Determining where physical therapists get information to support clinical practice decisions
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Dennis W Fell1, Judy F Burnham, Jon M Dockery
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Professions, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA.
Objective:
To determine the information sources utilised by physical therapists (PTs) to support clinical decisions.
Methods:
Physical therapists in the United States were invited via professional listservs and electronic newsletters to participate in an online survey.
Results:
Journal articles were the most frequently utilised source of information, followed by databases (PubMed was most frequent). The frequency of utilising evidence-based resources was not significantly affected by the number of years of experience as a physical therapist (PT), working in a state that allows direct access to PT services or doctoral vs masters/bachelors degree.
Conclusions:
Compared with a previous study (1994), there has been a transition in physical therapy information seeking, with greater reliance on evidence-based information.
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Trials
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...
Critical Thinking II
Patient-centered Care
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data from the...
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Clinical Trials: Overview