Are Recommended Components of the IFOMPT Cervical Framework Presented in US Physical Therapist Entry-Level Programs?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report whether recommended components of The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) Cervical Framework are presented in entry-level curricula. DESIGN: Descriptive survey. METHODS: Faculty responsible for instructing musculoskeletal vascular screening in doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs in the United States were recruited via e-mail to participate in a survey recording: (1) faculty qualifications; (2) IFOMPT Framework understanding, agreement, and integration, and (3) components presented in entry-level curricula. RESULTS: E-mail recruitment resulted in 106 final completed faculty responses. Most respondents (83%) were aware of the IFOMPT Framework. Using a 6-point sliding scale from 0 (none) to 5 (maximum), faculty-rated understanding (median = 4), agreement (median = 4), and integration of the IFOMPT Framework into DPT curricula (median = 4). Despite recommendations to remove positional/provocative testing, 55 respondents continued to teach these techniques. CONCLUSION: Most respondents were familiar with the IFOMPT Framework; however, variability exists in which recommended subjective and objective components were taught. JOSPT Open 2024;2(2):99-105. Epub 14 February 2024. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.1024