In response to House of Delegates action (Management of the Movement System (HOD P06-15-25-24)), which states: "APTA endorses the development of diagnostic labels and/or classification systems that reflect and contribute to the physical therapists' ability to properly and effectively manage disorders of the movement system."
The APTA Board of Directors adopted a set of criteria to be used by any interested parties developing diagnostic systems/labels:
- Use recognized movement-related terms to describe the condition or syndrome of the movement system.
- Include, if necessary, the name of the pathology, disease, disorder, anatomical or physiological terms, and stage of recovery associated with the movement diagnosis.
- Be as succinct and direct as possible to improve clinical usefulness.
- Strive for movement system diagnoses that span all populations, health conditions, and the lifespan. Whenever possible, use similar movement-related terms to describe similar movements, regardless of pathology or other characteristics of the patient or client.