Evolution of Physical Therapy Scholarship in the Philippines: A Scientometric Analysis of Peer-Reviewed Publications

ABSTRACT Introduction. The Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy began publication in 2021. The editorial board identified as a high-priority project to undertake a detailed analysis of current publishing practice among physical therapy researchers in the Philippines. Methods. This study systematically mined publications from Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed using the keywords “physical therapy” OR “physiotherapy” OR “physical therapist” OR “physiotherapist.” Results were further refined to only include English publications by authors from the Philippines. Publication, citation, collaboration, and text-co-occurrence network analysis were done using RStudio and VOSViewer. Results. A total of 122 publications from 1987 to 2022 were identified. Majority of the literature was primary studies (70.49%), secondary or review articles (13.93%) and proceedings of national and/or international conferences (10.65%). The most common and earliest collaborators of Filipino authors were from Australia, United States of America and Hong Kong. Five clusters of co-occurring keywords were identified: (1) case report, validity, function, mobility; (2) meta-analysis, systematic review, database, search; (3) perception, qualitative, barrier, value; (4) Evidence-based practice, attitude, need, confidence; and (5) COVID-19, pandemic, filipino, cross-sectional. Discussion. This study provides an overview and valuable guidance for physical therapy researchers, practitioners, educators, and policymakers to plan for the future direction of physical therapy research in the country. Stakeholders should consider the results of the study in identifying future projects to build capacity, develop research agendas and policy guidelines, and create collaborative opportunities to further improve physical therapy research productivity in the country

Fundamental Movement Skills Among Filipino Children With Down Syndrome

Impairments among individuals with Down syndrome (DS) include low muscle tone, decreased strength, poor postural control, and balance. Congenital heart defects and obesity are also common. In order to keep fit and prevent further complications, participation in physical activities is encouraged. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are necessary in sports and physical activity participation. There is a research gap in the area of FMS development among children with DS, particularly for Asian populations. This study aimed to describe FMS among a sample of Filipino children with DS. A descriptive observational study was conducted using a standardized protocol and criterion-referenced assessment procedure. The following variables were investigated: overhand throwing, catching, standing long jump, kicking, and running. Each variable was analyzed in terms of body components. The participants were grouped into three age groups: 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 years old. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis to test significant differences in the skills ratings of the age groups, with alpha level set at 0.05. The results showed significant differences in the skill components except leg-foot preparation and leg-foot action in kicking, arm preparation in catching, arm action in kicking, and arm preparation in standing long jump. The observed components that did not appear to have significant changes were related to balance and coordination deficits, as well as weakness of the trunk and legs. This may imply that physiotherapists need to address impairments in children with DS, focusing on coordination and balance problems as well as strengthening of trunk and legs. © 2010 Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.link_to_subscribed_fulltex