PHYSICAL THERAPY

Research for physical therapy

Papers a physiotherapist can act on — musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory and paediatric practice — each read in full and summarised without overstating what it found.

13,066 PAPERS · PAGE 5 OF 262 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTSLPCohort2020Frailty and Neurocognitive Impairment: Impacts on Quality of Life in HIV.The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANACFrailty, but not cognitive impairment, was linked to lower quality of life in people with HIV. Frail participants had significantly worse physical and mental health scores than robust ones. This association was specific to the HIV-positive group, suggesting frailty screening is vital for this population.
• PTRNPilot2020A personalized behavioral intervention implementing mHealth technologies for older adults: A pilot feasibility study.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Sleep, the primary outcome, did not improve significantly after a 4-week multi-component mHealth activity program in 8 older adults. Sitting time decreased and activity increased, but there was no control group.
• PTOTRNQualitative2020Using the Social Ecological Model to Identify Drivers of Nutrition Risk in Adult Day Settings Serving East Asian Older Adults.Research in gerontological nursingEast Asian older adults described eating more when meals were familiar and peers encouraged them. Staff noted language, cognition, swallowing, medication, and family barriers.
• PTRNNarrative Review2020Promoting self-efficacy in patients with chronic disease beyond traditional education: A literature review.Nursing openTraditional education alone often leaves chronic disease patients without confidence to manage care. This review found health literacy, access and support block self-efficacy; self-management programmes, telehealth, apps, gaming and social media may help, but evidence is limited.
• PTOTQualitative2020In the hands of nurses: A focus group study of how nurses perceive and promote inpatients' needs for physical activity.Nursing openNurses said inpatient physical activity depended on their daily priorities and ward routines. They described pain relief, waiting for tests, staff shortages and unfamiliar conditions as blockers, and valued physiotherapy or occupational therapy support for mobilization.
• PTRNPilot2020Feasibility and acceptability of active for life with COPD, an intervention to increase light physical activity in people with COPD.Heart & lung : the journal of critical careIn 13 COPD patients, light activity did not increase significantly, though walking distance improved. The program was feasible and acceptable, but high attrition limits confidence.
• PTRNOther2020Development and validation of a complex intervention: A physical exercise programme aimed at delaying the functional decline in frail older adults.Nursing openA 30-minute exercise programme for frail institutionalized older adults was rated feasible and acceptable by professionals, students and residents, but the study did not test whether it improves function, falls or quality of life.
• PTRNOther2020Identifying Targets to Improve Heart Failure Outcomes for Patients Receiving Home Healthcare Services: The Relationship of Functional Status and Pain.Home healthcare nowIn home healthcare patients with heart failure, self-care and home tasks improved by discharge. Patients whose pain interfered daily, but not consistently, improved least in self-care tasks.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2020A new conceptual model of experiences of aging in place in the United States: Results of a systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies.International journal of nursing studiesAging in place is an active negotiation, not passive residence. Older adults balance threats to identity, connection, and home against their agency. Without resources, staying put can mean isolation, loss of dignity, and unsafe conditions rather than preferred independence.
• PTOTRNNarrative Review2020Proactive Rehabilitation for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.Seminars in oncology nursingScreen oncology patients for motor deficits using simple tests like the Five Times Sit-to-Stand or Timed Up and Go. Refer to physical or occupational therapy early to address balance and dexterity issues. Recommend exercise to help manage chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
• PTRNOther2020Sleep Quality Associated With Motor Function Among Older Adult Survivors of Critical Illness.Nursing researchAmong 29 older adults 24 to 48 hours after ICU discharge, longer measured nighttime sleep was linked to weaker grip strength. Those with OSA history also had weaker grip strength. This was a link, not proof that sleep causes weakness.
• PTRNCohort2020Use of actigraphy to characterize inactivity and activity in patients in a medical ICU.Heart & lung : the journal of critical careMedical ICU patients were profoundly inactive: 65% of 30-second recording periods showed no movement, and when they moved activity was low. Inactivity did not differ significantly by age, continuous sedative infusions, or restraints.
