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RESEARCH AND OTHER RESOURCES
On this page you will find research and additional resources in environmental physiotherapy and a broad array of related fields.
To provide a broad perspective of the themes and questions of interest for Environmental Physiotherapy, the research and resources gathered on this page also draw on fields like Planetary Health, EcoHealth, One Health, Sustainable Healthcare and the Sustainable Development Goals. We also include resources from within traditional and indigenous knowledges, philosophy, the environmental humanities and social sciences. We hope this will provide you with interesting starting points for further exploration and development of an environmentally aware and responsible physiotherapy. If you are aware of a publication that we have not featured, but could be relevant to this field, please use the submission form below. We appreciate your help in building this resource platform.
Peer-reviewed articles
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Maric, F., Plaisant, M., Richter, R. (2024). Advancing the deliberate implementation of the concept of sustainability and its alternatives in physical therapy research, practice, and education. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2024.2395486
Struthers, N.A., Guluzade, N.A, Zecevic, A.A., Walton, D.M., Gunz, A. (2024). Nature-based interventions for physical health conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Research, 258: 119421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2024.119421
Swärdh, E., Brodin, N., Petterson, A., & Palstam, A. (2024). Time to Rethink Intended Learning Outcomes for Sustainable Development? A Qualitative Exploration and Reflection of Course Syllabuses in Swedish Undergraduate Physiotherapy Education. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development., 11. https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205241260599
(2024). Physiotherapy and planetary health: a scoping review. European Journal of Physiotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2024.2323729
Morera-Balaguer, J., Martínez-González, M. C., Río-Medina, S., Zamora-Conesa, V., Leal-Clavel, M., Botella-Rico, J. M., Leirós-Rodríguez, R., & Rodríguez-Nogueira, Ó. (2023). The influence of the environment on the patient-centered therapeutic relationship in physical therapy: a qualitative study. Archives of Public Health, 81(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-023-01064-9
Stanhope, J., & Weinstein, P. (2023). What are green prescriptions? A scoping review. Journal of Primary Health Care, 15(2), 155–161. https://doi.org/10.1071/hc23007
Eliassen, M., Sørensen, B. A., Hartviksen, T. A., Holm, S., & Zingmark, M. (2023). Emplacing reablement: co-creating an outdoor recreation model in the rural Arctic. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 82(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2023.2273013
Hartl, A. J., Freidl, J., & Huber, D. (2023). Effects of Alpine Natural Health Resources on Human Health and Wellbeing. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(12), 6144. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126144
Doran-Sherlock, R., Devitt, S., & Sood, P. (2023). An integrative review of the evidence for Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) in the management of depression and its potential clinical application in evidence-based osteopathy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies., 35, 244–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.038
Huber, D., Freidl, J., Pichler, C., Bischof, M., Kiem, M., Weisböck-Erdheim, R., Squarra, G., De Nigris, V., Resnyak, S., Neberich, M., Bordin, S., Zechner, R., & Hartl, A. (2023). Long-Term Effects of Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy on Physical and Mental Health of Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1469. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021469
Vaz, D. V., Stilwell, P., Coninx, S., Low, M., & Liebenson, C. (2023). Affordance-based practice: An ecological-enactive approach to chronic musculoskeletal pain management. Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia., 27(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100554
Busk, H., Ahler, J., Bricca, A., Mikal Holm, P., Varning Poulsen, D., Skou, S. T., & Tang, L. H. (2023). Exercise-based rehabilitation in and with nature: a scoping review mapping available interventions. Annals of Medicine, 55(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2023.2267083
Andreassen Bergli, A., Pedersen, S., & Maric, F. (2023). Tilrettelegging for aktiv transport i Tromsø – en urban design studie (Infrastructure for active transport in Tromsø – an urban design study). Fysioterapeuten Tidsskriftet. https://www.fysioterapeuten.no/aktiv-transport-byplanlegging-fagfellevurdert/tilrettelegging-for-aktiv-transport-i-tromso-en-urban-design-studie/151103
