Published 2024-10-10
Keywords
- Physical Therapy; Evidence-Based Practice; Rehabilitation Technology; Interdisciplinary Collaboration; Tele-rehabilitation; Clinical Decision Support Systems; Patient-Centered Care; Digital Health; Artificial Intelligence in Rehabilitation
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
The rapid integration of technology into physical therapy practice has fundamentally transformed rehabilitation assessment, intervention, and service delivery. This review examines the evidence-based and collaborative foundations underpinning technology-enhanced physical therapy, highlighting both its clinical benefits and implementation challenges. Drawing on principles of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), the review explores how digital tools, clinical decision support systems, tele-rehabilitation, and data-driven platforms support improved assessment accuracy, personalized treatment planning, patient engagement, and continuity of care. Interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized as a critical enabler for effective technology adoption, ensuring alignment between rehabilitation goals and broader healthcare objectives.
The review also addresses future directions in physical therapy, including the growing role of artificial intelligence, precision rehabilitation, and integrated health information systems, alongside persistent barriers such as time constraints, resource limitations, data overload, and resistance to change. By synthesizing current evidence, this work underscores the importance of thoughtful, evidence-informed technology integration that preserves patient-centered care while enhancing clinical efficiency and outcomes. Ultimately, advancing physical therapy in the digital era requires sustained investment in education, leadership, collaboration, and organizational culture to ensure equitable, safe, and effective rehabilitation services