Research priorities to advance the physiotherapy profession: a concept mapping study informed by the global physiotherapy community
The full open access publication can be found here: Whittaker JL, et al. Research priorities to advance the physiotherapy profession. Journal of Physiotherapy. 2026;4:288–298 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955326000949
Informed by the World Physiotherapy strategic plan, the board approved the development of research priorities in early 2024 to identify current knowledge in physiotherapy. It provides strategic direction to areas where the profession may advance through expanding evidence and scientific inquiry.
An expert group with members from all five World Physiotherapy regions was set up to identify the best methodological approach to determine the global research priorities for the profession.
With input from an external expert to support the working group, a concept mapping approach was used to guide the 2025/2026 study identifying the research priorities with input from our member organisations, regional executive committees, specialty groups, past and present congress programme committee members and World Physiotherapy partners.
The aim of the study was to generate a comprehensive list of priority research areas to advance the profession and practice of physiotherapy globally, considering their importance and feasibility. This information will serve as a resource for World Physiotherapy, the wider physiotherapy profession, and key interest holder groups to inform strategic direction, project development, and advocacy.
With a changing research and policy landscape, research priorities change over time, as such World Physiotherapy will update the priorities on a regular basis.
