Skip to main content

The Research Agenda for Physical Therapy expands on our profession's continued advancement and considers current issues, new innovations, and forward-thinking viewpoints. The research agenda outlines research priorities that are vital to advancing physical therapist practice and the profession. The development of the research agenda included multiple iterative steps and feedback from stakeholders.

The agenda has 6 key areas of focus: population health research, mechanistic research, clinical research, education and professional development research, health services research, and workforce research. Researchers, funding agencies, and public policy makers can use the research agenda to concentrate research efforts around these areas.

For more on the development of the research agenda, go to PTJ Article page.

View the APTA Research Agenda infographic below or download the full infographic PDF.

Download


You Might Also Like...

Column

Editor's Update | Evolving How We Deliver Our Stories

Dec 1, 2025

How member feedback is shaping APTA Magazine’s transition to a more timely, digital-forward way of sharing stories.

Article

Breaking Barriers to Care: APTA’s Report on Direct Access to Physical Therapy

Dec 1, 2025

APTA's new report highlights the association's ongoing fight for direct access.

Column

Success Story | Advancing Endurance Performance

Dec 1, 2025

A comprehensive, research-driven approach helps a young athlete achieve elite-level running goals.