how to write a physical therapy case study

AMA 11th Edition Citation Style Guide: Sample Case Study Papers in Physical Therapy

• Formatting your manuscript
• Reference examples
• Sample Case Study Papers in Physical Therapy

Marymount Library Physical Therapy Collection Repository

Physical Therapy students can access the Marymount Physical Therapy Collection Repository sample papers.

Below are two Physical Therapy Case report sample papers that exemplify best practices in writing in AMA style:

• Kinesiophobia and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome - Why Fear of Movement Should Matter to Movement Experts
• Patient Function Versus Time as a Driver for Rehab Progression Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
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Home > Colleges Schools and Departments > WCHP > Physical Therapy > PT Student Works > PT Student Papers > Case Report Papers

Case Report Papers

During the course of two semesters, UNE Doctor of Physical Therapy students who elect the case report track to fulfill the program’s scholarship requirement work with a faculty advisor to gather data about a patient, institution, facility, or other definable unit related to the profession of physical therapy, and write a case report manuscript following the guidelines, format, and standards for a professional journal.

Papers from 2024 2024

Implementing a Mobility Program with a Complex Patient in an Acute Care Setting: A Case Report , Marisa Carbone, Miguel Vidal, Emma Jones, Haley Yarber, Samantha Strout, Akua Obeng, and Elizabeth Cyr

Papers from 2023 2023

The Effectiveness Of The Six Minute Walk Test For Tracking Progress In Patients With Post-COVID Condition: A Case Report , Jason Angellano, Alexander M. Ferreira, Colleen McGonagle, Yurong Ren, and Michael Tran

Papers from 2021 2021

The Rehabilitation Of A 75-Year-Old Male Presenting With A Right Hip Flexor Strain Concomitant With Numerous Psychosocial Factors: A Case Report , Jillian Battista, Megan Chapski, Suma Varanasi, and Jillian Witwicki

Utilizing An Evidence-Based Practice Framework In Non-Operative ACL Rehabilitation - A Case Report , Eric Norman, Michael Madore, Kathryn Magee, Tyler Calimer, and Parker Nally

Lower Extremity Strengthening, Neuromuscular Re-Education And Graded Activity For A Runner With Distal Hamstring Tendinopathy: A Case Report , Tara Oyasato

Soft Tissue Techniques For Upper Quadrant Range Of Motion And Pain In A Breast Cancer Survivor Following Mastectomy: A Case Report , Marissa Paquette

Papers from 2020 2020

Return To Golf In A 71-Year-Old Female After A Mako Robotic-Arm-Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Case Report , Katelyn Austin

The Creation Of An Algorithm To Assist Survivorship Clinics Identify The Rehabilitation Needs Of Cancer Survivors: An Administrative Case Report , Joseph Connor

Restoring Functional Mobility For A Patient Following A Comminuted Patella Fracture Status Post Open Reduction Internal Fixation: A Case Report , Elaina Cosentino

Graded Motor Imagery And Pain Neuroscience Education For A Middle-Aged Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Report , Brandon Drinan

Inpatient Rehabilitation For A 75-Year-Old Female Following A Left-Sided Pontine Infarct: A Case Report , Marisa Flores

Physical Therapy Management Of Gross Function Loss Following Gunshot Wound To Left Hand: A Case Report , Matthew Freeman

Mobilizations And Strengthening For Radiating Hip And Anterior Knee Pain: A Case Report , Thai Ho

The Challenges Of Exercise Selection For A Post-Operative Patient With Severe Deconditioning And Longstanding Neurogenic Claudication: A Case Report , Madison Lostra

Physical Therapy Emphasizing Progressive Weight Bearing And Gait Training Following Chopart Amputation In A Patient With Diabetes: A Case Report , Spenser Lynass

Restoring Functional Mobility In A 51-Year-Old Male Post Intramedullary Limb Lengthening Surgery Following Helicopter Crash: A Case Report , Shawn Novella

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation And Overground Gait Training For A Patient Following A Left Central Medullary Stroke: A Case Report , Shelby Stegemann

Physical Therapy Interventions Via Telehealth For A Child With Developmental Delay During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Report , Julie Sullivan

Papers from 2019 2019

Physical Therapy Management Of Low Back Pain In A Young Female With Ankylosing Spondylitis Associated With HLA-B27 Antigen: A Case Report , Jake Adkins

Regaining Independence In Ambulation For A Visually Impaired Patient With Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report , Brandon Bourgoin

Gait, Strength, And Balance Training For A 43-Year-Old Male Following An Acute Right Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke: A Case Report , Victoria Dwyer

Functional School-Based Physical Therapy Management For A Child With Pallister-Killian Syndrome: A Case Report , Cheryl R. Espinosa

Balance And Strength Interventions For An Older Individual With Peripheral Polyneuropathy: A Case Report , Hanna Geib

Early Mobilization And Functional Mobility Training For A Patient With Triple Vessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Case Report , Cody Hall

Barefoot Training In The Rehabilitation Of Stage II Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction: A Case Report , Matthew Heindel

Restoring Functional Mobility For A Geriatric Patient Following Open Repair Of A Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report , Grace Laughlin

Tissue Plasminogen Activator Effects On Stroke And Physical Therapy Outcomes In Acute Care: A Case Report , Lindsey Leboeuf

A Hip Strengthening Protocol For A Patient Following Achilles Repair: A Case Report , Matthew Morris

Combining A Comprehensive Physical Therapy Program And Electrocorpeal Shockwave Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis: A Case Report , Kathryn Piersiak

Treatment Of A Work-Related Superior Glenoid Labral Repair: A Case Report , Alexandra Touri

Functional Mobility In A Patient With Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Following A Femoral Neck Fracture Surgical Repair: A Case Report , McKenna Young

Papers from 2018 2018

Inpatient Physical Therapy Management For A Patient With Chronic Pulmonary Complications Secondary To Multiple Lobectomies: A Case Report , Bayley Archinal

The Treatment Of Pes Anserine Syndrome Using ACL Injury Prevention Exercises: A Case Report , Stephanie Chau

Comprehensive Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Decreased Shoulder Function And A History Of Breast, Lung, And Oral Cancer: A Case Report , Andrew Chongaway

Functional Mobility For A Patient With Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Chronic GVHD, And Corticosteroid Use: A Case Report , Alyssa Deardorff

Restoring Functional Mobility In An Adult Patient Secondary To Subtrochanteric Femur Fracture Surgical Repair: A Case Report , Brittany Gray

A Barefoot Running Program For A College Lacrosse Player With Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report , Erica Mazzarelli

The Comprehensive PT Management Of A Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain And Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Case Report , Robin McGuire

A 6 Week Balance And Gait Training Program Using The AlterG For A Patient With Cervical Myelopathy After Spinal Decompression Surgery: A Case Report , Palak Patel

Functional Mobility For An Elderly Patient With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report , Gianna G. Pezzano

Inpatient Rehabilitation Of A 99-Year-Old Patient Following A High-Impact Unstable Pelvic Ring Fracture: A Case Report , Julia Pratt

Relieving Low Back Pain And Improving Mobility For An Adult Patient With Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Case Report , Derek Schwaiger

Mckenzie Approach To Treating Lumbar Radiculopathy With A Lateral Shift: A Case Report , Carly Theriault

The Use Of Medical Therapeutic Yoga On A Patient With Adhesive Capsulitis: A Case Report , Cameron Vallie

Subacute Physical Rehabilitation For A Young Adult With A Hypoxic Brain Injury Resulting In Severe Myoclonic Movements And Ataxia: A Case Report , Chelsea VanDriel

Conservative Management Of A Complete Rupture Of The Long Head Of The Biceps: A Case Report , Ali Woller

