Journal of Physiotherapy Interventions

Global Trends and Emerging Gaps in Physiotherapy: A Scientometric Analysis with VOSviewer and InCites (2018-2023)

Héctor García-Leal, Alvaro Puelles-Diaz, Joaquín González-Aroca — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Background:
Research in physiotherapy has experienced sustained growth in recent years. However, thematic, structural, and epistemic gaps persist, limiting its comprehensive and equitable development. This study analyzes the thematic, geographic, and collaborative configuration of global scientific production in physiotherapy.

Methods:
A scientometric and bibliometric analysis was conducted on 26,518 original articles indexed in Web of Science between 2018 and 2023. VOSviewer and InCites tools were used to examine keyword co-occurrence, institutional collaboration, geographic distribution, and funding sources. A specific thesaurus, fractional counting, and a minimum threshold of 10 occurrences were applied to consolidate terms and reduce terminological dispersion.

Results:
Five main clusters were identified: pain management and manual therapy; cardiac rehabilitation; the interrelationship between mental health and health education; post-stroke rehabilitation; and respiratory physiotherapy in intensive care. Scientific output is concentrated in Global North countries, with Brazil leading in Latin America. Thematic gaps were observed in the incorporation of emerging technologies, biopsychosocial approaches, and the integration of social determinants of health. Topics such as long COVID and physiotherapy in mental health remain underrepresented. There is also low editorial visibility of Spanish-speaking Latin American countries in high-impact databases.

Conclusions:
This study provides a critical characterization of recent research in physiotherapy, identifying both consolidated areas and emerging gaps. The findings highlight the need to promote more inclusive international collaborations, strengthen regional editorial networks, and expand the approach to interdisciplinary dimensions that are still underexplored in the field.

Students' Perception After a Course on Invasive Physiotherapeutic Interventions Using Different Methodological Strategies: A Cross-Sectional Study

Germán Canovas-Ambit, José Antonio García-Vidal — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Background:

Invasive techniques such as dry needling and percutaneous electrolysis require specific training that combines technical precision and safety. The use of innovative teaching methodologies may enhance the learning experience and improve physiotherapists’ preparation in this field.

Methods:

This study aimed to describe students' perception of the quality and usefulness of a course on invasive techniques structured around innovative methodologies such as simulation, guided practice, and anatomical models. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected through a structured survey. Variables assessed included overall satisfaction, perceived usefulness of didactic resources, confidence in performing techniques, and learning preferences.

Results:

Most students rated the course positively, highlighting the usefulness of the innovative teaching tools.

Conclusions:

Teaching innovation based on simulation and intensive practice improves the perceived learning experience in invasive physiotherapy. It is recommended to further develop structured and sustainable training pathways that integrate these methodologies.

Influence of Clinical Experience and Age on Students’ Perceptions of Innovative Methodologies in Invasive Training: A Cross-Sectional Study

Germán Canovas-Ambit, José Antonio García-Vidal — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Background:

The teaching of invasive techniques in physiotherapy requires precise and up-to-date training. Innovative teaching methodologies, such as clinical simulation and flipped classrooms, may enhance learning outcomes, although previous professional experience could influence their effectiveness.

Methods:

To determine whether age and years of professional experience influence physiotherapy students’ perception of training quality and satisfaction in a course on invasive techniques using innovative methodological approaches. A cross-sectional descriptive comparative study was conducted with 20 physiotherapists, grouped by age and previous experience in invasive techniques. Structured surveys with Likert-type scales were applied to evaluate satisfaction, clinical confidence, and the perceived value of the teaching methodologies used.

Results:

No significant differences were observed in training perception between age groups. However, physiotherapists with prior experience in invasive techniques reported greater satisfaction, confidence, and a more favorable evaluation of the methodologies used.

Conclusions: Prior technical experience has a greater influence than age on the perception of learning in invasive techniques. It is recommended to tailor training programs to the practical level of students to improve effectiveness and equity in teaching.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Dyspnea and Muscle Strength in Adults After Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: A Systematic Review

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Background:
Respiratory muscle weakness following invasive mechanical ventilation represents a significant clinical challenge in the recovery of critically ill patients. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proposed as a strategy to improve muscle strength and facilitate weaning from ventilatory support. However, its effectiveness on clinical outcomes such as dyspnea and respiratory function remains unclear.

Methods:
A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, with a protocol registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023455075). Randomized controlled trials were searched in MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus up to July 2023. Studies involving adults who had undergone invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours were included, comparing IMT with conventional treatments.
Primary outcomes were inspiratory muscle strength and respiratory function; secondary outcomes included dyspnea and quality of life. The Cochrane RoB2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

Results:
Four studies with a total of 376 participants were included. Three studies reported improvements in inspiratory muscle strength with IMT, although no consistent effects on respiratory function or dyspnea were observed. Only two studies assessed quality of life, with mixed results. None evaluated muscle mass. Methodological differences between studies, heterogeneity of devices and protocols, and short follow-up periods limited the strength of the conclusions.

Conclusions:
IMT shows potential for improving inspiratory muscle strength in adults post-mechanical ventilation, but its clinical impact on dyspnea and respiratory function remains uncertain. More rigorous trials with longer follow-up, standardized protocols, and greater emphasis on patient-centered outcomes are needed to support its inclusion in respiratory rehabilitation programs.

Advancing Toward Quality Physiotherapy: A Commitment to Evidence

Alvaro Puelles-Diaz, Joaquín González-Aroca, Héctor García-Leal — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Physiotherapy Interventions (JPI) is pleased to announce its launch as a new scientific journal dedicated to the dissemination of research in physiotherapy. In a context where scientific evidence is essential to clinical practice, JPI aims to establish itself as a leading platform for publishing studies that contribute to the development and international projection of physiotherapy in Chile and Latin America.

JPI adopts a diamond open access model, ensuring equitable access to knowledge with no fees for authors or readers. The journal follows a rigorous double-blind peer review process and adheres to international publishing standards, including the COPE and EQUATOR Network guidelines. Additionally, it implements a progressive indexing strategy aimed at inclusion in Latindex, DOAJ, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS), thereby maximizing the visibility and impact of published research.

Finally, JPI invites physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and researchers in rehabilitation sciences to contribute high-quality studies that strengthen evidence-based physiotherapy and promote meaningful advances in both clinical and academic settings.

Enfermedad de Parkinson y Género: Hacia un Tratamiento más Equitativo.

Loreto Albarnez-Peralta — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0300