2 APRIL, 2025
Evolving sports physiotherapy standards
As featured in Constantinou M. 2025. Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy Magazine, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Issue 1, March, p23.
As sports and exercise physiotherapists working in dynamic and ever-changing environments, our training, skills and competencies must be of the highest standard to meet the needs of our athletes and clients. In 2003 the Sports Physiotherapy Competencies and Standards were first developed under the Sports Physiotherapy for. All project by a group of forward-thinking researchers, educators and clinicians. Funded by a grant from the European Union, these. competencies have underpinned the sports physiotherapy career pathway for 12 member organisations within the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT), including Australia (Bulley et al 2005). At the time of writing, the IFSPT has awarded. approximately 300 sports physiotherapists from said organisations with the title of Registered International Sports Physical Therapist. (Patterson et al 2021). Many international sports physiotherapy master’s programs have also developed courses that are designed. to meet the Sports Physiotherapy Competencies and Standards.
26 MARCH, 2025
Welcome to Updating your Competencies in Sports Physiotherapy E-Learning Courses!
SportsComp (Higher Education to Improve Competency in Sports Physiotherapy) is an Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership project implemented during September 2023 – August 2026. Project aims to increase the quality of sports physiotherapy education and profession through competence development. During the first year of the project, the international competencies for sports physiotherapists were updated and used as a basis for the development of three e-learning courses. Currently, the project implementation is moving towards piloting two of the developed e-learning courses at EQF level 7. Both courses include 5 ECTS Credits (135 hours of independent study) and are implemented in English. The purpose of the piloting phase is to receive participant feedback for finalising the development work and to validate the courses for their publication and future use.
The e-learning course pilots will run from 15 September to 15 December 2025. Courses will use a digital learning environment Moodle with registrant access given to enrolled participants. Courses include three scheduled and recorded webinars, otherwise learning is self-paced via Moodle.
Participation to the e-learning course pilots is voluntary and free of charge for the participants. Courses will be assessed pass / fail basis. After successfully completing the course / courses, participants will receive a certificate of completion. By participating to the piloting, you have an excellent opportunity to develop your skills based on the updated international sport physiotherapy competencies.
Please note that in order to participate, you need to fulfill the following criteria:
- You need to be a sport physiotherapist / physiotherapist (field expert), master level sports physiotherapy / physiotherapy student (EQF level 7) or a sports physiotherapy / physiotherapy teacher,
- You need to have minimum of B2 level English skills,
- You need to have solid digital skills.
Advancing Sports Physiotherapy Competencies through the SportsComp Project: Insights from Work Package 2
SportsComp Work Package 2 Final Report has been published. Work Package 2 (WP 2) was led by VUB and implemented 1.9.2023-31.7.2024. It focused on reviewing and updating the existing sports physiotherapy competencies at EQF level 7.
Introduction
This report outlines the findings of a collaborative effort to update the competencies of sports physiotherapists to reflect modern demands. The project aims to align the sports physiotherapy profession with the European Qualifications Framework level 7. These updates are crucial for advancing education and professional standards in sports physiotherapy. The outcomes of WP 2 form the basis for the development of new educational tools, including innovative e-learning courses.
The WP2 report further details the multi-phase research process that was used to update the international competency profile for sports physiotherapists. This included a Delphi study involving experts worldwide, conducted in three rounds to achieve consensus on critical competencies. The WP2 also included a qualitative phase, consisting of focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders, such as athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals. This qualitative data provided valuable insights into both the technical and interpersonal skills needed in sports physiotherapy. The feedback emphasized the importance of cultural competence, effective communication, and adaptability, alongside core clinical skills like injury assessment and management.
The updated competencies reflect a broad range of essential areas. These include, but are not limited to, injury prevention, rehabilitation, acute care, performance enhancement, ethical practice, and cultural competence. The revised competencies are designed to equip sports physiotherapists with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the evolving challenges in sports and healthcare systems globally.
The work of WP 2 serve as the foundation for three e-learning courses, which are currently being developed in Work Package 3, and will finally be piloted in Work Package 4 to ensure that sports physiotherapists remain at the forefront of best practice.
