The Ontario Physiotherapy Association supports research in a number of ways. These include:
Publishing and circulating requests for research participants.
Sending letters of support for members applying for research grants.
Providing a forum for research knowledge dissemination at our conference, InterACTION.
Attending and presenting at conferences.
Want OPA to help you recruit research participants? Complete the form below and we will be in touch about disseminating your research participant request.
Participate in the research requests listed below. Also, share the request with clients/patients as needed.
Submit a proposal to speak at OPA’s conference. Stay tuned for more information about InterACTION 2027.
OPA has a resource to help the physiotherapy community access the latest research through various databases. Check out what’s available to you as an OPA/CPA member.
OPA values evidence-based practice and research that advances the profession and supports health system innovation. Check out current research requests and participate!
Open to: Physiotherapists
University of Toronto MScPT candidates are studying Canadian physiotherapists’ practice patterns in assessing and managing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in outpatient musculoskeletal settings. Findings will support earlier recognition, diagnosis, and improved management of axSpA.
Registered physiotherapists in Canada working in adult outpatient musculoskeletal settings are invited to participate. Findings will identify knowledge gaps, inform targeted education, and support earlier recognition and optimal management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in clinical practices.
The deadline to participate is May 31, 2026.
Contact Laura Passalent Laura.Passalent@uhn.ca with any questions.
Open to: Physiotherapists
This study is to understand clinicians’ perspectives on using technology in assessing children with motor coordination difficulties. Findings will highlight current practices, identify barriers to adoption, and explore tools for sensorimotor assessment. Information will help guide future research.
This research is important for physiotherapy because it explores how technology can support assessment of children with motor coordination difficulties. It helps identify current practices, barriers, and tools that can improve assessment accuracy and support better clinical decision making.
The deadline to participate is May 31, 2026.
Contact Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo eniechwiej@uwaterloo.ca if you are interested in participating.
Open to: Physiotherapists, Physiotherapist Assistants
The aim of the survey is to understand: 1) current physical activity practices in Long-Term Care (e.g., types of programs and supports, who receives physical activity supports, volume and intensity of physical activity); and 2) recommendations for physical activity implementation in Long-Term Care.
In Ontario, most Long-Term Care residents do not receive adequate physical activity despite benefits to physical function and falls risk. Since there are no specific policies or guidelines related to provision of physical activity, we are gathering the perspectives of Physiotherapist or assistants.
The deadline to participate is June 3, 2026.
Contact Grace Liu grace.liu@uwaterloo.ca if you are interested in participating.
Open to: Physiotherapists, Physiotherapist Assistants, Clients, Caregivers
This study uses a participatory, multi‑step approach to identify accessibility, acceptability, and feasibility needs in telerehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury. Findings will guide the co‑design of an equitable, feasible telerehabilitation program.
People with acquired brain injury face major barriers to rehabilitation. Co‑designing equitable telerehabilitation services grounded in lived experience will help physiotherapists deliver accessible, acceptable, high‑quality care and reduce health inequities.
The deadline to participate is July 31, 2026.
Contact Nathalie Todam Ng ntodamng@uottawa.ca if you are interested in participating.
Open to: Physiotherapists, Physiotherapist Assistants, and Clients/Patients
This study aims to gather insights from a wide range of patients and healthcare providers involved in shoulder pain management. By understanding different perspectives, we hope to identify opportunities to improve referral pathways and strengthen triage processes for individuals experiencing pain.
Physiotherapists are among the most critical stakeholders involved in the shoulder pain management and their perspectives are critical to capture for a triage process.
The survey is now open and the deadline to participate is August 31, 2026.
Contact Samah Hassan at shass63@uwo.ca with any questions regarding the study and survey.
Open to: Physiotherapists
We are examining how WSIB’s 2023 mandatory Program of Care policy influences physiotherapists’ clinical workflows and decision-making. This study explores practice changes, administrative pressures, and barriers experienced by physiotherapists to better understand how the new policy shapes frontline.
WSIB policies have direct effects on physiotherapists’ autonomy, workload, and ability to deliver high‑quality care. Understanding these impacts is essential for strengthening advocacy, improving practice conditions, and ensuring physiotherapists’ voices guide future policy decisions.
The survey is now open and the deadline to participate is June 30, 2027. It will take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey.
Contact Peining Li at p59li@uwaterloo.ca with any questions regarding the study and survey.
Contact OPA with any questions about supporting your physiotherapy research at physiomail@opa.on.ca.