Oyeyemi, A. L., Kolo, S. M., Oyeyemi, A. Y., Omotara, B. A., Yahaya, S. J., & Sallis, J. F. (2023). Neighborhood environment and quality of life among community-living older adults in Nigeria: The moderating effect of physical activity. Preventive Medicine Reports., 35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102330
Mescouto, K., Olson, R. E., & Setchell, J. (2023). Towards an ethical multiplicity in low back pain care: Practising beyond the biopsychosocial model. Sociology of Health & Illness, 45(3), 522–541. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.13598
Baier, L., Richter, R., Maric, F., Höppner, H. (2023). Umweltverantwortlich Handeln in der Physiotherapie. In: Hartung, S., Wihofszky, P. (eds) Gesundheit und Nachhaltigkeit. Springer Reference Pflege – Therapie – Gesundheit . Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-64954-1_33-1
Zutshi, K., Munjal, J., & Chhabra, C. (2023). Goals of Physiotherapy Practice and Education Aligned With Goals of Sustainable Development. In C.S. Dubey (Ed.), Inclusive Innovation for Sustainable Development in Contemporary Era (pp. 80-93). D.P.S. PUBLISHING HOUSE. ISBN 978-81-19689-89-7
Mckenzie, B. J., Haas, R., Ferreira, G. E., Maher, C. G., & Buchbinder, R. (2022). The environmental impact of health care for musculoskeletal conditions: A scoping review. PLOS ONE, 17(11), e0276685. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276685
Vibholm, A. P., Christensen, J. R., & Pallesen, H. (2022). Occupational therapists and physiotherapists experiences of using nature-based rehabilitation. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2021.2023927
Duindam, D.. (2022). Transitioning to Sustainable Healthcare: Decarbonising Healthcare Clinics, a Literature Review. Challenges, 13(2), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020068
Pichler, C., Freidl, J., Bischof, M., Kiem, M., Weisböck-Erdheim, R., Huber, D., Squarra, G., Murschetz, P., & Hartl, A. (2022). Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy: A Study Protocol of Novel Types of Nature-Based Intervention. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(7), 3888. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073888
Smoliga, J.M. (2022). Monkeypox Virus Outbreak: Implications for the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Community. Physical Therapy : Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association., 103(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzac148
Neberich, M., Gerner, N., Romodow, C., Freidl, J., Huber, D., Weisböck-Erdheim, R., Pichler, C., & Hartl, A. (2022). Positive Effects of Advanced Daylight Supply of Buildings on Schoolchildren—A Controlled, Single-Blinded, Longitudinal, Clinical Trial with Real Constructive Implementation. Buildings, 12(5), 600. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050600
Ibáñez, A., de las Mercedes Franco Hidalgo-Chacón, M., Sánchez-Romero, E., & Cuenca-Zaldivar, J. (2022). Situation of Physiotherapy Clinics in the Community of Madrid in Relation to the Concept of Sustainability: A Survey Study. Sustainability, 14(24), 16439. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416439
Beattie, P., Jernigan, D., McDavitt, S., & Hearn, D. (2022). Physical Therapists Can Be Value-Added Providers in Wilderness Medicine. Physical Therapy : Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association., 102(9). https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzac096
Huber, D., Mayr, M., Hartl, A., Sittenthaler, S., Traut-Mattausch, E., Weisböck-Erdheim, R., & Freidl, J. (2022). Sustainability of Hiking in Combination with Coaching in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Quality of Life. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(7), 3848. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073848
Palstam, A., Sehdev, S., Barna, S., Andersson, M., & Liebenberg, N. (2022). Sustainability in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Orthopaedics and Trauma. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mporth.2022.07.005
Lister, H. E., Mostert, K., Botha, T., van der Linde, S., van Wyk, E., Rocher, S.-A., Laing, R., Wu, L., Müller, S., des Tombe, A., Kyangyago, T., Zwane, N., Mphogo, B., & Maric, F. (2022). South African Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare: A Mixed-Methods Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(16), 10121. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610121
Schwab, S.M., Spencer, C., Carver, N.S., Andrade, V., Dugan, S., Greve, K. and Silva, P.L (2022). Personal factors understood through the Ecological-Enactive Model of Disability and implications for rehabilitation research. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Science, 3, 954061. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2022.954061
Richter, R., & Maric, F. (2022). Ecological Bodies and Relational Anatomies: Toward a Transversal Foundation for Planetary Health Education. Challenges, 13(2), 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020039