• PTOTSLPRNCohort2020Effect of Age on Longitudinal Changes in Symptoms, Function, and Outcome in the First Year After Mild-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury.The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience NursesOlder adults with mild-moderate brain injury report more balance and coordination problems and worse physical health than younger adults in the first year. They also have higher risk of repeat falls. Screen for these specific issues and refer to balance programs.
• PTSurvey2020Being obese versus trying to lose weight: Relationship with physical inactivity and soda drinking among high school students.The Journal of school healthAmong US high school students, trying to lose weight was linked to being obese and to physical inactivity, not more activity. Girls trying to lose weight also reported drinking less soda than girls not trying. This is association, not proof.
• PTOTSLPOther2020Social Participation of Older Adults: A Concept Analysis.International journal of community based nursing and midwiferySocial participation for older adults requires active engagement in community activities, interaction with others, resource sharing, and personal satisfaction. It is distinct from social support or networks. Nurses and therapists can use this definition to identify patients who are isolated versus those who simply have low activity levels.
• PTOTRNCohort2020Determinants of Maintenance and Recovery of Function in a Representative Older Community-Resident Biracial Sample.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationAbout three quarters of older adults stayed independent in basic self-care over six years. Nearly half of those who became impaired recovered, and recovery was linked to younger age, no recent hospitalization, and larger household.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2020Omission of nursing care in hospitalization units.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemNurses and technicians reported omitting basic care frequently, especially getting patients out of bed, walking them three times daily, joining team meetings, and teaching families for discharge. Staff shortages and sudden patient surges were the main reasons.
• PTOTRNRCT2020Visual feedback therapy for restoration of upper limb function of stroke patients.International journal of nursing sciencesStroke patients who added visual feedback therapy to conventional stroke care and rehabilitation had better upper limb movement and daily independence after 8 weeks, and the advantage remained at 2 months in the 17 followed patients.
• PTOTRCT2020Effects of Ving Tsun sticking-hand training on upper-limb sensorimotor performance in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults: A randomized controlled trial.International journal of nursing sciencesThree months of Ving Tsun sticking-hand training did not improve elbow-joint position sense or maximum upper-limb strength in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. It did reduce the time shoulder flexors took to reach maximum force.
• PTOTRNRCT2020Effect of Delirium on Physical Function in Noncardiac Thoracic Surgery Patients.American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care NursesDelirium after major noncardiac thoracic surgery did not significantly change muscle strength scores. Patients with delirium had lower self-reported independence at discharge, but this was a secondary outcome in a small analysis.
• PTOTRNCohort2020Effects of Statins for Secondary Prevention on Functioning and Other Outcomes Among Nursing Home Residents.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationStarting statins after AMI in frail nursing home residents was associated with an average 16-day increase in survival time over one year. It was not associated with differences in functional decline or rehospitalization.
• PTOTRNOther2020Sensory and cognitive functions, gait ability and functionality of older adults.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemIn older adults, slower gait, shorter steps and lower cadence were linked to more dependence in daily activities. Some sensory tests were not. Use gait and function scores as markers, not proof that treating them prevents dependency.
• PTRCT2020Respiratory rehabilitation in elderly patients with COVID-19: A randomized controlled study.Complementary therapies in clinical practiceSix weeks of respiratory rehabilitation improved lung function, walking distance, quality of life, and anxiety in older adults without COPD discharged after COVID-19. It did not improve daily living independence or depression.
• PTOTPilot2020Yoga improves balance, mobility, and perceived occupational performance in adults with chronic brain injury: A preliminary investigation.Complementary therapies in clinical practiceEight weeks of group yoga, including physical postures, breath work, affirmations, and meditation/relaxation, was associated with improved balance, walking distance, and perceived occupational performance in seven adults with chronic brain injury; balance confidence, pain, and performance satisfaction did not change.
• PTRNOther2020Risk of falls in people with chronic kidney disease and related factors.Revista latino-americana de enfermagem37.4% of 131 hemodialysis patients reported at least one fall in the past year. Diabetes, walking aids, and difficulty walking were linked to more falls or high fall risk. Women and people with less schooling feared falling most.
