Implementation of the International IFOMPT Cervical Framework: A survey among educational programmes

Area of Science:

• Physiotherapy
• Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
• Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Background:

• Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT) manages neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
• Rare adverse events following OMT are documented.
• The 2020 International Framework for Examination of the Cervical Region was introduced to assess vascular pathologies before OMT.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate knowledge and implementation of the 2020 International IFOMPT Cervical Framework in OMT educational programs.
• Assess the integration of the new framework into physiotherapy curricula.

Main Methods:

• International online survey distributed to all IFOMPT educational programs.
• Utilized closed- and open-ended questions for comprehensive data collection.
• Ensured anonymity and obtained formal informed consent.

Main Results:

• 39 educational programs responded to the survey.
• 61.5% of programs have implemented the 2020 Framework.
• 10.3% will not implement the Framework; 54% retain positional testing, 90% retain craniovertebral ligament testing.
• Significant percentages continue to teach end-range manipulations in the cervical spine (33.3% mid/lower, 25.5% upper).

Conclusions:

• Dissemination and implementation of the International IFOMPT Cervical Framework are largely successful.
• Most programs retain positional and craniovertebral ligament testing despite their exclusion from the Framework.
• This persistence raises concerns about the impact and effectiveness of international consensus frameworks in standardizing OMT education.