The SportsComp project (Higher education to improve competency in Sports Physiotherapy) is an Erasmus+ Cooperation partnership project that started 1.9.2023 and will finish on 30.8.2026. The project consortium consists of five organisations: Jamk University of Applied Sciences, University of Tartu, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, University of Thessaly, and the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy.
Project aims to increase the quality of sports physiotherapy education and profession through competence development. Project enhances the excellence of sports physiotherapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation education, and supports the improvement of the European health care and sports systems. Project is divided into five Work Packages, which focus on the long-term competence development the academia, students, and professionals by updating sports physiotherapy competences for the higher education and physiotherapy organisations.
Bruno Tassignon, Emilie Dick and Carlo Ramponi pose with the final SportsComp poster at the Fifth World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy.
UPDATE:
SportsComp – project Consensus meeting at Brussels 24-26.4.2024
The second SportsComp Erasmus+ project face-to-face meeting started at Vrije Universitat Brussel (VUB), Belgium, joined by all project partners of Tartu Ulikool (TU), Panespistimio Thessalias (UTH), Jamk University of Applied Sciences (Jamk) and the Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT).
The focus of the 3-day event is to select the updated sports physiotherapy competences on which the consortium has worked on since September 2023 (EQF level 7). The selected competencies of Work Package 2 will be used in developing three e-learning courses in sports physiotherapy in 2024, followed by piloting in 2025.
Stay tuned for further results from the meeting.
Higher education to improve competency in Sports Physiotherapy (SportsComp, 2023-1-FI01-KA220-HED-000155843) Erasmus+ Cooperation partnership project is led by Jamk and started in September 2023. The aim of the project is to update the existing sports physiotherapy competences and place them into immediate practice for long-term impact.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN SPORTS
Unlock the power of diversity and inclusion in sports with our multidimensional course, "Diversity and Inclusion in Sports," starting autumn 2025. This 5 ECTS Credits course at EQF level 7 is designed for physiotherapists who aim to excel in culturally complex sports settings. Dive into topics like cultural competence, equity, and ethical care, and learn to navigate and promote inclusivity in sports. Enhance your skills to communicate and collaborate effectively with athletes, coaches, and support personnel from diverse backgrounds. Flexible scheduling and online format make it accessible for full-time and part-time learners globally.
The course includes six comprehensive modules: Introduction to Diversity and Inclusion in Sports, Cultural Competence in Sports, Barriers to Inclusion in Sports, Inclusive Practices in Physiotherapy (Skills and Policies), and Ethical Considerations for Physiotherapists. Engage in interactive training modules, scenario-based simulations, and group discussions to ensure a deep understanding of key concepts. Successful completion of the course will be recognized in students’ Transcript of Records, providing a qualification that demonstrates your ability to work effectively with diverse athletes from different cultural backgrounds. Ready to make a difference? Enroll now and be part of the change!
COURSE OVERVIEW:
FROM RESEARCH TO INNOVATION IN SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE
From Research to Innovation in Sports Physiotherapy Practice Course
Transform your approach to sports physiotherapy with our cutting-edge course, From Research to Innovation in Sports Physiotherapy Practice, launching in autumn 2025. This 5 ECTS Credits course at EQF Level 7 is designed for physiotherapists eager to integrate the latest research and innovations into their practice. Gain advanced insights into research methodology, statistics, and the role of artificial intelligence in sports. Learn to critically evaluate research papers and translate findings into practical applications, ensuring evidence-based care for athletes of all ages and abilities. Flexible scheduling and an online format make this course accessible to learners worldwide.
The course comprises six dynamic modules: Introduction to Research Methodology, Translating Research into Practice, Innovation in Physiotherapy, Evidence-Based Practice, Implementation and Evaluation of Innovations, and Professional Development and Future Trends. Engage in interactive training, scenario-based simulations, and group discussions to deepen your understanding. Upon successful completion, your achievements will be reflected in your Transcript of Records, showcasing your ability to navigate and apply research and innovation in sports physiotherapy. Ready to elevate your practice and lead the way in athlete care? Enroll today!
