INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY EDUCATION

Abstract

Healthcare education is undergoing a transformation thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), which offers novel methods for instruction, learning, evaluation, and clinical training. AI technologies have chances to improve evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, individualized learning, and digital competency development in physiotherapy education. The incorporation of generative AI tools, chatbots, intelligent tutoring systems, virtual simulation, and machine learning has made traditional educational approaches more learner-centered and adaptable. According to recent research, AI-supported teaching methods enhance physiotherapy students' recall of theoretical knowledge, clinical decision-making abilities, and learner engagement. AI also makes it easier to acquire educational materials, encourages self-directed learning, and gets aspiring physiotherapists ready for healthcare systems that use technology. Despite these advantages, widespread adoption is still hampered by problems with algorithmic bias, data privacy, academic integrity, technology infrastructure, ethical challenges, and faculty preparation. This chapter explores the application of AI in physiotherapy education, examining its current applications, benefits, challenges, and possible future advancements. It highlights how important it is to integrate digital skills and AI literacy into physiotherapy curricula while preserving the value of human-centered care, professional judgment, and ethical behaviour in clinical and educational decision-making processes.