Aims & Scope
The Journal of Physiotherapy Research (JOPTR) is an open access, peer-reviewed physiotherapy research journal published by Directive Publications. It disseminates rigorous, original scholarship across musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory and sports physiotherapy, advancing evidence-based practice for clinicians, researchers, educators and students in physical therapy and rehabilitation science worldwide.
The journal welcomes original research articles, randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, clinical case reports, technical notes and editorials. Core topics include therapeutic and exercise therapy, manual therapy, low back and neck pain management, post-surgical and orthopaedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury, pain science, posture and movement, telerehabilitation, and validated outcome measures such as disability indices and pressure pain thresholds.
JOPTR serves physiotherapists, rehabilitation scientists, exercise physiologists and allied health professionals seeking robust, reproducible findings that bridge laboratory, clinic and community settings. Methodologically diverse quantitative and qualitative work is encouraged, with transparent reporting and clinically meaningful outcomes prioritised.
Every submission undergoes double-blind peer review. Accepted articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY 4.0) licence with authors retaining copyright. The journal follows COPE ethical principles.
Subject Coverage
Journal of Physiotherapy Research welcomes original research, reviews, and case reports across the following core areas:
Research Topics
Core subject areas published in Journal of Physiotherapy Research — explore related research across our journals.
Articles
LiDAR Measured Curve Reduction in Adult Scoliosis: A Case Report
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics does the Journal of Physiotherapy Research cover?
JOPTR covers the full breadth of physiotherapy and rehabilitation science, including musculoskeletal and orthopaedic physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation (stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson disease), exercise and manual therapy, sports and pain physiotherapy, telerehabilitation and digital interventions, cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, and physiotherapy education. Studies on low back pain, neck pain, posture, movement and validated outcome measures are especially welcome.
Who should read and publish in the Journal of Physiotherapy Research?
JOPTR is intended for physiotherapists, rehabilitation scientists, exercise physiologists, sports medicine and allied health professionals, educators and postgraduate students.
What article types does JOPTR accept?
The journal accepts original research articles, randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, clinical case reports, technical and clinical notes, and editorials. Both quantitative and qualitative physiotherapy research are considered, provided the methods are sound and outcomes are clinically meaningful.
How do I submit a manuscript to the Journal of Physiotherapy Research?
Prepare your physiotherapy manuscript according to the author guidelines and submit it through the journal's online submission page. Reporting checklists appropriate to your study design (for example CONSORT for trials or PRISMA for systematic reviews) are encouraged. The editorial team performs an initial scope and quality check before assigning reviewers.
Does the Journal of Physiotherapy Research use peer review?
Yes. Every submission to JOPTR undergoes double-blind peer review, in which the identities of authors and reviewers are concealed from each other to support impartial, evidence-based assessment. The journal follows COPE ethical principles for publication integrity.
Is JOPTR open access, and what are the publishing charges?
JOPTR is fully open access. Accepted articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY 4.0) licence with authors retaining copyright, and are free for anyone to read worldwide. An article-processing charge applies on acceptance, with waivers and discounts available; please contact the editorial office for current details and eligibility.
How does the Journal of Physiotherapy Research differ from other physiotherapy journals?
JOPTR combines true open access (CC-BY, author-retained copyright), double-blind peer review and broad coverage spanning musculoskeletal, neurological, sports and digital rehabilitation.