PT

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy (PTJ) is a journal focused on physical therapy and rehabilitation. It publishes research and scholarly content across areas such as musculoskeletal, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiovascular and pulmonary care, health services, implementation science, and related professional and clinical topics. The journal is published for the American Physical Therapy Association and is available on Oxford Academic.

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Subject Orthopedics, Rehabilitation
Impact Factor 3.3
Quartile Q1
Open Access Type Closed
ISSN 0031-9023
eISSN 1538-6724
Invitation Only No
Cost Range Institutional online-only access: £192.00 / $308.00 / €242.00 for a 2026 subscription.

Submission Instructions

Physical Therapy accepts the following article types. Click on an article type to view submission instructions.

Reviews

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Data Sources, Study Selection, Data Extraction and Synthesis, Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, with a Discussion subsection titled "Limitations" and Methods subheadings Data Sources and Searches, Study Selection, Data Extraction and Quality Assessment, Data Synthesis and Analysis, and Role of the Funding Source. Word count and the registration number should be stated on the abstract page, and after the conclusion the unmasked manuscript must include acknowledgments including the role of AI if any, funding support and the role of the funder or funders, and a potential conflict-of-interest statement.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end in the same numerical order.
Figures & Tables There should be no more than a combined total of 6 tables and figures, with additional tables and figures allowed as supplementary material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, and images should not be embedded into Microsoft Word documents. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively based on where they are cited in the text, and alt text should be included for images, figures, illustrations, and photographs.
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Systematic Reviews

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Data Sources, Study Selection, Data Extraction and Synthesis, Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, with a Discussion subsection titled "Limitations" and Methods subheadings for Data Sources and Searches, Study Selection, Data Extraction and Quality Assessment, Data Synthesis and Analysis, and Role of the Funding Source. The abstract page must state the registration number and the manuscript word count.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in the same numerical order.
Figures & Tables There should be no more than a combined total of 6 tables and figures, with additional tables and figures allowed as supplementary material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, and images should not be embedded into Microsoft Word documents.
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Scoping Reviews

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Evidence Review, Findings, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." The abstract page must state the registration number and the manuscript word count.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in the same numerical order.
Figures & Tables There should be no more than a combined total of 6 tables and figures, with additional tables and figures allowed as supplementary material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, and images should not be embedded into Microsoft Word documents.
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Meta-Analyses

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Data Sources, Study Selection, Data Extraction and Synthesis, Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, with a Discussion subsection titled "Limitations" and Methods subheadings Data Sources and Searches, Study Selection, Data Extraction and Quality Assessment, Data Synthesis and Analysis, and Role of the Funding Source. The abstract page must state the registration number and the manuscript word count.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end in the same numerical order.
Figures & Tables There should be no more than a combined total of 6 tables and figures, with additional tables and figures allowed as supplementary material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, and images should not be embedded into Microsoft Word documents. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively based on their first citation in the text.
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Clinical Trials

Cover Letter A cover letter is required if there was a substantial delay between trial registry submission and registry posting. The cover letter must explain any substantial delay between submission to the trial registry and registry posting.
Abstract An abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract headings must be Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." The abstract page must include the manuscript word count, the Methods section must include a subsection titled "Role of the Funding Source," the trial registration number must be placed under the abstract, and these manuscripts should not be anonymized at first submission.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in the same numerical order.
Figures & Tables The combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, with additional tables and figures allowed as supplemental material. Additional tables and figures may be provided as supplemental material.
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Diagnostic Studies

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract headings must be Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions, and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding the abstract and references, and the manuscript word count must be provided on the abstract page. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." Methods must include a subsection titled "Role of the Funding Source," and after the conclusion the unmasked manuscript must include acknowledgments including the role of AI if any, funding support and the role of the funder or funders, and a potential conflict-of-interest statement.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in the same numerical order.
Figures & Tables The combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, and additional tables and figures may be provided as supplemental material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively based on where they are cited in the text, and alt text must be included for images, figures, illustrations, and photographs.
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Measurement Property Evaluation Studies

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract is required and must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions, and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references, and the manuscript word count must be provided on the abstract page. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." Methods must include a subsection titled "Role of the Funding Source," and after the conclusion the unmasked version must include acknowledgments including the role of AI if any, funding support and the role of the funder or funders, and a potential conflict-of-interest statement.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in corresponding numerical order.
Figures & Tables The combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, and additional tables and figures may be provided as supplemental material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, while images should not be embedded into Microsoft Word documents. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively based on where they are cited in the text.
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Mixed-Methods Studies

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract is required and must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured using specified headings. Abstract must include the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions, and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references, and the manuscript word count must be provided on the abstract page. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." Methods must include a subsection titled "Role of the Funding Source," and after the conclusion the unmasked version must include acknowledgments including the role of AI if any, funding support, and a potential conflict-of-interest statement.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be numbered consecutively in the text using superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript.
Figures & Tables The combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, and additional tables and figures may be provided as supplemental material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, and appendixes must be uploaded as supplementary material rather than published within the article. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively based on where they are cited in the text.
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Observational Studies

Cover Letter Co-first authors and co-corresponding authors must be specified in the cover letter.
Abstract Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions, and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references, and the manuscript word count must be provided on the abstract page. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." After the conclusion in the unmasked version, include acknowledgments including the role of AI if any, funding support and the role of the funder or funders, and a potential conflict-of-interest statement.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in matching numerical order.
Figures & Tables The combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, and additional tables and figures may be provided as supplemental material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, while additional tables and figures may be uploaded as supplementary material. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively based on where they are cited in the text.
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Program Evaluation

