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Picture of a woman physical therapist working with an older woman of color. "Happy National Physical Therapy Month."

October is National Physical Therapy Month! This National Physical Therapy (PT) Month, we want to celebrate and acknowledge the fantastic work of Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), and PT educators. Himmelfarb Library is proud to provide resources to support PT research and learning to help further education and understanding within the field. Here are some great physical therapy resources provided by Himmelfarb Library:

Journals

Our journal collection includes some great PT titles! Here are just a few of what we offer:

  • American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: This journal publishes cutting-edge basic and clinical research, clinical case reports, and in-depth topical reviews of interest to rehabilitation professionals.
  • Current Sports Medicine Reports: The official clinical journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), this journal focuses entirely on clinical sports medicine, including aspects of physical therapy such as training, prevention, and rehabilitation, and sport-specific illness and injury.
  • Journal of Physical Therapy Education: This journal publishes works of discovery, application, and integration and enriches academic and clinical PT education with evidence-based decision-making processes to prepare learners, support faculty and clinicians, and inform administrators.
  • Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal (PTJ): This leading journal for research in PT and related fields publishes content for clinicians and scientists using a variety of interactive approaches to improve patient care.

Textbooks

We also have a great selection of textbooks on PT-related topics including human anatomy and mechanics, rehabilitation, evidence-based practice, exercise therapy, and patient care planning

Here’s a sample of textbooks from each of these topics:

Databases

Databases can be a great way to find journal articles, practice guidelines, and reviews! The following databases are great for physical therapy-related searches:

  • PEDro: Physiotherapy Evidence Database: Physiotherapy randomized trials, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines.
  • DiTA, Diagnostic Test Accuracy: PT database includes primary studies and systematic reviews evaluating diagnostic tests used by physical therapists.
  • CINAHL: Authoritative coverage of nursing and allied health literature.
  • PubMed: Health sciences articles including clinical, basic sciences, and public health information.
  • Scopus: Interdisciplinary citation and abstract database.

Software & Tech Tools

Our PT collection is much more than just a collection of journals, databases, and books. We also have some great software, apps, and other digital resources to support PT teaching and learning! 

  • BodyViz: Interactive 3D anatomy visualization tool that includes over 1,000 data sets from human and animal models in healthy and pathological states at different developmental stages.
  • Acland’s Video Atlas of Human Anatomy: 300+ videos of real human anatomic specimens in their natural colors.
  • NetAnatomy: Review basic concepts and study gross anatomy, radiographic anatomy, and cross-sectional anatomy.
  • Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas: View specific structures and layers from head to toe in this online anatomy atlas.
  • Bates Visual Guide to Physical Examination: Content and clinical skills videos covering head-to-toe and systems-based physical examination techniques.

Find more great PT resources on Himmelfarb’s Physical Therapy Research Guide

Image source.

Himmelfarb Library is excited to introduce the database Diagnostic Test Accuracy (DiTA)! DiTA indexes primary studies and systematic reviews evaluating diagnostic tests used by physical therapists. It provides access to citation information and links to full-text.

DiTA offers a robust search feature, including filters for body part and pathology. There is also a  “Browse” option in their Evidence in your inbox email. Sign up, and you’ll be sent the newest additions to the DiTA database. Speaking of additions, DiTA provides regular updates via their blog when new articles are added.

You can access DiTA in our Databases, under the Health Sciences/Allied Health section. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to us at himmelfarb@gwu.edu.