PTJ (Physical Therapy), APTA's scientific journal, has always been one of the most influential publications in the rehabilitation and orthopedic research fields, and now its influence is stronger than ever.

According to Journal Citation Reports, the frequency with which the average PTJ article is cited by other articles in a particular year — its "impact factor" — made significant gains in 2019. The increase makes PTJ number eight out of 68 rehabilitation journals and number 17 out of 82 orthopedic journals. The JCR rating continues a pattern of growth for PTJ, which also improved its five-year impact factor.

A journal's impact factor is used by many researchers to decide where to publish their work.  

"PTJ’s increasing impact factor is a direct result of the hard work of our editorial team, dedicated journal staff, our publishing partner, Oxford University Press, and, of course, above all, our contributing authors," said Editor-in-Chief Alan Jette, PT, PhD, FAPTA. "The diversity of types of articles being highly cited and being mentioned on social media indicates the depth and breadth of PTJ’s content and reach."

The most-cited work published in the journal during 2019 is featured on a special PTJ webpage. 

While 2019 was a positive one for PTJ, 2020 is shaping up to be a year of even more growth, as the journal has responded to the coronavirus pandemic by fast-tracking publication of content related to COVID-19 while at the same maintaining high standards in peer review. PTJ has also established a PTJ COVID-19 Virtual Issue while continuing to publish articles on non-COVID related topics and adding to its list of podcast offerings.

PTJ also has expanded its reach through a greater social media presence, an effort overseen by Jason Falvey, PT, DPT, PhD, PTJ's associate editor for social media.

An early social media adapter and long-time contributor to PTJ, Falvey most recently published “The Essential Role of Home and Community-Based Physical Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” a Point of View article that generated controversy and conversation across the globe.

“I am delighted that Jason Falvey is joining the PTJ Editorial Board," said Jette. “He brings extensive social media savvy — something that's especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when we need to get information and emerging evidence into the hands of rehabilitation professionals working on the front lines of patient care."