SPA Resouces - Clinical

SPA seeks to give members access to the most recent research materials and clinical resources. By the provision of quality clinical resources, SPA aims to provide members with best practice management for prevalent and relevant conditions in sports physiotherapy.

Evidence-based Clinical Statements give recommendations for best practice management of certain types of conditions (eg ankle injuries in sport). They are based on reviews of the evidence of ‘gold-standard’ research – randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses – into physiotherapy interventions for the treatment of relevant conditions.

Members can view these statements below or order copies online via the APA Shop.

SPA has the following statements available to members:

APA evidence-based clinical statements

Physiotherapy management of ankle injuries in sport

Designed to review the scientific evidence for the efficacy of physiotherapy in the management of the uncomplicated ankle sprain.

Evidence Regarding Therapeutic Exercise in Physiotherapy

A comprehensive review of world-wide research has found that exercise as therapy delivers greater benefits if the exercise is intensive, monitored by a health professional and tailored for specific needs.

Knee joint osteoarthritis

The APA has developed the following evidence-based clinical statement on the physiotherapy management of knee joint osteoarthritis, based on the available scientific evidence from systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials.

Physiotherapy treatments for patellofemoral pain

The APA has developed the following evidence-based clinical statement on the physiotherapy management of patellofemoral pain, based on the available scientific evidence from systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials.

APA position statements

Therapeutic exercise in physiotherapy

The aim of this review is to provide an updated evaluation of the evidence from systematic reviews that therapeutic exercise can be of benefit in reducing impairment, improving activity limitation and increasing societal participation for people who would be expected to consult with a physiotherapist.

Payment for professional services

Drafted in response to APA members highlighting issues in relation to the coverage of sporting events and traveling with sporting teams, but also other physiotherapy services.