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Human movement is a complex behavior within a specific context.

The movement system is the integration of body systems that generate and maintain movement at all levels of bodily function. Human movement is a complex behavior within a specific context, and is influenced by social, environmental, and personal factors.


Movement System Timeline

Movement System Diagnoses

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.

Download the Movement System Diagnosis Template

Interested parties are pursuing the development of movement system diagnoses. Some examples are:

Movement System Diagnoses for Balance Dysfunction: Recommendations From the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy’s Movement System Task Force

Use of Movement System Diagnoses in the Management of Patients With Neuromuscular Conditions: A Multiple-Patient Case Report

The Case for Developing a Movement System Framework for Older Adults

Overview of the Movement System Framework for Pediatric Physical Therapist Practice Fact Sheet


Additional Test Sub Landing Content

In the Ring: Supporting Athletes in Combat Sports

Oct 1, 2025 / Feature

Combat sports push athletes — and PTs — to their limits. Learn how PTs apply evidence-based care in unpredictable, high-risk environments.

Scrum and Recover: The PT Game Plan

Aug 1, 2025 / Feature

Intense collisions, complex injuries, and no pads: Why physical therapy is essential to the sport of rugby — and what it teaches us about recovery.

Weighty Matters: Physical Therapy and GLP-1 Medications

Aug 1, 2025 / Feature

What PTs need to know about working with patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists.

Physical Therapy's Role in Hospital at Home

Jul 1, 2025 / Feature

Hospital-level care is moving into patients’ homes — and PTs are helping lead the way in this evolving model.

Cancer Rehabilitation Month Champions Healing Beyond Treatment

Jun 2, 2025 / Perspective

Members of APTA Oncology share information and resources about Cancer Rehabilitation Month, a new public awareness campaign.

Defining Moment | Getting Older but Staying Active

May 1, 2025 / Column

One PT shares a different perspective on embracing activities typically associated with children.

56th McMillan Lecture: What Is at the Heart of Movement?

May 1, 2025 / Feature

Terry Nordstrom, PT, EdD, FAPTA, called on the profession to reduce the impact of health disparities.