Papers from 2017 2017

Physical Therapy For Low Back Pain With A Focus On McKenzie Method For Diagnosis And Treatment: A Case Report , Macey N. Berube

The Use Of Therapeutic Exercises And Manual Stretching For A Patient Following A Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) Revision: A Case Report , Nicholas Cebula

Graston Technique Used In The Treatment Of Patellofemoral Pain In An Ultimate Frisbee Player: A Case Report , Patricia Dobrowski

High Intensity Intervals And Gait Training For A Patient With Heart Failure And Parkinson Disease In A Skilled Nursing Facility: A Case Report , Kelly Fritz

Outpatient Vestibular Rehabilitation For A Patient Three Months Post Acoustic Neuroma Resection: A Case Report , Joel Harrison

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Total Knee Arthroplasty With Severe Contralateral Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report , Michael Ikemura

Balance & Fall Prevention Rehabilitation Program For A 77-Year-Old Patient Following A Trimalleolar Fracture: A Case Report , Kathryn Judd

Adult Scoliosis And Chronic Low Back Pain With Land And Aquatic Based Physical Therapy: A Case Report , Thomas Kent

The Effect Of A Stability And Strengthening Program On The Oswestry Disability Index In A 14-Year-Old Patient With Spondylolisthesis: A Case Report , Hormoz Maragoul

Restoration Of Functional Mobility For A Young Adult Patient Following A Severe Motor Vehicle Accident: A Case Report , Zachary Mercier

Utilization Of Task-Oriented Training To Restore Independence In A Patient With Encephalitis In The Intensive Care Unit: A Case Report , Victoria Perez

The Role Of Physical Therapy Interventions For An Elderly Patient Following Surgical Fixation Of A Fracture Of The Femoral Shaft: A Case Report , Ashley Push

Acute Care Physical Therapy Status Post Laparoscopic Loop Sigmoid Colostomy For A Patient With Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report , Elizabeth Race

The Use Of Manual Lumbar Traction And Therapeutic Exercise In The Treatment Of A Patient With Low Back Pain: A Case Report , Kyle Rasmussen

Vestibular Rehabilitation For A Geriatric Patient With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Treatment Failure: A Case Report , Clare Roeder

Strength And Balance Training For A 29-Year-Old Female Who Sustained A Multifocal Stroke: A Case Report , Britney Simonton

Physical Therapy On The Function Of A Patient With Stage III Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report , Kelly Trancygier

The Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Chronic Shoulder Dislocations And Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Case Report , Lindsey Umapathy

A Comprehensive PT Program Utilizing An AlterG Treadmill For A Patient With Lower Extremity Fractures And Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A Case Report , Mark Whitsitt

Utilization Of Postural Control Training To Improve Gait Symmetry And Walking Ability In A Patient Following A Lacunar Stroke: A Case Report , Hannah C. Wilder

Papers from 2016 2016

The Use Of Manual Therapy In The Treatment Of A Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain And Sciatica: A Case Report , Elia N. Darazi

Physical Therapy Intervention For A Patient With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Caused By Two Traumatic Events: A Case Study , Elyse Detweiler

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Chronic Knee Pain: A Case Report , Mohamed Elsaid

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Chronic Brainstem Stroke Syndrome To Improve Functional Mobility: A Case Report , Kelley Flahaven

Therapeutic Exercise In The Treatment Of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome S/P Lumbar Discectomy: A Case Report , Sean Jeffrey

Restoring Gait And Functional Mobility For A Patient With An Ischemic Stroke Through Physical Therapy: A Case Report , Colleen Kelly

Functional Training In A Patient With Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke With Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report , Darien Lewis

Physical Therapy And Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In A Patient With Multiple Co-Morbidities – A Case Report , Jeanine Manubay

Management Of A Patient With Bronchiectasis Using Pulmonary Rehabilitation And Balance Training: A Case Report , Megan Witherow Quarles

Use Of Functional Strengthening, Balance Training, And Stretching In The Treatment Of A Patient Following A T11-L5 Spinal Fusion: A Case Report , Anna Sidloski

Papers from 2015 2015

Management Of A Patient Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Carotid Aneurysm Using Therapeutic Exercise, Education, And Manual Therapy: A Case Report , Nicholas Adriance

Application Of A Short-Term Aquatic Physical Therapy Program For A Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain And Radiculopathy: A Case Report , Marc Asta

A Progressive Physical Therapy Plan Of Care For A Patient With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Following Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report , Paige Blasco

Balance And Gait Training To Reduce Fall Risk In A Patient With Bilateral Foot And Hand Deformities Secondary To Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report , Kirsten Bombardier

Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training And Overground Gait Training In The In-Patient Setting For An Individual With Chronic Stroke: A Case Report , Stephanie Bordignon

Evaluation And Treatment Of A Patient Diagnosed With Adhesive Capsulitis Classified As A Derangement Using The McKenzie Method: A Case Report , Ashley Bowser

Use Of The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) In A Patient After A First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Implant: A Case Report , Courtney Brinckman

Use Of Core Stabilization Exercise And Medical Exercise Therapy In The Treatment Of A Patient With Chronic Post Partum Low Back Pain: A Case Report , Zachary Chaloner

Gait Training, Strength Training, And Pain Management Of A 26 Year Old Female Recovering From A Multiple Sclerosis Exacerbation: A Case Report , Ellen Cox

The Use Of Parkinson’s Disease Specific Rehabilitative Interventions To Treat A Patient With Lewy Body Dementia: A Case Report , Cassandra Dawley

The Effects Of Specific Training On Balance And Ambulation In A Patient With Stage IV Glioblastoma: A Case Report , Matt Denning

Use Of A Task-Oriented Approach In The Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Following A Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Stroke: A Case Report , Erika Derks

Treatment Of A Patient With Thoracolumbar Scoliosis Utilizing A Regional Interdependence Approach Including Components Of The Schroth Method: A Case Report , Samantha Fisk

Use Of Therapeutic Exercise, Functional Endurance, And Gait Re-training In A Deconditioned Patient With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Case Report , Ellen Forslund

Neuromuscular Strengthening Exercises Following ACL And Meniscal Repair In A 15 Year Old Female Athlete With Generalized Knee Laxity: A Case Report , Alyssa Gardner

The Use Of Manual Therapy And Strengthening Exercises To Improve Plantarflexion Strength And Mobility Following Achilles Tendon Repair: A Case Report , Jason Glikman

Using The Selective Functional Movement Assessment And Regional Interdependence Theory To Guide Treatment Of An Athlete With Back Pain: A Case Report , Gabriella Goshtigian

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation And Quadriceps Strength Following Patellar Fracture And Open Reduction Internal Fixation Surgery: A Case Report , Chelsea Hussey

The Role Of Physical Therapy In The Treatment And Discharge Of An Elderly Homeless Patient With Fractures Of The T12-L1 Vertebrae: A Case Report , Matthew Kraft

Restoring Functional Mobility In A Patient With Delayed Onset Of Physical Rehabilitation Following A Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Case Report , Bettie Kruger

Strength And Balance Exercises To Improve Functional Outcomes And Mobility For A Patient With Parkinson’s Disease And Co-morbidities: A Case Report , Nicholas LaSarso

Functional Mobility Management Of A Patient With Adult-Onset Hereditary Proximal Motor Neuropathy Following A Tibial Fracture: A Case Report , Timothy Lira

Use Of Manual Therapy And Sport Specific Re-training In An Adolescent Elite Sprinter With Bilateral Pedicle Stress Fractures: A Case Report , Erika Lopez

The Use Of Postural Reeducation And Strengthening Exercises In The Reversal Of Functional Scoliosis: A Case Report , Cory Marcoux

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Standards of Practice: Case Study Template

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Is PTJ the Right Journal for Your Work?

Article types and manuscript preparation.