Nicholls, D.A. (2022). How Do You Touch an Impossible Thing? Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences., 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2022.934698
Stanhope, J., Breed, M., & Weinstein, P. (2022). Biodiversity, Microbiomes, and Human Health. In Evolution, Biodiversity and a Reassessment of the Hygiene Hypothesis (pp. 67–104). Evolution, Biodiversity and a Reassessment of the Hygiene Hypothesis. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91051-8_3
Wachira, L.-J., Hayker, S. O., Larouche, R., Oyeyemi, A. L., Prista, A., Owino, G. E., Tremblay, M. S., & Onywera, V. O. (2022). Physical activity and active transportation behaviour among rural, peri-urban and urban children in Kenya, Mozambique and Nigeria: The PAAT Study. PLOS ONE, 17(1), e0262768. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262768
Maric, F., & Nicholls, D. A. (2022). Environmental physiotherapy and the case for multispecies justice in planetary health. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 38(13), 2295–2306. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2021.1964659
Acquah, A. A., D’Souza, C., Martin, B. J., Arko-Mensah, J., Dwomoh, D., Nti, A. A. A., Kwarteng, L., Takyi, S. A., Basu, N., Quakyi, I. A., Robins, T. G., & Fobil, J. N. (2021). Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Workers at an Informal Electronic-Waste Recycling Site in Agbogbloshie, Ghana. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 2055. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042055
Stanhope, J., Maric, F., Rothmore, P., & Weinstein, P. (2021). Physiotherapy and ecosystem services: improving the health of our patients, the population, and the environment. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2021.2015814
Williams, J. L., Langley, S., & Borda, A. (2021). Virtual nature, inner forest: Prospects for immersive virtual nature art and well-being. Virtual Creativity, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1386/vcr_00046_1
Chapman, D., & Larsson, A. (2021). Practical urban planning for winter cycling; lessons from a Swedish pilot study. Journal of Transport & Health, 21, 101060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2021.101060
Maric, F., Groven, K.S., Banerjee, S. & Dahl-Michelsen, T. (2021). Essentials for sustainable physiotherapy: Introducing environmental reasoning into physiotherapy clinical decision-making. Fysioterapeuten (online). https://fysioterapeuten.no/fagfellevurdert-sustainable-physiotherapy/essentials-for-sustainable-physiotherapy-introducing-environmental-reasoning-into-physiotherapy-clinical-decision-making/1317
Garriga, A., Sempere-Rubio, N., Molina-Prados, M. J., & Faubel, R. (2021). Impact of Seasonality on Physical Activity: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010002
Toner, A., Lewis, J. S., Stanhope, J., & Maric, F. (2021). Prescribing active transport as a planetary health intervention – benefits, challenges and recommendations. Physical Therapy Reviews, 26(3), 159–167. https://doi.org/10.1080/10833196.2021.1876598
Liebert, A. & Kiat, H. (2021). The history of light therapy in hospital physiotherapy and medicine with emphasis on Australia: Evolution into novel areas of practice. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 37(3), 389–400. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2021.1887060
Barna, S., Maric, F., Simons, J., Kumar, S., & Blankestijn, P. J. (2020). Education for the Anthropocene: Planetary health, sustainable health care, and the health workforce. Medical Teacher, 42(10), 1091–1096. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2020.1798914
Stanhope, J., Breed, M. F., & Weinstein, P. (2020). Exposure to greenspaces could reduce the high global burden of pain. Environmental Research, 187, 109641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.109641
Nicholls, D.A. (2020). What’s real is immaterial: What are we doing with new materialism? Aporia, 11(2): 4-14. https://doi.org/10.18192/aporia.v11i2.4594
Vibholm, A. P., Christensen, J. R., & Pallesen, H. (2020). Nature-based rehabilitation for adults with acquired brain injury: a scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 30(6), 661–676. https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2019.1620183
Freidl, J., Huber, D., Braunschmid, H., Romodow, C., Pichler, C., Weisböck-Erdheim, R., Mayr, M., & Hartl, A. (2020). Winter Exercise and Speleotherapy for Allergy and Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(10), 3311. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9103311
Moses, R., Vyas, A., & Wood, S. (2019). Reducing the carbon footprint in a regional long term ventilation service with the use of remote monitoring. Physiotherapy, 105, e209–e210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2018.11.230
Larsson, A., Berggård, G., Rosander, P., & Gard, G. (2019). Gait Speed with Anti-Slip Devices on Icy Pedestrian Crossings Relate to Perceived Fall-Risk and Balance. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(14), 2451. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142451