COURSE OVERVIEW:
DECISION-MAKING IN INJURY PREVENTION AND RETURN TO SPORT
Enhance your skills in sports injury management with our specialized course, Decision-making in Injury Prevention and Return to Sport, launching in autumn 2024. This 5 ECTS Credits course at EQF Level 7 is designed for physiotherapists who want to master the art of guiding athletes through injury prevention and rehabilitation. Explore decision-making theories, clinical reasoning, and cognitive biases, and learn to apply evidence-based strategies to ensure athletes' health and peak performance. The course is flexible and fully online, making it accessible to learners worldwide.
Dive into six detailed modules: Foundations of Decision-making in Sports Injury Prevention and RTS, Risk Assessment and Injury Prevention Strategies, Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Decision-making, Data-Driven Decision-making in Sports Injury Management, Psychosocial Factors in Injury Prevention and RTS, and Ethical and Legal Considerations in Decision-making. Participate in interactive training, scenario-based simulations, and group discussions to deepen your understanding. Upon successful completion, your achievements will be reflected in your Transcript of Records, showcasing your ability to make informed, ethical decisions in sports injury management. This course will be available in Fall 2025.
WORK PACKAGE TWO RESULTS SHARED AT WORLD CONGRESS OF SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY
During the Fifth World Congress of Sports Physiotherapy (WCSPT) held in Oslo June 14-15, SportsComp presented its project’s Work Package 2 (WP 2) findings.
Advancing Sports Physiotherapy Education through the SportsComp Erasmus+ Project: Insights from the preliminary project’s Phase 2 results.
Find the complete poster here>
The SportsComp Team has just started working on the WP 3, which focuses on the design of e-learning courses in sports physiotherapy based on the WP 2 results. Partners are currently designing the course descriptions, which should be ready the end of August. The e-learning courses at EQF level 7 will be then piloted in 2025 in WP 4.
Stay tuned for further updates on the process!
NEWSLETTER January 9, 2024
SportsComp Erasmus+ Project: WP 2.3 Tutoring Activity for Focus Groups and Interviews
The SportsComp Erasmus+ Project, a pioneering initiative funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, conducted a productive and insightful online meeting on the 21st of December 2023, uniting the Work Package 2.3 (WP 2.3) partners from Jamk University of Applied Sciences (Jamk), Tartu Ulikool (UT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), University of Thessaly (UTH), and the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT).
The meeting served as a pivotal moment for the project, centering on the current WP, where crucial discussions and decisions unfolded regarding the Focus Groups and Interviews (conduction, analysis and reporting). Participants engaged deeply in exploring the methodology inherent to WP 2.3, laying the foundation for a robust and comprehensive approach.
- More precisely, the agenda of the tutoring activity included
- Methodology of focus groups/interviews studies
- Instructions for focus groups/interviews studies - conduction
- Focus groups/interviews practice
- Instructions for focus groups/interviews studies - analysis and report
- WP2.3 timetable and plan of meeting(s)
A key highlight of the activity was the meticulous definition of the analysis methodology, a pivotal step towards ensuring accuracy and reliability in the project's outcomes.
In our effort towards progress, the participants collectively established a comprehensive timetable for WP 2.3. This strategic roadmap ensures alignment and cohesion among the partners, setting the stage for efficient and timely project completion.
Posted October 30, 2023
Our Erasmus+ Project, Higher education to improve competency in Sports Physiotherapy, SportsComp, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, held the first face-to-face kick-off meeting at Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland, during 25-27.10.2023. Meeting was joined by all project partners of Tartu Ulikool (TU), Vrije Universitet Brussel (VUB), Panespistimio Thessalias (UTH), and the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT). During the three days, experts focused on building joint aims for the five Work Packages with the finalisation of administrative, communication and dissemination actions to be carried out throughout the project duration of 36 months. In addition, experts started to ideate the creation of e-learning courses in sports physiotherapy and continued co-developing the on-going Work Package 2, Updating the sports physiotherapy competencies at EQF level 7, which is due to be finalised in summer 2024.
The next project consortium meeting is planned for Brussels, held by the Vrije Universitet Brussel (VUB) in April 2024 along with the aims of the Work Package 2.
Posted October 30, 2023