• Publishing Model and Peer Review Process

When You’re Ready to Submit

PTJ publishes manuscripts from across the globe. PTJ gives priority to:

• Articles that address important questions that will have an impact on physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• Original research with strong methods and research designs that fit the questions being asked.
• Articles that can help physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals improve decision making in rehabilitation practice, policy, education, or research.
• Articles that will facilitate the translation and implementation of evidence into practice and policy.

PTJ  reviews and considers a manuscript for exclusive publication with the understanding that the manuscript, or any substantial portion of the manuscript (as judged by the Editor in Chief), has not been published previously and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, whether in print or electronic form. This policy does not usually preclude consideration of (1) a manuscript that has been rejected by another journal or (2) a complete report that follows publication of a preliminary report or pilot study. Papers presented at a scientific meeting usually will not be considered to constitute prior publication, but such presentations should not be amplified by additional data or copies of tables and illustrations. 

Types of articles that PTJ will NOT publish:

• Studies in which participants did not give informed consent.
• Studies that lack necessary approval by or waiver from a research ethics committee/institutional review board.
• Studies whose participants are recognizable in the manuscript but from whom written consent for publication was not obtained.
• Studies that involved possible research misconduct or publication misconduct, such as plagiarism, falsification of data, improprieties of/disputes over authorship, and failure to comply with legislative and regulatory requirements affecting research. PTJ is a member of COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics).
• Clinical trials that were not registered—or that were registered after the study began (retrospectively)—with insufficient explanation.
• Clinical trial papers that report outcomes different from those listed in the trial registry.
• Manuscripts whose English language usage is of such poor quality that the science cannot be adequately assessed by the peer review team or that cannot be adequately understood or replicated.
• Pure laboratory-based research with no linkage made to implications for practice.
• Literature reviews.

Help the Peer Review Team Understand the Value of Your Work

To help the editors and reviewers understand the value of your work, confirm your article type, and follow the guidance provided in the Table below. Please also follow PTJ ’s general writing and formatting instructions .

Regardless of the type of article you submit, remember to:

• In the abstract, after the conclusion, add an impact statement (1-3 sentences) about the impact/importance of your study to physical therapy and rehabilitation and/or the health of individuals or the community and society.
• CRediT : Each author’s contributions to the manuscript must be identified. PTJ uses the contributor roles taxonomy (CRediT), which allows authors to describe contributor roles in a standardized, transparent, and accurate way. As part of the online submission process, you will be required to choose from the contributor roles in the CRediT pull-down list. You may choose multiple contributor roles per author. Any other individuals who do not meet authorship criteria and made less substantive contributions should be listed in your manuscript (unmasked version) as non-author contributors with their contributions clearly described.
• For first submission: PTJ has a streamlined submission process designed to avoid unnecessary work for authors. Manuscripts can be submitted in any common document format that can be easily opened and read by others. A single PDF or Word file is usually reliable. At first submission, it is not necessary to apply formatting to match the journal’s “house style.” See Basic Guidelines for First Submission . After the initial review, you may be asked to supply editable files that match journal formatting requirements along with high-resolution figures.
• Presubmission Language Editing: If you are not confident in the quality of your English, you may wish to use a  language-editing service  to ensure that editors and reviewers understand your paper. Oxford University Press partners with Enago, a leading provider of author services. Prospective authors are entitled to a discount of 30% for editing services at Enago, via the Specialist English Editing Services for Oxford University Press Authors  page. Enago is an independent service provider, who will handle all aspects of this service, including payment. As an author you are under no obligation to take up this offer. Language editing is optional and does not guarantee that your manuscript will be accepted. Edited manuscripts will still undergo peer review by the journal.

Article Types and How to Prepare Them

Table. summary of article types, prepare a review for submission.

Please use the following required elements:

Title : As appropriate, add “scoping review” or “meta-analysis” and/or “systematic review” as a subtitle at the end of the full title.

In the unmasked version of your paper : Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and any acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication).

Sections within the abstract : Objective, Methods (data sources, study selection, data extraction, data synthesis), Results, Conclusions, Impact Statement  

Word limit: Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 4500 words (excluding abstract and references). Please provide the manuscript word count on the abstract page of your manuscript.

Sections within the manuscript : Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (include subsection “Limitations.” Methods section subheadings: Data Sources and Searches, Study Selection, Data Extraction and Quality Assessment, Data Synthesis and Analysis, Role of the Funding Source (specify any roles played by the funders, or add the statement “The funders played no role in the design, conduct, or reporting of this study”).

References : No more than 75.

General formatting instructions

Prepare a Clinical Trial for Submission

Clinical trial registration.

All clinical trials with patient-level outcome measures must be prospectively registered (ie, prior to enrollment of the first participant) in a recognized, public trial registry. Purpose is to prevent selective reporting of research outcomes. PTJ began its policy of requiring trial registration in 2008 (see Craik and Maher ). Authors who do not prospectively register a trial risk ineligibility for submission to PTJ . Confused about whether your study should be registered? Editor-in-Chief Alan Jette recommends that authors ask themselves 4 questions:

• Does your study involve human participants that are individual or clusters of patients and/or community participants?
• Does your study involve one or more health-related interventions?
• Does the study protocol determine who gets an intervention?
• Does the study examine the intervention effects on health-related biomedical or behavioral outcomes on the enrolled patients or community participants?

If you answer “yes” to all of these questions, your trial should be registered. In your cover letter:

• Specify where the trial is registered ( information about trial registration and registries) .
• Provide the trial's unique registration number.
• Include a statement regarding when enrollment began and when data collection stopped.

Trial registration is usually free and typically takes no more than 30 minutes. Acceptable registries must meet the following ICMJE requirements: be publicly available, searchable, and open to all prospective registrants; have a validation mechanism for registration data; and be managed by a not-for-profit organization. An acceptable registry includes, at a minimum, the following information: a unique identifying number, a statement of the intervention (or interventions) and comparison (or comparisons) studied, a statement of the study hypothesis, definitions of the primary and secondary outcome measures, eligibility criteria, key trial dates (registration date, anticipated or actual start date, anticipated or actual date of last follow-up, planned or actual date of closure to data entry, and date trial data considered complete), target number of participants, funding source, and contact information for the principal investigator. Two large registries are: ClinicalTrials.gov ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov ), which is free; International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ( http://www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn/ ). Other registries that ICMJE finds acceptable are: www.anzctr.org.au , www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index/htm , www.trialregister.nl ,   https://eudract.ema.europa.eu . The World Health Organization (WHO) also has a registry network.

Authors are required to follow the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials) statement and its extensions ( http://www.consort-statement.org/ ). Authors are required to include “modified CONSORT flow diagram for randomized, controlled trials of nonpharmacologic treatment” within the manuscript. For guidance, refer to the checklist for randomized trials of nonpharmacologic treatment (http://www.consort-statement.org/extensions/interventions/non-pharmacologic-treatment-interventions/ ).

For guidance, PTJ also recommends the use of the TIDieR (Template for Intervention Description and Replication) checklist .

It is essential that reports of trials provide sufficient details on interventions so that readers can judge the applicability and clinical relevance of results. Authors are encouraged to provide a trial treatment manual as a supplemental appendix.

Avoid Publication Spin

As noted by Jette and Costa , “an inherent temptation exists for researchers to report the findings of their research in the most favorable light. If researchers are not careful, they might fall into the trap of reporting their findings in a more favorable light than the findings deserve—what has been characterized as ‘spin’… The editors of PTJ are committed to providing our readers with the most accurate and impactful research available in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation.” Authors of clinical trials are urged to reduce publication spin in experimental designs by prospectively registering the trial, following appropriate publication guidelines and checklists when preparing manuscripts for submission, and using effect sizes and confidence intervals in lieu of or in addition to reporting statistical significance of observed effects.