Oyeyemi, A. L., Kolo, S. M., Rufai, A. A., Oyeyemi, A. Y., Omotara, B. A., & Sallis, J. F. (2019). Associations of Neighborhood Walkability with Sedentary Time in Nigerian Older Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(11), 1879. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16111879
Haslinger, S., Huber, D., Morawetz, D., Blank, C., Prossegger, J., Dünnwald, T., Koller, A., Fink, C., Hartl, A., & Schobersberger, W. (2019). Feasibility of Ski Mountaineering for Patients Following a Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Descriptive Field Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(9), 1582. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16091582
Huber, D., Grafetstätter, C., Proßegger, J., Pichler, C., Wöll, E., Fischer, M., Dürl, M., Geiersperger, K., Höcketstaller, M., Frischhut, S., Ritter, M., & Hartl, A. (2019). Green exercise and mg-ca-SO4 thermal balneotherapy for the treatment of non-specific chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 20(1), 221. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2582-4
Chapman, D., Nilsson, K. L., Rizzo, A., & Larsson, A. (2019). Winter City Urbanism: Enabling All Year Connectivity for Soft Mobility. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(10), 1820. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101820
Chapman, D., & Larsson, A. (2019). Toward an Integrated Model for Soft-Mobility. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(19), 3669. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193669
Prossegger, J., Huber, D., Grafetstätter, C., Pichler, C., Weisböck-Erdheim, R., Iglseder, B., Wewerka, G., & Hartl, A. (2019). Effects of moderate mountain hiking and balneotherapy on community-dwelling older people: A randomized controlled trial. Experimental Gerontology, 122, 74–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2019.04.006
Niedermeier, M., Grafetstätter, C., Kopp, M., Huber, D., Mayr, M., Pichler, C., & Hartl, A. (2019). The Role of Anthropogenic Elements in the Environment for Affective States and Cortisol Concentration in Mountain Hiking—A Crossover Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(2), 290. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16020290
Oyeyemi, A. L., Kolo, S. M., Oyeyemi, A. Y., & Omotara, B. A. (2019). Neighborhood environmental factors are related to health-enhancing physical activity and walking among community dwelling older adults in Nigeria. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 35(3), 288-297. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1443187
Prossegger, J., Huber, D., Grafetstätter, C., Pichler, C., Braunschmid, H., Weisböck-Erdheim, R., & Hartl, A. (2019). Winter Exercise Reduces Allergic Airway Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(11), 2040. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16112040
Narain, S., & Mathye, D. (2019). Do physiotherapists have a role to play in the Sustainable Development Goals? A qualitative exploration. The South African journal of physiotherapy, 75(1), 466. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v75i1.466
(2016) Connectivity: An emerging concept for physiotherapy practice, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 32(3): 159-170. https://doi.org/10.3109/09593985.2015.1137665
Oyeyemi, A. Y., Akinrolie, O., & Oyeyemi, A. L. (2015). Health-related physical activity is associated with perception of environmental hygiene and safety among adults in low-income neighbourhoods in Nigeria. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 17(1), 45-53. https://doi.org/10.3109/21679169.2014.955526
Oyeyemi, A.L., Ishaku, C.M., Deforche, B. et al. Perception of built environmental factors and physical activity among adolescents in Nigeria. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 11, 56 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-11-56
Oyeyemi, A. L., Adegoke, B. O., Oyeyemi, A. Y., Deforche, B., Bourdeaudhuij, I., & Sallis, J. F. (2012). Environmental factors associated with overweight among adults in Nigeria. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-9-32
Books and book chapters
Plaisant, M., & Alt, A. (2024). Nachhaltigkeit in der Physiotherapie: Mögliche Handlungsfelder. Springer Nature, Essentials. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-69584-5
Altug, Z. (2024). Nature-based therapies. In Altug, Z. (2024). The Lifestyle Medicine Toolbox: Mind-body Approaches for Health Promotion. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Cezón Serrano, N., Ruescas Nicolau, M.A., Sempere Rubio, N., Sánchez Sánchez, L., Cortés Cortés Amador, S., Hernández Guillén, D., Bernabé Villodre, M.M., y Tolsada Velasco, C. (2023). Implantación de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) en el Grado de Fisioterapia. En: Martínez García E y Vázquez Verdera V (eds). Sostenibilización curricular de las universidades en el marco de la agenda 2030 de las Naciones Unidas. Tirant lo Blanch. Pag. 79-102. ISBN: 978-84-19376-90-9.
