Physical therapy
Physical therapy
Audio Summaries
Every issue of Physical therapy moves the field forward, but reading every paper cover-to-cover isn't realistic. OSLR turns each article into a 3-minute audio summary so you can stay current while you commute, round, or work out.
Specialties
Physical therapy covers research in these specialties.
Recent summaries
The latest articles summarized from Physical therapy.
Implementation of a Gait and Balance Battery of Outcome Measures in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital
May 29, 2026
The authors aimed to evaluate the implementation of a standardized gait and balance outcome measure battery for physical therapists working with patients who have experienced stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. The study found significant improvements in the completion rates of the measures, although the overall battery did not meet the desired completion threshold. The findings suggest that while implementation is feasible, further optimization of the battery and its integration into clinical workflows could enhance completion rates.
Efficacy of Physical Therapy Interventions Delivered With Home Exercise Programs for Pain and Function in Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
May 23, 2026
This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of seven physical therapy interventions combined with home exercise programs (HEP) against HEP alone for managing pain and function in individuals with plantar fasciitis. The findings indicated that interventions such as dry needling, low-level laser therapy, and manual therapy significantly improved short-term pain, while dry needling and taping also enhanced short-term functional outcomes, with dry needling maintaining its benefits into the medium term.
A Mixed Methods Exploratory Study of Availability, Compliance, and Inclusivity of Technical Standards in United States Professional Physical Therapist Education Programs
May 22, 2026
The authors aimed to assess the availability and inclusivity of technical standards (TS) in U.S. physical therapist education programs, particularly regarding their impact on students with disabilities (SWD). Through a mixed methods study, they found that while 75% of programs had TS available, nearly half were unclear about their willingness to accommodate SWD, highlighting areas for improvement in inclusivity. The study underscores the need for further research to understand how TS affect SWD's access to physical therapist education.