Title : For randomized trials, add the subtitle "Randomized Controlled Trial" as a subtitle at the end of the full title.

In the unmasked version of your paper: Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication). Also include an Ethics Approval statement that you received approval or a waiver from a properly constituted ethics committee, and provide the name of the institutional review board (IRB), institutional animal care and use committee, or other similar body that approved the study. You may also include a statement that the study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Abstract sections: Methods, Results, Conclusions, Impact Statement  

Word limit : Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 4000 words (excluding abstract and references); provide the manuscript word count on the abstract page of your manuscript.

Sections within the manuscript: Introduction, Methods (include subsection “Role of the Funding Source” to specify any roles played by the funders, or add the statement “The funders played no role in the design, conduct, or reporting of this study”), Results, Discussion (include subsection “Limitations”).  

Tables/figures : No more than 6 (combined total); additional tables and figures can be provided as supplemental material.

Prepare a Diagnostic Study for Submission

Authors are required to follow the STAndards for Reporting of Diagnostic accuracy (STARD) and to include a STARD flow diagram within the manuscript. For guidance, refer to the STARD checklist.

Title . Identify the article as a study of diagnostic accuracy somewhere in the title. In the unmasked version of your paper: Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication). Also include an Ethics Approval statement that you received approval or a waiver from a properly constituted ethics committee, and provide the name of the institutional review board (IRB), institutional animal care and use committee, or other similar body that approved the study. You may also include a statement that the study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Abstract sections: Objective, Methods, Results, Conclusions, Impact Statement Word limit: Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 4000 words (excluding abstract and references); provide the manuscript word count on the abstract page of your manuscript.

Sections within the manuscript: Introduction, Methods (include subsection “Role of the Funding Source” to specify any roles played by the funders, or add the statement “The funders played no role in the design, conduct, or reporting of this study”), Results, Discussion (include subsection “Limitations”).

Tables/figures: No more than 6 (combined total); additional tables and figures can be provided as supplemental material.

References . No more than 75.

Prepare a Measurement Evaluation Study for Submission

All measurement studies are required to follow the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN); refer to the  COSMIN checklist for guidance.

Studies that evaluate measurement properties must make a clear and compelling argument for how the findings would have a substantial impact on clinical practice.

In the unmasked version of your paper: Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication). As appropriate, also include an Ethics Approval statement that you received approval or a waiver from a properly constituted ethics committee, and provide the name of the institutional review board (IRB), institutional animal care and use committee, or other similar body that approved the study. You may also include a statement that the study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Abstract sections : Objective, Methods, Results, Conclusions, Impact Statement

Sections within the manuscript : Introduction, Methods (include subsection “Role of the Funding Source” to specify any roles played by the funders, or add the statement “The funders played no role in the design, conduct, or reporting of this study”), Results, Discussion (include subsection “Limitations”).

Prepare an Observational Study for Submission

In the unmasked version of your paper : Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication). Also include an Ethics Approval statement that you received approval or a waiver from a properly constituted ethics committee, and provide the name of the institutional review board (IRB), institutional animal care and use committee, or other similar body that approved the study. You may also include a statement that the study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Word limit : Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 4000 words (excluding abstract and references); provide the word count on the abstract page of your manuscript.

Sections within the manuscript : Introduction, Methods (include subsection “Role of the Funding Source” to specify any roles played by the funders, or add the statement “The funders played no role in the design, conduct, or reporting of this study”), Results, Discussion (include subsection “Limitations”). 

Prepare a Qualitative Study for Submission

In addition to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) , the PTJ Editorial Board provides guidance for authors of qualitative studies here and recommends this website for further guidance. 

In the unmasked version of your paper : Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication). As appropriate, include an Ethics Approval statement that you received approval or a waiver from a properly constituted ethics committee, and provide the name of the institutional review board (IRB), institutional animal care and use committee, or other similar body that approved the study. You may also include a statement that the study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Word limit: Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 4500 words (excluding abstract and references); provide the manuscript word count on the abstract page of your manuscript.

Prepare a Quality Improvement Study for Submission

In the unmasked version of your paper: Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication). As appropriate, include an Ethics Approval statement that you received approval or a waiver from a properly constituted ethics committee, and provide the name of the institutional review board (IRB), institutional animal care and use committee, or other similar body that approved the study. You may also include a statement that the study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Abstract sections: Objective, Methods, Results, Conclusions, Impact Statement

Word limit: Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 4000 words (excluding abstract and references); provide the manuscript word count on the abstract page of your manuscript.  

Prepare a Single-Subject Research Study for Submission

Single-subject research designs allow conclusions to be drawn about the effects of treatment based on the responses of a patient or patients under controlled conditions. Single-subject research is often confused with case reports; however, single-subject designs have 2 core elements that distinguish them from case reports: repeated measurements and design phases. 

Word limit : Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 4000 words (excluding abstract and references); provide the manuscript word count on the abstract page of your manuscript.  

Tables/figures : No more than 6 (combined total); additional tables and figures can be provided as supplemental material. References. No more than 75.

Prepare a Trial Protocol for Submission

PTJ editors believe that clinical trial protocols are essential for study conduct, review, reporting, and replication. Publication of protocols increases research quality and transparency, as they allow for timely dissemination of high-quality trial designs, prevention of study duplication, and improved interpretation of study findings. Protocol articles also can provide additional rationale for and background of the trial beyond what is commonly available in trial registries. Protocols published in PTJ must be from a randomized clinical trial that:

• Has the potential for substantial impact on the field of rehabilitation
• Is prospectively registered in a recognized clinical trials registry ( information about trial registration and registries )
• Has current institutional review board (IRB) approval
• Is not yet published; authors must submit a cover letter that assures PTJ that no part of the study protocol has been previously published or is under consideration for publication elsewhere
• Has fewer than 50% of participants enrolled
• Is not a pilot study

Title . Title should be descriptive and identify the study design, population, interventions, and, if applicable, trial acronym. In the unmasked version of your paper: Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication).  

Abstract sections: Objective, Methods, Results (N/A), Conclusion (N/A) s, Impact Statement

Word limit: Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 3000 words (excluding abstract and references); provide the manuscript word count on the abstract page of your manuscript.

Sections within the manuscript: Introduction (background and clear rationale for the need for the study, primary and secondary objectives, description of trial design), Methods (description of participants, interventions outcomes, assignment of interventions; description of data collection, management, analysis, monitoring and auditing), Ethics (informed consent, research ethics approval, confidentiality, role of the funding agency), and Discussion (potential impact and significance of study, strengths and weaknesses, contribution to the physical therapy/rehabilitation profession). 

Prepare Linking Evidence And Practice < LEAP > Article for Submission

LEAP articles highlight the findings of a recent Cochrane systematic review (SR) that provides evidence for recommendations relevant to physical therapist clinical decision making , and, using a brief case, illustrate the application of those recommendations. Only Cochrane SRs with searches completed within the past 3 years should be used. SRs that do not provide recommendations due to insufficient evidence should not be used. Author teams with both research and clinical expertise are encouraged; one team member should be a physical therapist. Authors interested in writing a LEAP article may submit their proposed topic to [email protected] .

Word limit : Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 2500 words; tables and figures, no more than 4 (combined total)

References : No more than 50.

Required Manuscript Elements

Abstract : Use the wording of abstracts found in previous LEAP articles , changing only the relevant final sentence(s) to fit your topic.

Background/introduction: Start with a brief description of the condition, usual treatment, and rationale for the intervention. End the section by introducing the systematic review (SR) and its purpose, inclusion criteria, and main outcomes. Include the search date of the SR (rather than the publication date) to indicate how up-to-date the SR is.