• PTRNSurvey2020Predicting physical activity and cardiovascular risk and quality of life in adults with osteoarthritis at risk for metabolic syndrome: A test of the information-motivation-behavioral skills model.Nursing openIn adults with osteoarthritis at risk for metabolic syndrome, physical activity was associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Confidence to overcome exercise barriers and cognitive function were associated with activity, while quality of life was associated with social support and depressive symptoms rather than activity.
• PTRCT2020Can Qigong improve non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease - A pilot randomized controlled trial?Complementary therapies in clinical practiceQigong did not improve sleep quality or other non-motor symptoms more than sham Qigong over 12 weeks in 17 people with Parkinson's disease. Both groups improved, so the benefit cannot be separated from the shared exercise.
• PTPilot2020Assessing Motor Function in Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Patients Using Accelerometry.The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience NursesWaist accelerometers were tolerated in ambulatory children with congenital muscular dystrophy but counted fewer steps than manual counts; low-frequency settings improved capture, yet step counts did not match. Most daily activity was sedentary.
• PTRNSystematic Review2020Benefits of Qigong as an integrative and complementary practice for health: a systematic review.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemQigong trials reported improvements in fatigue, pain, sleep, mood, function and quality of life in adults and older adults, but several trials found no benefit, so it does not prove it works for every condition.
• PTRNSystematic Review2020Development of nursing care guideline for burned hands.Nursing openA burned-hand nursing guideline was built from 40 papers, covering cooling, elevation, dressing, pain control, nutrition and early hand exercise. It maps care steps but does not show they improve outcomes.
• PTOTRNSystematic Review2020Exercise for fatigue in breast cancer patients: An umbrella review of systematic reviews.International journal of nursing sciencesAerobic and resistance exercise may reduce cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients. Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong and Pilates have limited or inconsistent evidence, and most evidence was low or moderate quality.
• PTMeta-Analysis2020Intervention effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on ICU acquired weakness: A meta-analysis.International journal of nursing sciencesIn ventilated ICU patients, neuromuscular electrical stimulation plus routine treatment and nursing care improved muscle strength, shortened ventilation and hospital stay, and increased walking distance, but did not reduce mortality or improve functional independence.
• PTOTRNSystematic Review2020Management of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in a pediatric population: A scoping review.Journal of child health care : for professionals working with children in the hospital and communityPediatric CFS/ME management evidence centers on graded activity, CBT, and family-inclusive multidisciplinary programmes; milk intolerance may matter in some adolescents. Evidence is patchy, especially under 12, so use individualized plans, not single fixed treatments.
• PTOTSLPRNSystematic Review2021Efficacy of Mobile Health for Self-management of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Theory-Guided Systematic Review.The Journal of cardiovascular nursingMobile health tools for heart and diabetes risks showed mixed results. Some studies lowered blood sugar and blood pressure, while others found no difference from usual care. Engagement often dropped over time, and effects varied by the specific condition and tool used.
• PTOTRNCohort2020Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life Predictors in People Living With HIV With and Without Diabetes.The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANACDepression and anxiety predicted poor quality of life in people with HIV and diabetes. Unlike those with HIV alone, physical activity, medication adherence, and smoking status did not predict quality of life in the dual-diagnosis group.
• PTRNOther2021Black American older adults' motivation to engage in osteoarthritis treatment recommendations for pain self-management: A mixed methods study.International journal of nursing studiesOlder Black Americans with osteoarthritis reported high motivation, but pain, unsafe neighborhoods, no pool, low access, and disbelief blocked recommended exercise and self-management. Group settings, home equipment, and empathetic education helped.
• PTOTSLPRNSurvey2021Comorbid Conditions, Mental Health and Cognitive Functions in Adults with Fibromyalgia.Western journal of nursing researchPeople with fibromyalgia in their 50s reported the most comorbid conditions and worse sensory symptoms. Those in their 70s reported the best self-rated cognitive function and least severe anxiety. Age shapes the symptom profile but does not predict pain severity.
• PTRNQualitative2021Holding space and transitional space: stroke survivors' lived experience of being on an acute stroke unit. A hermeneutic phenomenological study.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesStroke survivors described acute stroke units as holding them safe while they faced vulnerability. Nurse presence and kind personal care helped; night staffing gaps and confinement hurt. Patients also helped each other, and a participant saw physiotherapy as part of recovery.
