APTA's collection of evidence-based practice resources is always growing and includes everything from tests and measures to full-scale clinical practice guidelines, some of which have been developed through collaborations between APTA sections and the association itself.
Here's a roundup of recently added guidelines — all free to members.
COVID-19 Rapid Guideline: Managing the Long-term Effects of COVID-19. This U.K. guideline covers identifying, assessing, and managing the long-term effects of COVID-19, frequently described as "long COVID." It makes recommendations about care in all health care settings for adults, children, and young people who have new or ongoing symptoms lasting four weeks or more after onset of acute COVID-19.
Physical Therapy Management of Older Adults With Hip Fracture. This is the first clinical practice guideline on hip fracture designed specifically for the profession, thanks to a recent collaborative effort between the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, APTA Geriatrics, and APTA national, which provided funding and development support.
Management of Distal Radius Fractures. Developed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this clinical practice guideline includes recommendations related to home exercise programs and indication for fixation in both geriatric and nongeriatric patients.
2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. The American Heart Association updates this guidance document every five years.
Physical Therapy Management of Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder. This clinical practice guideline, developed by the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy of APTA, links 13 action statements with specific levels of evidence, along with recommendations for implementation.
WHO Guidelines on the Management of Chronic Pain in Children. The World Health Organization revised its 2012 guidelines for chronic or long-term pain management in children. The new version was expanded to include physical therapy and psychological interventions in acknowledgement of the “complex, multidimensional” nature of chronic pain.
Management of Osteoporosis and the Prevention of Fragility Fractures. This guideline, from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, is an update of a resource first created in 2015. It addresses risk factors for fracture; common tools for fracture risk assessment; approaches to targeting therapy; pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments to reduce fracture risk in different patient groups; treatment of painful vertebral fractures; and systems of care.
To browse more CPGs, visit the APTA Clinical Practice Guideline webpage. Use the "Search CPGs" function near the middle of the page.