Beattie, P.F. (in-press) Wilderness Medicine: Patient Evaluation and Management in a Challenging Environment. Chapter in Sports Injuries: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation. 3rd Edition, Springer 2023.
Zutshi, K., Munjal, J., & Chhabra, C. (2023). Goals of Physiotherapy Practice and Education Aligned With Goals of Sustainable Development. In C.S. Dubey (Ed.), Inclusive Innovation for Sustainable Development in Contemporary Era (pp. 80-93). D.P.S. PUBLISHING HOUSE. ISBN 978-81-19689-89-7
Maric, F. & Davenport, T. (2022). Environmental Influences on Health. In Garner, G. & Tatta, J. (Eds.), Integrative Lifestyle and Medicine in Physical Therapy: A guide for primary care, health promotion, and disease prevention. OPTP.
Editorials, letters, commentaries
Photo by Florian Klauer on Unsplash
Swärdh, E., & Maric, F. (2024). From Knowledge to Action: Fostering Advocacy Skills for Planetary Health in Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzae130
Palstam, A., Lange, E. (2024). The role of physiotherapy in promoting sustainable healthcare for global health. European Journal of Physiotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2024.2409465
Polastri, M. (2024). Environmental physiotherapy: creating a holistic and integrated practice with the external and internal environment. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 31(7). https://doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2024.0095
Földvárszki, E., Hojcska, Á. E., & Mayer, Á. A. (2024). Környezettudatos Fizioterápia. FIZIOTERÁPIA, 33(2), 3-9. https://gyogytornaszok.hu/pt_folyoirat/fizioterapia-2024-2/. Download pdf here.
Banerjee, S. (2024). Defining green gap in environmental physiotherapy: challenges, advocacies and solutions. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2024.2359971
Kubicki, A. (2023). Physical therapists have a main role in Environmental Health. European Rehabilitation Journal, 3(1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.52057/erj.v3i1.45
Maric, F. (2023). Mot løsninger på vår fantasikrise (Toward solutions for our crisis of imagination). Fysioterapeuten Tidsskriftet. https://www.fysioterapeuten.no/mot-losninger-pa-var-fantasikrise/151092
Duindam, D., Sutherland, D., Clarke, J., & Webb, G. (2023). 5 facts about…physiotherapy and climate change. physiotherapy inmotion. Australian Physiotherapy Association. https://australian.physio/inmotion/5-facts-about-physiotherapy-and-climate-change
Banerjee, S., & Maric, F. (2023). Mitigating the environmental impact of NSAIDs – physiotherapy as a contribution to One Health and the SDGs. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 25(1), 51–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2021.1976272
Maric, F., Bårdsen, Å, & Nikolaisen, L.J. (2023). Rød tråd om grønn fremtid: Slik satser vi på bærekraft. Fysioterapeuten Tidsskriftet. https://www.fysioterapeuten.no/rod-trad-om-gronn-fremtid-slik-satser-vi-pa-baerekraft/148333
Astell-Burt, T., Pappas, E., Redfern, J., & Feng, X. (2022). Nature prescriptions for community and planetary health: unrealised potential to improve compliance and outcomes in physiotherapy. Journal of Physiotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2022.05.016
