews could inform future reviews and subsequently improve evidence-based diagnosis in physical therapy. Objectives To describe the systematic review methodology of diagnostic test accuracy studies relevant to physical therapy. Methods All systematic reviews indexed on DiTA (Diagnostic Test Accuracy database) were included. Data on methodology, reporting characteristics, and review topics were extracted. A random sample was assessed for risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool. Results The review included 241 reviews published between 1995 and 2022, covering all 10 major physical therapy subdisciplines, although 90% related to musculoskeletal physical therapy. In 72% of reviews, QUADAS and QUADAS-2 were used to assess the risk of bias. In a random sample of included reviews, 47% of reviews displayed a ‘high’ risk of bias. Conclusions Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies relevant to physical therapists are becoming more prevalent. There is a relatively large number of these reviews however a large proportion use methods that expose them to bias. This makes the interpretation of their results more difficult. Future research could focus on publishing methodology guidelines for physical therapy-relevant diagnostic test accuracy reviews.