Take-home message: Provide a brief description of the SR results, then refer to the table (see below). In the take-home message, include number of included trials; number of participants; any brief, relevant description of the included trials; and data for the main outcomes of the SR. When summarizing the evidence from the SR, indicate the review authors' interpretation of the quality of the evidence, if available. In more recent Cochrane SRs, authors grade the strength of evidence based on the GRADE Working Group recommendations as high, moderate, low, or very low.

Case : Provide a case that applies the results of the SR. The case may be wholly factual, adapted from an actual case, or a representation of a typical patient with the relevant condition. Do not include the level of detail that might be important if this was a case report. Include the following headings in this order:

• “Can [intervention] help [the patient]?” Briefly describe the patient’s condition. Only data essential to the case and how it relates to the SR should be included.
• “How did the results of this systematic review apply to [the patient]?” Frame the question related to the case using a PICO format—population, intervention(s), comparator(s), outcome(s). Using the PICO format (patient relevance, intervention relevance, comparison relevance, outcome relevance), address how useful or relevant the SR results are for the purpose of synthesizing an intervention plan for this patient. Describe the clinician’s specific recommendation for intervention(s) for the patient based on the SR results.
• “How well do the outcomes of the intervention provided to the patient match those suggested by the systematic review?” Briefly describe the patient’s outcomes, including the clinical importance of any changes in relevant measures.
• “Can you apply the results of this systematic review to your own patients?” Provide a brief summary of the types of patients to whom the results of the SR apply in general. In some cases, discussion of additional material may be of relevance, such as pertinent SRs of other interventions for the condition being discussed, or the results of trials published subsequent to the search date of the SR.
• “What can be advised based on the results of this systematic review?” Include a brief summary of recommended intervention(s) relevant to those reported in the SR.

Table of key results: Include the following details in this order:

• Overview - Search date, number of included trials and number and characteristics of participants. Details about the intervention(s) such as frequency, intensity, duration (eg, “4 studies – 3 times/week; 10 studies – 1 time/week”) and comparators.
• Main outcomes of the review - In general, divide the results according to comparisons that were made (eg, Treatment A versus placebo; Treatment A versus Treatment B). Indicate how many trials and participants each reported outcome is based on, the risks of bias, and, if available, the overall quality of evidence based on the GRADE Working Group recommendations. Report the size of the treatment effects for each outcome with significant differences favoring one treatment over another. These effects should be reported in units that clinicians can easily interpret; for example, they could be differences in proportions improved (for dichotomous outcomes) or mean differences (for continuous measures) (eg, pain scores). Provide an indication of the absolute benefit that could be expected from the treatment for each outcome. If the effect is presented as a standardized mean difference, revert it back into a clinically understandable unit. If this is not possible, please provide criteria for interpreting these (eg, Cohen criteria: small, medium, large effect; minimal detectable change [MDC] or minimal clinically important difference [MCID].

Prepare a Case Report for Submission

PTJ publishes case reports about potentially transformational interventions of a clinical, educational, or administrative nature. Case reports should:

• Emphasize novelty and innovation, addressing clinical conditions or approaches that have not been previously studied in the published rehabilitation literature.
• Clearly inform and advance practice, administrative, or educational methods or suggest testable hypotheses for future research.

Along with their signed copyright release forms, authors of Case Reports should submit a signed patient consent form (or signed IRB consent form). Case report authors who practice in the United States should also include a statement about meeting the HIPAA (Health Insurance, Portability, and Accountability Act) requirements of the institution for disclosure of protected health information.

Title : Add “Case Report” as a subtitle at the end of the full title.

In the unmasked version of your pape r: Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication).

Abstract sections: Objective, Methods (case description), Results, Conclusion, Impact Statement  

Word limit : Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 2000 words (excluding abstract and references); provide the manuscript word count on the abstract page of your manuscript. To condense information to meet the word limit, PTJ recommends that case report authors use tables whenever possible to provide important details (history, examination, intervention, and outcome information for clinical case reports; program elements and materials for educational/administrative case reports). Maximum number of tables and/or figures=3 (combined total).

Sections within the manuscript: Background and Purpose, Case Description, Outcomes, Discussion. Tables/figures: No more than 3 (combined total); additional tables/figures can be supplied as supplemental material.

References : No more than 20.

Prepare a Perspective for Submission

In the unmasked version of your paper: Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations, and acknowledgments (be sure to get permission from those you want to acknowledge in your publication). 

Abstracts : There are no headings in perspective abstracts.

Word limit: Abstract, no more than 300 words; manuscript, no more than 4500 words (excluding abstract).

Tables/figures: No more than 6 (combined total); additional tables/figures can be supplied as supplemental material.

Prepare a Point of View for Submission

POVs frequently include calls to action. Authors interested in writing a POV should contact the editor in chief at [email protected] .   

Abstract : There is no abstract in a POV.

Word limit: 1600 words

Tables/figures : No more than 2 (combined total); additional tables/figures can be supplied as supplemental material.

References : No more than 25.

Prepare a Letter to the Editor for Submission

Letters to the Editor provide reader perspectives on articles published in PTJ and should be submitted within 6 months of the article's publication. 

Author affiliations:    Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations.

Abstract : None.

Word limit: 800–1000 words

Tables/figures : None unless there is a special need.

References : No more than 5.

PTJ encourages dialog and invites readers to submit thoughtful comments on published articles. The commenting feature is located at the bottom of each article. Edited selections of posted comments may be published and indexed as letters to the editor in PubMed .

General Requirements and Formatting for All Article Types

Authors are asked to ensure that manuscripts conform to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors’ Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals .

All manuscripts must be formatted double-spaced. Please use 12-point font. Submit both a masked copy and an unmasked copy. In the masked version, please remove author names and any affiliations within the article. Manuscript elements, in order of appearance: (1) Title page, (2) Abstract, (3) Body of article, (4) Acknowledgments, (5) References, (6) Tables, (7) Figure legends, (8) Figures, (9) Video legends, (10) Appendixes. To help speed the review process, please follow PTJ ’s specific guidelines below:

Basic Formatting Guidance for First Submissions

Author affiliations, publication ethics.

• Ethics Approval Statement
• Funding and Statement on Role of the Funding Source

Authorship and Contributorship

Competing or conflicting interests, patient/participant protection, writing to communicate effectively with reviewers and readers, tables and figures, supplementary material.

• You are asked to submit an anonymous (all author identifiers removed) version and an unmasked version.
• On the first page of the unmasked version, please include manuscript title, author names and affiliations, and the address (including email) of the corresponding author.
• Provide a short abstract (no more than 300 words), avoiding abbreviations and reference citations.
• Define nonstandard abbreviations at the first occurrence.
• Number tables and figures consecutively by appearance, and provide a legend for each. Avoid overcrowding in tables and unnecessary clutter in figures. The initial submission should have figures, tables, and text in one file. Upon request, please be prepared to provide high-resolution figures separately, in a common image format (eg, eps, tif, jpg).  
• Videos can be published in the online article, with a still image representing the video appearing in the print version. Submit videos in MP4 format if possible. All videos should have an accompanying legend.
• References can be formatted in any readable style at submission. Authors are responsible for the accuracy of the references. Later, authors may be asked to comply with the journal’s citation convention ( we use AMA style ).
• Include acknowledgements, details of funding sources, and grant numbers at the end of the text. Use author initials to indicate which authors were in receipt of grants. 
• Please include at submission all files containing supplementary material cited in the text.

On the title page of the unmasked version of your article, please include the following:

• List author names in the order in which they should be published, with author bio information. Example for corresponding author: A.M. Jette, PT, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129 (USA). Address all correspondence to Dr Jette at: [email protected]. Example for coauthors: A.M. Jette, PT, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts.
• Include authors’ professional credentials, terminal academic degrees (eg, PT, DPT; MD, PhD), affiliations.
• Clinical Trial or Systematic Review Registration number, as applicable.

