Healthcare professionals shifted their educational priorities during the third quarter of 2025, with paediatric physiotherapy and function related assessment frameworks dominating course trends on Physiopedia Plus (Plus). It is a notable departure from the musculoskeletal assessment focus that characterised the second quarter.
Each month we track trending Plus course data to see which courses learners all over the globe are working on. During the previous quarter it was all about musculoskeletal asessment, but we’ve seen quite a shift in the last 3 months towards holistic care. Here we share insights into our recent trending courses from the third quarter of 2025, giving insight into the learning interests of the profession worldwide.
July trends: Foundation building in paediatrics and fall prevention
The third quarter opened with healthcare professionals on Plus seeking foundational knowledge in paediatric care and geriatric safety. Fall Prevention Strategies and Home Modification and Gross Motor Milestones in Infants 0-14 Months each trended twice during the month, maintaining strong interest for 7 and 4 days respectively in their repeat appearances.
Introduction to Paediatric Physiotherapy captured attention for 6 consecutive days, alongside Individual Tests for Fitness and Performance Testing in Sport and an Overview of Shoulder Assessment. The shoulder assessment course represented a continuation of the upper body focus observed in earlier quarters.
August trends: Assessment fundamentals take centre stage
August saw practitioners returning to core assessment competencies. Overview of Knee Assessment dominated the month with an impressive 12-day trending period – the longest single trending duration of the quarter. This sustained interest suggests practitioners were building comprehensive lower extremity assessment skills.
Also in August, the Musculoskeletal Evaluation Concepts course emerged as a consistent theme, while trending ICF Model and Goal Writing in Paediatrics and Exploring Foot Anatomy, indicates growing interest in systematic assessment frameworks.
September trends: ICF Framework becomes educational priority
September marked a significant shift toward standardised assessment frameworks. Introduction to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) led the month with 11 days of trending activity – the second-longest trending period of the entire quarter. This particular course was assigned as a required activity by the academic instructor from a university in the USA, driving substantial engagement from students.
Musculoskeletal Evaluation Concepts returned to the trending list in September, demonstrating its enduring relevance across multiple months. Specialised rehabilitation topics gained prominence, with Knee Arthroplasty Home Based Rehabilitation Evaluation trending for several days.
The final week of September revealed strong interest in adaptive equipment and assistive technology. The following courses were trending: Adaptive Seating, An Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and Assistive Technology Standers, suggesting healthcare professionals were preparing to support patients with complex disability and mobility needs.
Emerging patterns in professional development
The third quarter Plus member data reveal several interesting trends:
- From musculoskeletal to holistic care: While the second quarter focused heavily on cervical spine and shoulder assessment, the third quarter demonstrated broader interests spanning paediatrics, geriatrics, and disability support. This evolution reflects the diverse patient populations practitioners encounter in modern healthcare settings.
- Framework-based practice: The prominence of ICF-related courses in August and September aligns with growing recognition of standardised assessment frameworks. Healthcare professionals are increasingly seeking structured approaches to documentation and goal-setting that align with international standards.
- Lifespan approach: The quarter’s trending courses spanned the entire age spectrum, from infant motor development to fall prevention in older adults – practitioners are developing competencies across diverse age groups.
- Technology and adaptation: The September surge in assistive technology courses – covering standers, seating, and communication devices – reflects the growing integration of adaptive equipment in rehabilitation practice.
As we move into the final quarter of 2025, Plus continues to support healthcare professionals in developing the diverse skill sets required for contemporary practice. The shift from specialised anatomical assessment to comprehensive, framework-based care reflects the evolving nature of rehabilitation education and the profession’s commitment to meeting complex patient needs across all populations.
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