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...

News

APTA State Chapters Fuel Legislative Wins in 2025

Aug 6, 2025

As the 2025 legislative season has come to a close in most states, many APTA chapters achieved significant victories that improve payment, address provider

Article

Exciting Volunteer Opportunities Open Through Aug. 31

Aug 4, 2025

APTA is powered by members who step up, speak out, and drive the profession forward. Volunteering is not only a chance to influence the future of physical

News

APTA's Ongoing Advocacy on Payment Reform

Aug 4, 2025

Patients and providers are frustrated and angry. A broken Medicare system has failed to deliver high-quality care and provide needed payment levels so