GENDER STUDIES AND INCLUSIVE RESEARCH APPROACHES IN PHYSIOTHERAPY

Abstract

Gender plays a pivotal role in shaping health experiences, access to care, and rehabilitation outcomes, yet it has historically been underexplored in physiotherapy research and practice. Traditional physiotherapy frameworks have largely emphasized biomedical and biomechanical perspectives, often neglecting the social and cultural dimensions of gender and excluding gender-diverse populations from research. This chapter examines the relevance of gender studies in physiotherapy and highlights the importance of adopting inclusive research approaches to enhance equity, validity, and clinical relevance. Key concepts such as sex–gender distinction, gender identity, and intersectionality are discussed to contextualize their influence on pain perception, disability, therapeutic interactions, and recovery trajectories. The chapter critically analyzes gender bias in physiotherapy research, including underrepresentation in clinical trials, gendered assumptions in pain assessment, and stereotypes influencing clinical decision-making. It further outlines principles and methodologies for inclusive research, emphasizing gender-sensitive study design, inclusive recruitment strategies, appropriate outcome measures, and the integration of qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. Ethical considerations, educational implications, and policy-level impacts are also explored. By embedding gender-responsive and inclusive research practices, physiotherapy can advance patient-centered care, reduce health inequities, and strengthen evidence-based practice. This chapter underscores gender inclusion as both a scientific necessity and an ethical imperative for the future of physiotherapy research and rehabilitation practice.