ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING INTEGRATION IN PHYSIOTHERAPY

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming healthcare systems worldwide, including the field of physiotherapy (Jiang et al., 2017; Topol, 2019). This chapter explores the integration of AI and ML in physiotherapy education and clinical practice, highlighting their role in improving diagnostic accuracy, personalized treatment planning, and rehabilitation outcomes. AI-powered tools such as motion analysis systems, wearable sensors, and predictive analytics enable physiotherapists to deliver evidence-based, patient-specific care (Esteva et al., 2019). In education, AI enhances learning through simulation-based training, adaptive learning platforms, and virtual patient models, preparing students for technologically advanced clinical environments (Lupton, 2018). Despite these advancements, challenges such as ethical concerns, data privacy, cost barriers, and lack of technical training persist (World Health Organization, 2021). This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of global trends, practical applications, and future directions of AI in physiotherapy.