Afxonidis, G., Tsagkaris, C., Papazoglou, A.S., Moysidis, D.V., Tagarakis, G., Foroulis, C., Anastasiadis, K., (2022). Respiratory physiotherapy as a key player in the effort to make surgery greener during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The Journal of Climate Change and Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2022.100134
Maric, F., Griech, S.F., Davenport, T.E. (2022). Advancing Environmental Stewardship in Physical Therapy: Connect, Learn, Act. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 33(1): 2-4. https://doi.org/10.1097/CPT.0000000000000189
Lundmark Alfredsson, L. (2023). Åpne dørene for fysioterapeutiske tiltak utendørs! Fysioterapeuten Tidsskriftet. https://www.fysioterapeuten.no/fysioterapeut-fysioterapeuten-fysioterapeuter/apne-dorene-for-fysioterapeutiske-tiltak-utendors/147998
Langballe, M. N., & Maric, F. (2022). Ein fysioterapeutstudents erfaring med å leda ein «grøn» faglunsj. Fysioterapeuten. https://www.fysioterapeuten.no/baerekraft-fysioterapi-personlig-erfaring/ein-fysioterapeutstudents-erfaring-med-a-leda-ein-gron-faglunsj/146279
Maric, F., Chance-Larsen, K., Chevan, J., Jameson, S., Nicholls, D., Opsommer, E., Perveen, W., Richter, R., Stanhope, J., Stone, O., Strimpakos, N., Vieira, A., Williams, M., Zuber. S., Söderlund, A. (2021). A progress report on planetary health, environmental and sustainability education in physiotherapy – Editorial. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2021.1932981
Palstam, A., Andersson, M., Lange, E., Grenholm, A. (2021) A Call to Include a Perspective of Sustainable Development in Physical Therapy Research, Physical Therapy, 101: 3. https//doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa228
Beattie, P.F. (2021). The Emerging Role of Physical Therapists in Wilderness Medicine. APTA Magazine, April 2021;13.3:18-29. https://www.apta.org/apta-magazine/2021/04/01/the-emerging-role-of-physical-therapists-in-wilderness-medicine
Czernik, C. (2021). „Wir können uns nicht um Gesundheit kümmern und gleichzeitig ihre Grundlage zerstören“ – Physiotherapeut/innen für planetare Gesundheit im Gespräch. physiopraxis, 19(05), 12-14. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1468-2325
Alt, A. (2021). Was kann die Physiotherapie zum Umweltschutz beitragen? PT Zeitschrift für Physiotherapeuten, September 2021, 73: 14-17.
Torp, S., & Lorentzen, C. (2021). Ulovlige stengsler og bygging i strandsonen – en sak også for fysioterapeuter. Fysioterapeuten.
Maric, F. & Nicholls, D.A. (2020). Paradigm shifts are hard to come by: Looking ahead of COVID-19 with the social and environmental determinants of health and the UN SDGs. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 22(6). https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2020.1826577
Cleaver, S., Simard, M., Cardillo, O., Xiang, L., & Beavis, A. (2020). Physiotherapy Practice Goes Digital: A positive entry point into discussing physiotherapy and planetary health. Physiotherapy Practice. Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Maric, F. (2020). The Environmental Physiotherapy Agenda 2023. Physio Matters October 2020 Issue: Physiotherapy New Zealand.
Maric, F. & Nicholls, D.A. (2019) A call for a new environmental physiotherapy – An editorial, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 35:10, 905-907. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2019.1632006
Maric, F. (2019). Ruf nach einer ökologischen Physiotherapie. PT Zeitschrift, Oktober 2019. Pflaum Verlag, Deutschland.
