Temerty Faculty of Medicine
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Research

The University of Toronto Department of Physical Therapy seeks to advance the teaching, science and practice of physical therapy as an essential part of individual health and inclusive, flourishing communities.  One of our strategic priorities is strengthening our shared scientific purpose. Our goal is to continually strengthen our already exceptional science, while advancing its social impact.  We will develop a shared focus for research and knowledge translation in physical therapy that supports function, health, well-being and societal participation, innovative approaches to practice, and models that foster greater access to high quality care.

The research activity also supports the research and learning of the MScPT student in a number of ways:

  • MScPT Research Projects
  • Curricular content (incorporating research results so that students have the most current evidence that is relevant to practice)
  • Curricular evaluation
  • Development of cases and unique training opportunities.

Annual Report

Chart data
Students Supervised Presentations Publications Ongoing peer-reviewed grants New peer-reviewed grants awarded
67 76 105 73 38

  1.  Five faculty currently hold prestigious research chairs and education scholarship fellowships:

    • Barbara Gibson Bloorview Kids Foundation Chair in Childhood Disability Studies
    • Nancy Salbach Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair at the University of Toronto
    • Kelly O’Brien Canada Research Chair - Tier 2, Specialty: Episodic Disability and Rehabilitation
    • Kristin Musselman Canada Research Chair - Tier 2, Specialty: Multi-morbidity and Complex Rehabilitation
    • Jay Shaw Canada Research Chair - Tier 2, Specialty: Responsible Health Innovation
    • Euson Yeung University of Toronto Teaching Fellowship, Topic: Learner Assessment

  2. Additionally, B. Gibson and K. O’Brien are members of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists and S. Jaglal is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Research Platforms

Healthy Development and Aging

The aim of this research platform is to strengthen and increase access to physical therapy, healthcare, and community systems that optimize the health and well-being of people across the lifespan.

Assessing Body Structure and Function

To determine the physiological and biomechanical mechanisms underlying impaired mobility and function associated with acute and chronic health conditions affecting children and adults.

Social, Political, Ethical & Cultural Dimensions of Health and Disability

To investigate and address the social, political, ethical and cultural forces that shape how health, disease, and disability are understood and addressed in healthcare and rehabilitation and in various communities and societies.

Digital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

To establish and translate evidence involving innovative virtual rehabilitation approaches for advancing education and implementation of rehabilitation assessment and interventions for people living with chronic conditions.

Programs of Research

Faculty are engaged in various programs of research that focus on developing tools and methods for preventing, treating, and supporting individuals living with injury, illness, and disability.

MScPT Student Research

Students are provided with the opportunity to develop foundational knowledge of the concepts as well as learn to apply this knowledge and develop their skills.