Large language models in physical therapy: time to adapt and adept
Open accessAbstract
Healthcare is experiencing a transformative phase, with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Physical therapists (PTs) stand on the brink of a paradigm shift in education, practice, and research. Rather than visualizing AI as a threat, it presents an opportunity to revolutionize. This paper examines how large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT and BioMedLM, driven by deep ML can offer human-like performance but face challenges in accuracy due to vast data in PT and rehabilitation practice. PTs can benefit by developing and training an LLM specifically for streamlining administrative tasks, connecting globally, and customizing treatments using LLMs. However, human touch and creativity remain invaluable. This paper urges PTs to engage in learning and shaping AI models by highlighting the need for ethical use and human supervision to address potential biases. Embracing AI as a contributor, and not just a user, is crucial by integrating AI, fostering collaboration for a future in which AI enriches the PT field provided data accuracy, and the challenges associated with feeding the AI model are sensitively addressed.
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Potential uses of AI in physiotherapy practice include developing and training LLMs for administrative tasks, simulated patient interactions, clinical decision-making support, guideline recommendations, and tailored treatments.
“Potential uses of AI in physiotherapy practice include developing and training LLMs for administrative tasks, simulated patient interactions, clinical decision-making support, guideline recommendations, and tailored treatments [19].”
From Generative artificial intelligence in physiotherapy education: great potential amidst challenges- a qualitative interview study (2025) · cites this paper as [19]
LLMs could also be used for administrative tasks, simulated patient interactions, clinical decision-making support, guideline recommendations, and tailed treatments.
“LLMs could also be used for administrative tasks, simulated patient interactions, clinical decision-making support, guideline recommendations, and tailed treatments [19].”
From Generative artificial intelligence in physiotherapy education: great potential amidst challenges- a qualitative interview study (2025) · cites this paper as [19]
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Lindbäck, Y., Schröder, K., Engström, T., Valeskog, K., & Sonesson, S. (2025) · BMC Medical Education · doi:10.1186/s12909-025-07106-w · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“LLMs could also be used for administrative tasks, simulated patient interactions, clinical decision-making support, guideline recommendations, and tailed treatments [19].”
- Authors
- Naqvi, W. M., Shaikh, S. Z., & Mishra, G. V.
- Affiliations
- Gulf Medical University (AE)
- Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (IN)
- Corresponding author
- Shaikh, Summaiya Zareen
- Venue
- Frontiers in Public Health
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media SA
- Published
- 2024-05-24
- Volume
- 12
- Pages
- 1364660-1364660
- ISSN
- 2296-2565 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC11182445
- OpenAlex
- W4398780874
- Cited by
- 24
- References
- 56
- Citations by year
- 2026: 14 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 1
- FWCI
- 2.24
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Frontiers in Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Health Informatics › Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Artificial Intelligence Applications
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Technology and Human Factors in Education and Health
- Keywords
- large language models, physiotherapy, ChatGPT, artificial intelligence in healthcare, physiotherapy education, rehabilitation practice, administrative automation, personalized treatment, algorithmic bias, ethical use of AI, human oversight of AI, human-AI collaboration
- MeSH terms
- Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Humans, Physical Therapy Modalities, Physical Therapists
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