Foo, R. (2016). The role of physiotherapy in climate change mitigation. Physiotherapy, 102(3), e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2015.10.009
Jones, L.E. (2009a). Physiotherapy and the Earth’s global climate: a need for cultural change. Physiotherapy Research International, 14(2): 73–76. https://doi.org/10.1002/pri.441
Jones, L.E. (2009b). Thinking vertically about carbon emissions. InMotion, Septmber 2013: The Green Issue. Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
Case reports
Young SW, et al. (2023). Successful Physical Therapist Management of an Ankle Injury in the Austere Wilderness of Denali: A case report. JOSPT Cases;3(1):74–80. https://doi.org/10.2519/josptcases.2022.11159
Young, B. A., & Beattie, P. F. (2022). A Physical Therapist’s Experience as a Point-of-Contact Care Provider in a Wilderness Environment: A Case Series Report. JOSPT Cases, 2(3), 173-180. https://doi.org/10.2519/josptcases.2022.10944
Photo by Julia Joppien on Unsplash
Guidelines, standards, policies and policy statements
Frost, J., & Hindle, L. (2023) Education for sustainable healthcare within UK pre-registration curricula for allied health professions. Council of Deans of Health. https://www.councilofdeans.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ES-curricula-guidance-CoDH-version_SM-final-no-links.pdf
World Physiotherapy (2023). Policy statement: climate change and health. https://world.physio/policy/policy-statement-climate-change-and-health
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (2022). CSP Declaration on Sustainability. https://www.csp.org.uk/news/2022-04-06-csp-declares-climate-nature-emergency
MSK Partnership Group (2022). The United Kingdom Musculoskeletal Advanced Practice Standards. MSK Partnership Group: NHS Health Education England, MACP Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, IFOMPT.
MSK Partnership Group (2022). The UK MSK Advanced Practice Standards: What are they and what purpose do they serve? MSK Partnership Group: NHS Health Education England, MACP Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, IFOMPT.
American Physical Therapy Association (2022). Support of Environmentally Responsible Practice by the American Physical Therapy Association (Position). https://www.apta.org/apta-and-you/leadership-and-governance/policies/support-of-environmentally-responsible-practice
World Physiotherapy European Region (2022). Harmonisation of Sustainable Development Goals Within the Profession. World Physiotherapy European Region, Professional Practice Working Group (PPWG).
World Physiotherapy European Region (2022). Statement on Physiotherapy Education of the Europe region. Education Matters Working Group (EMWG). Prague, Czech Republic.
Maric, F., Nicholls, D., Mostert, K., Culpan, J., Stone, O., van Wijchen, J., Kennedy, M., Long, I., Bundtzen, T. (2020). The Environmental Physiotherapy Agenda 2023. Oslo: Environmental Physiotherapy Association (EPA). ISBN: 978-82-303-4491-0. https://eptagenda2023.com/
Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
Student projects
Senay, C. (2023). Nature Connection as a Physiotherapy Tool: Background Research on Natural Environments Interaction with Human Health for Informative Articles Destined to Physiotherapists (Bachelor Thesis). Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Finland. https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023112932710
Kent, M. (2023). Opinions on Sustainable Health Education in Physiotherapy: A Survey Study (Bachelor Thesis). Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Nottingham.
Omholt Lossius, L. (2023). Lærer om bærekraft og miljø: – Skyver på grensene for hva vi tenker at fysioterapi er. Interview with Physiotherapy Bachelor students from UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Fysioterapeuten Tidsskriftet.
Miles, N. (2023). Planetary Health Report Card: University of Brighton Physiotherapy. University of Brighton, School of Sport and Health Sciences.
Hernegger, S. (2022). Incorporating traditional Finnish Winter Swimming into Physiotherapy for treating Chronic Pain: a Systematized Literature Review (Bachelor Thesis). Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Finland. https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202304276636
Creative publications
Johnsen Saue, A. M. (2023). Lekens kurative kraft: En fremtidshistorie om fysioterapi (The healing power of play: A fictional story about physiotherapy). Fysiotherapeuten Tidsskriftet. https://www.fysioterapeuten.no/fagessay-fremtid-fysiopunk/lekens-kurative-kraft-en-fremtidshistorie-om-fysioterapi/150223
Maric, F., Nikolaisen, L. J., Ntinga, N. M., & Webb, J. (Eds.) (2022). Healthpunk Vol 2: Healthcare + Fiction + You. Open Physio Journal. https://www.doi.org/10.14426/opj/202212hp0200
Maric, F., Nikolaisen, L. J., Bårdsen, Å. (2021). Physiopunk Vol 1. Open Physio Journal. https://doi.org/10.14426/opj/202111pp00
Blogposts
This section includes notable environmental physiotherapy blogposts that have been published outside of Moving Earth – The EPA Blog.