Authors should observe high standards with respect to publication ethics as set out by the  Commission on Publication Ethics (COPE) . Falsification or fabrication of data, plagiarism, including duplicate publication of the authors’ own work without proper citation, and misappropriation of the work are all unacceptable practices. Any cases of ethical misconduct are treated very seriously and will be dealt with in accordance with the COPE guidelines.

Ethics Approval 

All original research reports involving human participants must include a statement that the authors received approval or a waiver from a properly constituted ethics committee. In the unmasked version of your manuscript, provide the name of the institutional review board (IRB), institutional animal care and use committee, or other similar body that approved the study. Please also provide a statement about deidentification of data as applicable. Authors may also include a statement that the study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Funding and Statement on Role of Funding Source  

All manuscripts reporting on studies that received funding support should include a section under Methods titled “Role of the Funding Source.” The statement should include the name of the funder(s) and the role(s) played by the funder(s). If the funder(s) played no role, authors are asked to include the statement, “The funder played no role in the design, conduct, or reporting of this study.”

All individuals listed as authors should qualify for authorship and should have participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for appropriate portions of the content. Based on the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals (ICMJE Recommendations 2018), those listed as authors in the manuscript should meet all of the following criteria:

• Made substantial contributions to the conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data, AND
• Participated in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content, AND
• Gave final approval of the version to be published, AND
• Agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Information about author roles and responsibilities must be made clear. Any other contributors to the work who do not qualify for authorship should be listed in an acknowledgment section. Upon submission of the manuscript, all authors will be asked to complete an electronic ICMJE form that includes authorship information, and, if the paper is accepted for publication, the author contributions will be listed at the end of the article.

Acknowledgments should be formal and as brief as possible and limited to recognizing individuals who have made specific and important contributions to the work being reported. Be sure to obtain permission to include the names of those you wish to acknowledge.

PTJ follows the guidelines of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Upon submission, all authors will be asked to complete an electronic ICMJE disclosure of potential conflicts of interest (COI) that might constitute an embarrassment to any of the authors if it were not to be declared and were to emerge after publication (eg, shareholding in or receipt of a grant or consultancy fee from a company whose product features in the submitted manuscript or that manufactures a competing product). Forms must be submitted even if there is no conflict of interest. It is the responsibility of the corresponding author to ensure that all authors adhere to this policy prior to submission. Each author is responsible for indicating their authorship roles and responsibilities.

A conflict of interest statement must also be included in the manuscript after "Acknowledgments" and "Funding" sections and should summarize all aspects of any conflicts of interest included on the ICMJE form. If there is no conflict of interest, authors must include the statement: “Conflict of Interest: none declared.”

Authors should submit documentation of patient or participant consent for photographs and videos that feature patients or participants. The use of black tape to mask faces is no longer considered sufficient.

Within the manuscript, authors must include a statement in the "Methods" section that they obtained informed consent of participants, as required for protection of human participants.

Statistical Style

Clinical relevance . In reporting statistical results, P values alone are insufficient. Authors must report the magnitude and/or precision of statistical estimates (eg, 95% CI) to enhance data interpretation and clarify which results potentially have an impact on clinical practice .

Percentages . Report percentages to 1 decimal place (ie, xx.x %).

Standard deviations . Report averages with standard deviations when data are normally distributed. Use "mean (SD)" rather than "mean ± SD" notation. Report confidence intervals (CI) rather than standard errors. In tables and within text, ranges should be displayed as “xx – xx,” unless there are negative values; in which case, all ranges in the manuscript (for consistency) should be displayed as “xx to xx” to avoid confusion for readers and reviewers.

Median . Report median (minimum, maximum) or median (25th, 75th percentile [interquartile range, or IQR]) when data are not normally distributed.

P values. Report exact P values to 2 decimal places, except when P ≤ .001 and, in that case, P ≤ .001 is sufficient. P values alone are insufficient and must be accompanied with appropriate magnitude and precision estimate (see Clinical Relevance).

PTJ follows the American Medical Association [AMA] Manual of Style , 10th ed, published by Oxford University Press.

Titles . Titles should not be vague and should reflect measured variables. For instance, instead of using "physical therapy" to refer to intervention, state specific interventions (eg, "strengthening exercises"). Titles (including subtitles) should be no longer than 150 characters (including punctuation and spaces).

Abstract . Word limit: 300 words. Please provide the manuscript word count on the abstract page of your manuscript. Use only complete sentences throughout the abstract and the manuscript. For proper headings within the abstract, see the instructions for article types .  

Body of Manuscript. See the instructions for article types .

Abbreviations/acronyms. All terms must be spelled out, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses, at first mention. The abbreviation/acronym should be used consistently thereafter (except at the beginning of a sentence). An abbreviation/ acronym should be used at least 3 times in the abstract and at least 5 times in the text to be allowed (can have exceptions for very long spelled-out forms or terms that readers may recognize only in their abbreviated forms).  Physical therapist and physical therapy should always be spelled out – PT is not permitted as an abbreviation in the text.

Measurements . Please use the International System of Units. (English units may be given in parentheses.)

Equipment manufacturers. For all equipment and products mentioned in the text, place the model name/number and the manufacturer and location (city, state, country) in parentheses in the text. In the "Data Analysis" section, specify the statistical software—version, manufacturer, and manufacturer's location—that was used for analyses.

Explanatory footnotes . PTJ prefers to avoid explanatory footnotes within the text; however, if they are needed, use consecutive symbols (*, †, ‡, §, ||, #, **, ††, ‡‡, §§, ||||, ##).

There should be no more than a combined total of 6 tables and figures. Additional tables and figures can be included as supplementary material . 

Tables should be formatted in Word, numbered consecutively, and placed together at the end of the manuscript. Authors should define all abbreviations/acronyms used in the table in a footnote (a) to the table title. In tables that describe characteristics of 2 or more groups:

• Report averages with standard deviations when data are normally distributed.
• Report median (minimum, maximum) or median (25th, 75th percentile [interquartile range, or IQR]) when data are not normally distributed.

PTJ does NOT accept LaTeX files for figures. Figure resolution should be no less than 300 dpi for halftone (photo) images, 600 dpi for composite images, and 1200 dpi for line art, and at no less than 1080px width. Most standard figure formats are acceptable, but .tiff or .png is recommended for halftone and composite images and .png for line art and vector graphics. Avoid imbedding images into Microsoft Word documents, as they will not reproduce well in publication. Images created with multiple layers should be flattened to a single layer prior to submission.

Multi-paneled figures should be supplied as a single file with each panel lettered clearly (eg, A, B, C). Avoid placing letters over shaded areas if possible. You can send queries about figure files to [email protected] .

Figure accessibility and alt text

Incorporating alt text (alternative text) when submitting your paper helps to foster inclusivity and accessibility. Good alt text ensures that individuals with visual impairments or those using screen readers can comprehend the content and context of your figures. The aim of alt text is to provide concise and informative descriptions of your figure so that all readers have access to the same level of information and understanding, and that all can engage with and benefit from the visual elements integral to scholarly content. Including alt text demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and enhances the overall impact and reach of your work.  

Alt-text is applicable to all images, figures, illustrations, photographs, and it isn’t required for tables and large datasets (unless the tables are provided as figures). 

Alt-text is only accessible via e-reader and so it won’t appear as part of the typeset article. 

Detailed guidance on how to draft and submit alt text . 

Appendixes should be numbered consecutively and placed at the very end of the manuscript after tables and figures. Use appendixes to provide essential material not suitable for figures, tables, or text. If appendixes exceed 3 manuscript pages, PTJ will recommend that they be treated as supplemental material.