• PTCohort2020Walking Speed and Muscle Mass Estimated by the D3-Creatine Dilution Method Are Important Components of Sarcopenia Associated With Incident Mobility Disability in Older Men: A Classification and Regression Tree Analysis.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationIn older men, walking speed under 0.88 m/s was the most important predictor of later mobility disability. Estimated muscle mass and chair stand speed also predicted it. Grip strength and DXA lean mass did not.
• PTRNSystematic Review2021Interventions that prevent or reduce obesity in children from birth to five years of age: A systematic review.Journal of child health care : for professionals working with children in the hospital and communitySome home, childcare and clinic programmes lowered BMI or improved feeding in children under five, but effects were inconsistent and often faded. The evidence does not show a reliable long-term obesity prevention programme.
• PTOTRNRCT2020Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Performance in Children with Sickle Cell Disease and in Healthy Children.Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & PractitionersTwelve weeks of high-dose vitamin D lowered reported pain, fatigue and depressive symptoms in children with sickle cell disease; healthy children also had less fatigue and better upper-extremity function. No placebo group was included.
• PTOTRNCohort2020Risk of Hospitalized Falls and Hip Fractures in 22,103 Older Adults Receiving Mental Health Care vs 161,603 Controls: A Large Cohort Study.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationOlder adults using mental health services had twice the rate of hospitalized falls and 4 times the rate of hip fractures compared with local residents. Substance use, bipolar disorder, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and delirium carried particularly high risk.
• PTOTSLPRNNarrative Review2021Important perioperative factors, guidelines and outcomes in the management of hip fracture.Journal of perioperative practiceThis review summarises perioperative care for hip fracture patients. It highlights the need for early surgery, prompt mobilisation, and awareness of physical and psychosocial complications. It notes that current risk prediction tools do not yet account for social factors.
• PTRNCohort2020Subjective reports of physical activity levels and sedentary time prior to hospital admission can predict utilization of hospital care and all-cause mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease.European journal of cardiovascular nursingCardiac ward patients who reported more everyday activity or less sitting before admission had shorter stays, fewer readmissions and lower mortality risk. Asking these habits may help flag risk. It does not prove activity change improves outcomes.
• PTOTRNOther2020Identifying unique profiles of perceived dyspnea burden in heart failure.Heart & lung : the journal of critical careHeart failure patients fall into four distinct groups based on how much dyspnea bothers them, not just if they have it. Older patients were less likely to report severe bother despite similar symptoms. Anxiety and depression predicted higher burden. Assessing what activities trigger breathlessness helps tailor care.
• PTRNCohort2020Training Needs Among Family Caregivers Assisting During Home Health, as Identified by Home Health Clinicians.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationHome health clinicians identified a training need for 35.7% of family caregivers assisting with any task. Need was highest for medical procedures and lowest for advocacy. Caregivers were less likely to be identified as needing training if family help had begun before home health.
• PTQualitative2020Health Professionals' Perspectives on the Efficacy of Using Comprehensive Care to Improve Outcomes in Patients With Traumatic Injury.The journal of nursing research : JNRTrauma care professionals said patients worry most about wounds, discharge instructions often fail, and rehabilitation timing lacks consensus. They wanted integrated discharge and rehabilitation plans.
• PTRNSurvey2020Development and testing of a frailty-focused communication (FCOM) aid for older adults.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Most adults found a frailty education booklet understandable and liked it. Among those not already doing all they could, 85% said they would probably or definitely make a plan for aging, but real behavior change was not measured.
• PTOTRNSystematic ReviewChronic Illness and Fatigue in Older Individuals: A Systematic Review.Rehabilitation nursing : the official journal of the Association of Rehabilitation NursesFatigue in older adults with chronic illness was linked to depression, anxiety, poor sleep, lower activity, and social support. Some interventions, including exercise, rest, anemia treatment, and acetyl-L-carnitine, were linked to less fatigue, but evidence varied.
• PTOTRNQualitative2020Breaking the vicious circle: Experiences of people in chronic pain on the pain rehabilitation journey.Nursing openEleven people with chronic pain described moving from surviving each day to reconstructing daily life after rehabilitation. They valued being understood, time away from caregiving, and combining exercise, rest, work breaks and pain education. This is experience, not proof any part works.