Kent, M. (2023). Greening the Curriculum: Opinions and Barriers to Sustainable Health Education for Physiotherapists: Part 1. BJSM blog. https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2023/09/18/greening-the-curriculum-opinions-and-barriers-to-sustainable-health-education-for-physiotherapists-part-1/
Kent, M. (2023). Greening the Curriculum: Opinions and Barriers to Sustainable Health Education for Physiotherapists: Part 2. BJSM blog. https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2023/10/02/greening-the-curriculum-exploring-sustainable-health-education-for-physiotherapists-part-2/
Kimura, T. (2022). Our home, our body, our planet (blogpost). https://intouchpublichealth.net.au/our-home-our-body-our-planet/
Christe, G. (2021). Why should pain researchers consider climate change? Pain Research Forum, PRF Virtual Correspondents Blog – Cycle 3.
Maric, F. (2021). Momentum is building, so let’s keep going: Extending our efforts in sustainable healthcare (blogpost). Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. Oxford: UK.
Podcasts
Kargela, M. (2024). Healing outside clinic walls: Harnessing the Environment in Pain Care – Podcast with Filip Maric and Jessica Stanhope. Modern Pain Care.
Tatta, J. (2022). Environmental Physical Therapy and The Tonic of Wilderness with Filip Maric and Todd Davenport. The Healing Pain Podcast: Episode 293.
Maric, F., Cleaver, S., O’Sullivan, C., Vieira, A., Stone, O. (2020). Environmental Physiotherapy Education podcast. In Beta Unconference 2020: https://inbeta.uwc.ac.za/
Webinars
World Physiotherapy Europe Region (2023).
Maric, F., van der Linde, S., Zisowsky, J., Senay, C., Bergli, A. A., & Schüssler, R. (2022, November 23). The 4th Environmental Physiotherapy Roundtable part 2. https://youtu.be/aq5RfYLdp6E
Maric, F., Plaisant, M., Chi, L., Cooksey, I., Popp, A., & Rytzell, K. (2022, November 22). The 4th Environmental Physiotherapy Roundtable part 1. https://youtu.be/09_897aV0NU
Planetary health essentials
The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change. https://www.thelancet.com/countdown-health-climate
Prescott, S.L., & Logan, A.C. (2019). Planetary Health: From the Wellspring of Holistic Medicine to Personal and Public Health Imperative. Explore, 15(2): 98-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2018.09.002
Ratima, M.; Martin, D.; Castleden, H.; Delormier, T. (2019). Indigenous voices and knowledge systems – promoting planetary health, health equity, and sustainable development now and for future generations. Global Health Promotion, 26: 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757975919838487
Redvers, N. (2018). The Value of Global Indigenous Knowledge in Planetary Health. Challenges, 9, 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe9020030
Photo by Hope House Press – Leather Diary Studio on Unsplash
Environmental philosophy
Haraway, D. (2003). The Companion Species Manifesto: Dogs, People, and Significant Otherness. Prickly Paradigm Press, Chicago.
Jonas, H. (1984). The imperative of responsibility. In search for an ethics for the technological age. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Kropotkin, P. (1993). Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution. London: Freedom Press.
Morton, T. (2017). Humankind: Solidarity with nonhuman people. London: Verso Books.
Næss, A. (1989). Ecology, community and lifestyle. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Rose, D. B., Van Dooren, T., Chrulew, M., Cooke, S., Kearns, M., & O’Gorman, E. (2012). Thinking Through the Environment, Unsettling the Humanities. Environmental Humanities, 1(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1215/22011919-3609940
Physiopedia pages
The physiopedia EPT content development project contains a growing body of pages on well-researched pages on various aspects of environmental physiotherapy.
Winner of the physiopedia Best Project Award 2024 for the most impactful content development.
Get reading and get involved here.
SDG essentials
United Nations (2015). Transforming Our World, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. General Assembly Resolution. A/RES/70/1. New York: United Nations Publishing. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
United Nations (2019). Harmony with Nature: Report of the Secretary General. A/74/236. New York: United Nations Publishing.
UNESCO (2017). Local Knowledge, Global Goals. UNESCO: Paris, 48 pp. Retrieved February 24, 2020. See also UNESCO Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.