PTJ hosts a variety of supplemental data that cannot be published within the article or that exceeds allowed word, table, or figure counts. Supplemental files can include tables, figures, appendixes, video clips, PowerPoint files, or Excel spreadsheets. The videos can be of patients, procedures, interventions, or any other relevant part of the study or case. (See PTJ Videos for recent examples.)

If a manuscript contains tables or figures that exceed PTJ 's maximum, you will be asked at submission to indicate which ones could be provided as supplementary material. To help the reader, PTJ recommends that Original Research, Trial Protocol, and Case Report authors submit supplementary materials such as study protocols, treatment manuals, detailed descriptions of evaluation and intervention procedures, treatment progression algorithms, etc.

Submit all material to be considered as supplementary material at the same time as you submit the main manuscript. Ensure that the supplementary material is referred to in the main manuscript at an appropriate point in the text. Supplementary material will not be copyedited, so please ensure that it is clearly and succinctly presented and that the style conforms with the main paper. If your supplementary material includes presentation slides, please ensure that they will work on any Internet browser. It is not recommended for supplementary files to be more than 2 MB each, although exceptions can be made at the Editorial Office’s discretion.

Preferred format for video clips is .mpg. Because of sophisticated compression techniques, .mpg files are much smaller than other formats for the same quality. These files also are compatible with both Windows Media Player (PC) and QuickTime (Mac). Other acceptable formats include: .mov (QuickTime Movie), .wmv (Windows Media Video), .mp4, and .avi (Audio Video Interleave). If the manuscript is accepted for publication, the video file will be converted to .mpg format and will accompany the final version of the article online.

File size . To minimize the time it takes for video files to download, the file size of the video should be as small as possible but large enough to still preserve clarity and sharpness.

• Minimum dimensions: 320 pixels wide by 240 pixels deep
• Maximum length: 5 minutes

Where applicable, include a citation to each video in the manuscript text and include the title (10–15 words maximum) and a legend for the video in the manuscript after the figure captions.

If patients are in the video, either they should not be identifiable or they must give written permission for you to include the video with your published article.  

Permissions to Reprint Tables and Figures From Other Sources

To reproduce any third-party material (eg, tables, figures, images) within their article, authors must obtain permission from the copyright holder and be compliant with any requirements the copyright holder may have pertaining to this reuse. When seeking to reproduce any kind of third-party material, authors should request the following:

• Nonexclusive rights to reproduce the material in the specified article and journal
• Electronic rights, preferably for use in any form or medium
• The right to use the material for the life of the work
• Worldwide English-language rights

PTJ is not able to accept permissions that carry a time limit because we retain journal articles as part of our online journal archive.

Third-party content in open access papers. If you plan to publish your paper under an open access license but the paper contains material for which you do not have open access reuse permissions, please state this clearly by supplying the following credit line alongside the material:

• Title of content. Author, original publication, year of original publication, by permission of [rights holder]. This image/content is not covered by the terms of the Creative Commons license of this publication. For permission to reuse, please contact the rights holder.

Within the text: references should be cited within the text, using consecutive numbers in superscript.

Reference list: References should be listed at the end of the manuscript and numbered consecutively, in order of citation in the manuscript. In-text citations and the references should match. If you use End Notes, please use version 6.0 or higher.

• Authors’ names are inverted, and use only initials for first and middle names. No periods between initials.
• In article titles, only the first word and proper nouns and abbreviations that are ordinarily capitalized are capitalized.
• Use accepted Index Medicus abbreviations of journal names (see the National Library of Medicine Catalog ).   
• For journals, don’t use issue numbers in parentheses after the volume number. 
• Hu P, Reuben DB. Effects of managed care on the length of time that elderly patients spend with physicians during ambulatory visits. Med Care . 2002;40:606-613.
• Geller AC, Venna S, Prout M, et al. Should the skin cancer examination be taught in medical school? Arch Dermatol . 2002;138:1201-1203. 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Licensure of a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo) and guidance for use--Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010. M MWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep . 2010;59(9):273.
• Gage BF, Fihn SD, White RH. Management and dosing of warfarin therapy. T he American Journal of Medicine . 2000;109(6):481-488. doi:10.1016/S0002-9343(00)00545-3.
• Aggleton JP. Understanding anterograde amnesia: disconnections and hidden lesions. Q J Exp Psychol. 2008;61(10):1441-1471. Available at: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=34168185&site=ehost-live. Accessed March 18, 2010.                        
• McKenzie BC. Medicine and the Internet: Introducing Online Resources and Terminology . 2nd ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 1997.      
• Guyton JL, Crockarell JR. Fractures of acetabulum and pelvis. In: Canale ST, ed. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby, Inc; 2003:2939-2984.           

Once accepted manuscripts have been sent to PTJ ’s publishing partner, Oxford University Press (OUP), authors are invited to complete an online copyright license-to-publish form. It is a condition of publication in PTJ that authors grant an exclusive license to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Please note that, by submitting an article for publication, you are confirming that: (1) you are the corresponding/submitting author, (2) OUP may retain your email address for the purpose of communicating with you about the article (eg, for transmitting article proofs), and (3) you agree to notify OUP immediately if your contact details change. If your article is accepted for publication, OUP will contact you using the email address you used in the submission process. 

Availability of Data and Materials

Where ethically feasible, PTJ strongly encourages authors to make all data and software code on which the conclusions of the paper rely available to readers. We suggest that data be presented in the main manuscript or additional supporting files, or deposited in a public repository whenever possible. For information on general repositories for all data types, and a list of recommended repositories by subject area, please see  Choosing where to archive your data .

Data Citation

PTJ supports the Force 11 Data Citation Principles and requires that all publicly available datasets be fully referenced in the reference list with an accession number or unique identifier such as a digital object identifier (DOI). Data citations should include the minimum information recommended by DataCite :

• [dataset]* Authors, Year, Title, Publisher (repository or archive name), Identifier

*The inclusion of the [dataset] tag at the beginning of the citation helps us to correctly identify and tag the citation. This tag will be removed from the citation published in the reference list.

PTJ ’s Publishing Model and Peer Review Process

PTJ is copublished by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Oxford University Press and is the official journal of APTA. As of January 2020, PTJ is an online-only journal published at https://academic.oup.com/ptj . Issues are published monthly, with related podcasts, videos, and supplementary data. Accepted articles are published under Advance Access ( https://academic.oup.com/ptj/advance-articles ) prior to publication in an issue. The site is fully searchable and contains all current and historical issues of PTJ (1921 through present). Content is free access from 1990 through to 12 months prior to current date.

APTA grants editorial freedom to the editor in chief, who is appointed by APTA’s Board of Directors. The views expressed in PTJ are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of APTA.

PTJ follows the code on good publication practice put forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics ( COPE ), the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors , and checklists and guidance from recognized sources such as the EQUATOR network .

Open Access Policy

PTJ offers the option of publishing under either a standard licence or an open access licence. Please note that some funders require open access publication as a condition of funding. If you are unsure whether you are required to publish open access, please do clarify any such requirements with your funder or institution.

Should you wish to publish your article open access, you should select your choice of open access licence in our online system after your article has been accepted for publication. You will need to pay an open access charge to publish under an open access licence.

Details of the open access licences and open access charges.

OUP has a growing number of Read and Publish agreements with institutions and consortia which provide funding for open access publishing. This means authors from participating institutions can publish open access, and the institution may pay the charge. Find out if your institution is participating.

Please note that you may be eligible for a discount to the open access charge based on society membership. Authors may be asked to prove eligibility for the member discount.