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must include the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions, and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references, and the manuscript word count must be provided on the abstract page. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." Methods must include a subsection titled "Role of the Funding Source."
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in numbered order.
Figures & Tables Combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, with additional tables and figures allowed as supplemental material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, and appendixes must be uploaded as supplementary material rather than published within the article. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively based on the order they are cited in the text.
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Qualitative Studies

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract is required and must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured using specified headings. Abstract must include the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions, and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references, and the manuscript word count must be provided on the abstract page. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." Methods must include a subsection titled "Role of the Funding Source."
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in numerical order.
Figures & Tables The combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, with additional tables and figures allowed as supplemental material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, while additional tables and figures may be provided as supplemental material.
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Quality Improvement Studies

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must include the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions, and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding abstract and references, and the manuscript word count must be provided on the abstract page. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." Methods must include a subsection titled "Role of the Funding Source."
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end in the same numerical order.
Figures & Tables The combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, and additional tables and figures may be provided as supplemental material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, while additional tables and figures may be submitted as supplemental material.
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Single-Subject Or Single-Case Research

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract is required and must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured using specified headings. Abstract headings must be Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions, and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer excluding the abstract and references, and the manuscript word count must be provided on the abstract page. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." Methods must include a subsection titled "Role of the Funding Source," and after the conclusion the unmasked version must include acknowledgments including the role of AI if any, funding support and funder role, and a potential conflict-of-interest statement.
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in matching numerical order.
Figures & Tables The combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, and additional tables and figures may be provided as supplemental material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, while additional tables and figures may be uploaded as supplementary material. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively in the order they are cited in the text, and alt text must be included for images, figures, illustrations, and photographs.
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Research Letters

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract is not permitted for Research Letters.
Manuscript Manuscript must be 1000 words or fewer, excluding the title page, acknowledgments, figure/table legend, and references. Manuscript may use only the headings Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion, with no subheadings. After the conclusion in the unmasked version, include acknowledgments including any AI role, funding support and funder role, and a potential conflict-of-interest statement.
References Manuscript may include no more than 10 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed at the end of the manuscript in numerical order.
Figures & Tables Manuscript may include no more than 2 figures or small tables. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, while additional figures and tables may be submitted as supplementary material only within the article-type limits and restrictions. Figures and tables must be numbered consecutively in the order cited in the text.
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Case Report

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract is required and must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions, and Relevance.
Manuscript Main body must be 5000 words or fewer, excluding the abstract and references, and the manuscript word count must be provided on the abstract page. Manuscript must contain Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include a subsection titled "Limitations." Title must end with the subtitle "Case Report," and the Methods section must include a subsection titled "Role of the Funding Source."
References Manuscript must include no more than 75 references. References must be cited in the text using consecutive superscript numbers and listed in matching numerical order at the end of the manuscript.
Figures & Tables Combined total of tables and figures must not exceed 6, with additional tables and figures allowed as supplemental material. Tables should be placed together at the end of the manuscript, while additional tables and figures may be provided as supplemental material.
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Recent Publications

Implementation of a Gait and Balance Battery of Outcome Measures in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital

Leah Ling, Randy Carson, Geneviève N Olivier, Margaret A French

10.1093/ptj/pzag059
View Publication

Efficacy of Physical Therapy Interventions Delivered With Home Exercise Programs for Pain and Function in Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Zelin Li, Siyi He, Jiaqi Wu, Zhaoying Zhu, Ling Chen, Wei Lu

10.1093/ptj/pzag056
View Publication

Maximizing the Opportunity for Skin Cancer Screening in Physical Therapy

Michael Robinson

10.1093/ptj/pzag057
View Publication

A Mixed Methods Exploratory Study of Availability, Compliance, and Inclusivity of Technical Standards in United States Professional Physical Therapist Education Programs

Amanda Sharp, Jesse Miller, Benjamin Case, Deana Herrman

10.1093/ptj/pzag055
View Publication

Role of Thai Boxing Dance Program on Fall Prevention and Physical Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults at Risk: A Randomized Controlled Study

Pattanasin Areeudomwong, Wiriya Mahikul, Siriyaporn Khunthason, Yadanuch Boonyaratana, Vitsarut Buttagat

10.1093/ptj/pzag054
View Publication

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to publish?

Median days from submission to first decision, median days from submission to final decision, and median days from acceptance to publication are used as peer review and production timing metrics.

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Is a cover letter required?

A cover letter is required in some cases. Co-first authors and co-corresponding authors must be specified in the cover letter. Clinical trials and trial protocols should explain substantial delays between trial registry submission and posting in the cover letter. Authors uploading related papers should include a cover letter explaining how the new submission is separate and distinct.

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What are the publication costs?

Institutional online-only access: £192.00 / $308.00 / €242.00 for a 2026 subscription.

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Research Topics

Occupational Therapy Practice and Research Educational Robotics and Engineering Human auditory perception and evaluation Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rehabilitation Diverse Scientific and Economic Studies Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation Medical Case Reports and Studies Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention Myofascial pain diagnosis and treatment Musicians’ Health and Performance Urban and spatial planning Sports injuries and prevention Muscle activation and electromyography studies Diversity and Impact of Dance Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Children's Physical and Motor Development Shoulder Injury and Treatment Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology Neurology and Historical Studies Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes Neurogenetic and Muscular Disorders Research Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders

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