Deposit of Articles to Approved Public Repositories

On behalf of authors, PTJ and Oxford University Press will directly deposit content with declared funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the National Library of Medicine's PubMed Central (PMC). Funding information is collected at the time of article submission via ScholarOne.

For information on complying with other funder policies, please visit: https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies.

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Chapter 18:  Writing the Prognosis (A: PROGNOSIS)

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Introduction, factors influencing the prognosis.

• Justification for Patient Goals or Treatment Plan; Clarification of a Problem
• Future Services Needed
• Justification for Further Therapy
• Revision of Prognosis
• Summary and Objective
• Worksheet 1
• Worksheet 2
• Review Worksheet 1 Review Worksheet Patient/Client Managment Format: Writing the Evaluation
• Review Worksheet 2 The SOAP Format: Writing the Assessment (A)
• Full Chapter
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The therapist writes the Prognosis after completing the Examination, Evaluation, and Diagnosis. The therapist looks at the severity of the patient's activity and participation restrictions, impairments, the patient goals, patient and environmental factors, and predicts a level of improvement in activities and participation and the total amount of time needed to reach the level. 1

The Prognosis can be a portion of the Assessment (A) or Plan of Care (P) sections of a note. This varies by individual practice setting for a variety of reasons, including individual site preference and documentation program format. Check with your individual place of employment or clinical site to determine their documentation preference and/or policy for documenting the Prognosis portion of the note. For the purposes of this textbook, the Prognosis is the last portion of the Assessment (A) portion of the SOAP Note and is a separate section of the Patient/Client Management Note.

Case Patient: Mr. Torres

Location: Outpatient facility Medical Diagnosis: Grade I tear in right supraspinatus muscle (rotator cuff).

EVALUATION: Impairments: ↓ ® shoulder AROM, pain ® shoulder, weakness ® rotator cuff muscles. Activity & Participation Restrictions: Pt cannot reach into overhead cabinets or shelves or lift heavy tools (greater than 50# at times) needed for his job as a tree trimmer c̄ his ® UE. Cannot tolerate use of power tools c̄ his dominant ® UE. Personal factors: States he is motivated to return to work ASAP; no absences from work until current injury. Environmental Factors: Cannot return to full duty until he is able to lift tools (greater than 50#), operate equipment safely using bilat. UEs, and pass fit test; employer supportive of light duty.

DIAGNOSIS: The patient's ↓ ® shoulder AROM & strength are preventing him from being able to reach upward with his dominant arm & lift heavy tools (greater than 50#) to complete tasks required for him to return to full-duty work as a tree trimmer.

PROGNOSIS: Pt. has excellent potential to meet expected outcomes of therapy due to his excellent motivation to return to work, young age, no prior injury to the ® shoulder, & overall good physical conditioning prior to injury. Expected to progress to being able to successfully & safely complete light duty tasks for work in 3 wks & return to full duty in 6 wks.

The Prognosis is the part of the patient management process that only therapists write. As part of a discussion of the Prognosis, several kinds of information may be addressed. Each category of information is briefly described in the following sections. 1 , 2

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A Physical Therapy Student Semester Journey

The life of a doctor of physical therapy student is a blend of academic learning, hands-on experience, and personal growth. This article offers a glimpse into the semester journey of an IHP doctor of physical therapy student, highlighting the experiences that shape their journey.

Morning: Academic Learning

A typical day for a physical therapy student begins with academic coursework. In a flipped curricular model like the IHP's , students prepare in advance using several resources such as video guided lectures, guiding questions, and reading materials. This sets the foundation for classroom application activities.  

• Interactive Classes : Sessions often start with active learning classroom discussion involving interactive ways to assess student preparation such as polling games, team-based discussions and group activities.  
• Case-based learning : Students engage in case-based learning sessions, where each course is centered around patient case scenarios. Students then apply foundational, clinical, and behavioral content knowledge to solve real-world problems. This approach fosters critical thinking and collaborative skills.
• Lab Work : A DPT program should incorporate laboratory work into the curriculum, allowing students to practice hands-on skills such as manual therapy techniques, patient assessment, and therapeutic exercises. Labs offer a safe environment to learn and make mistakes under the supervision of faculty.

Clinical Skills and Experiential Learning

Students get multiple opportunities to develop clinical skills in a safe environment prior to going into their full time clinical experiences. These include:

• Simulation Labs : The MGH Institute of Health Professions DPT program utilizes simulation labs to help foster clinical decision-making skills among students. These labs mimic real-life clinical settings and scenarios, where students get to make real-time, in the moment clinical decisions in an ungraded and no stakes environment and get ample opportunities to receive feedback from experienced clinicians and faculty to improve their skills.
• Integrated Clinical Experiences: Right from the beginning of Year 1, students are immersed in the clinical environment where they get to simultaneously observe real-life patient care in various acute, inpatient, and outpatient settings while taking didactic courses  These experiences are critical to allow students to make direct connections with what they learn in the classroom to what they see in the clinic.  
• Specialty Electives : Students have the opportunity to take elective courses in areas of interest, such as sports physical therapy, pediatric physical therapy, manual therapy, complex medical conditions, adaptive sports or vestibular rehabilitation. These electives allow students to explore potential career paths and develop specialized skills.
• Capstone Projects: Engagement in capstone projects under faculty mentorship allow students to get one on one mentorship from experienced faculty and allow students to contribute to the advancement of their field.

Evening: Study and Self-Care

The evenings of a physical therapy student might be spent studying and engaging in self-care activities. This time could involve:

• Group Study Sessions : Collaborating with peers to review lecture notes, prepare for exams, or work on group assignments. These sessions reinforce learning and foster a sense of community among students.
• Clinical Case Studies : Reviewing and analyzing clinical case studies to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, preparing for clinical rotations.
• Self-Care : Participating in physical activities, attending wellness workshops, or simply resting. Physical therapy programs are demanding, and maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential for success.

Clinical Rotations

A significant part of the doctor of physical therapy student experience involves clinical rotations, which may occur throughout the program or be concentrated in the final years. During rotations, students:

• Apply Skills in Real Settings : Work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics , and rehabilitation centers, applying their skills with real patients.
• Experience Diverse Specialties : Are exposed to different specialties within physical therapy, gaining a well-rounded view of the profession.
• Develop Professionalism : Learn to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams, building the professionalism required in their future careers. 

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Physical Therapy Case Study

• identified the PICO components of your patient scenario,
• formulated a clinical question,
• found an appropriate article to answer your question,
• and critically appraised the article.

Now, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned to your patient.

For an accessible version of this activity, please refer to our document Step 4: Apply – Accessible Case Studies .

Evidence-Based Practice Copyright © by Various Authors - See Each Chapter Attribution is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Case Studies in Physical Therapy: Transitioning A "Hands-On" Approach into A Virtual Platform

Affiliation.

• 1 VIRTUAL PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA, USA.
• PMID: 30147842
• PMCID: PMC6095681
• DOI: 10.5195/ijt.2018.6253

Technology is expanding at an unprecedented rate. Because patients value the speed and convenience of the internet, there is an increasing demand for telemedicine. Practitioners must therefore adapt their clinical skills to evolving online technologies. This paper presents a series of three case studies in which a physical therapist first assessed and treated musculoskeletal disorders via a live, secure video. The basis of the mechanical assessment was observation of movement rather than palpation. In each case, the virtual mechanical assessment identified a specific sub-classification with a directional preference. All patients reported improvements in symptoms and function in less than four visits and all maintained a reduction in symptoms after three months. Given the "hands-off" role of the evaluator, this approach can become an effective tool in the evolving healthcare platform of telerehabilitation.

Keywords: McKenzie MDT; Musculoskeletal; Physical Therapy; Telerehabilitation.

Publication types

• Case Reports