Evolution and impact of epistemological models in kinesiology and physiotherapy: A bibliographic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62059/LatArXiv.preprints.410Keywords:
Epistemology, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Theoretical modelsAbstract
Kinesiology and physiotherapy, as constantly evolving health disciplines, base their practice,
research, and training on diverse epistemological models. These models, which define the
nature of knowledge and how it is acquired, have profoundly influenced the professional
identity and scientific development of the field. This bibliographic review aims to analyze
the scientific literature on the evolution and impact of the main epistemological models in
kinesiology and physiotherapy. The historical influence of the biomedical and positivist
paradigm is explored, as well as the transition toward more integrative approaches such as
the biopsychosocial model, and the emergence of interpretive and critical paradigms that
enrich the understanding of the health experience and professional practice. The implications
of these epistemological foundations for clinical practice, research methodology, clinical
reasoning, and the training of future professionals are discussed. The literature underscores
the importance of ongoing epistemological reflection to address the complexity of health
problems related to human movement and to foster a reflective, person-centered, and socially
conscious practice. It is concluded that the recognition and critical integration of diverse
epistemological perspectives are essential for the advancement and consolidation of
kinesiology and physiotherapy.
References
Barros C, Alarcón C, G Glückwunsch F. Identidad profesional en Kinesiología: Una aproximación fenomenológica. Rev Chil Ter Ocup. 2017;17(2):61-70.
Rodríguez-Roca B, Ferri-Carballo A, Cuesta-Gómez A, Suso-Martí L, Seguí-Micó M, Benítez-Martínez JC. La Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, de la Discapacidad y de la Salud (CIF) en Fisioterapia: una revisión sistemática. Fisioterapia. 2021;43(5):286-97.
Bunge M. La investigación científica: su estrategia y su filosofía. 3ª ed. Barcelona: Ariel; 1985.
Echavarría-Gómez LG. Una mirada epistemológica a la fisioterapia. Rev Cienc Salud. 2007;5(1):86-94.
Giacomini M. The rocky road: qualitative research as evidence. En: Ashcroft RE, Dawson A, Draper H, McMillan JR, editores. Principles of Health Care Ethics. 2nd ed. Chichester (UK): John Wiley & Sons; 2007. p. 115-21.
Ponte-Hernández P. El modelo biomédico vs el modelo biopsicosocial: la cronicidad en la encrucijada. Una reflexión desde la fisioterapia. Fisioterapia. 2006;28(5):277-82.
López-López A, Alonso-Salcines E, González-Menéndez A, Fernández-Rodríguez M, Álvarez-Pérez P. Fisioterapia basada en el modelo biopsicosocial: ¿estamos preparados? Fisioterapia. 2010;32(5):220-7.
Gatchel RJ, Peng YB, Peters ML, Fuchs PN, Turk DC. The biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain: scientific advances and future directions. Psychol Bull. 2007 Jul;133(4):581-624.
Main CJ, George SZ. Psychologically informed practice for management of low back pain: future directions in practice and research. Phys Ther. 2011 May;91(5):820-4.
Setchell J, Nicholls DA, Wilson NHF. Social and political an ‘F’ word in physiotherapy? Physiother Theory Pract. 2018;34(11):825-7.
Hamonet C, Magalhães T. De la nosologie à la physiothérapie analytique. La Revue de Médecine Manuelle Ostéopathie. 2011;28:9-14.
Herbert RD, Moseley AM, Sherrington C, Maher CG. PEDro: a database of randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews in physiotherapy. Man Ther. 2001 Aug;6(3):180-2.
Gardner K. Body and self: the emergence of new methodologies in health research. Crit Public Health. 1996;6(1):5-16.
Guccione AA. Physical therapy diagnosis and the relationship between impairments and function. Phys Ther. 1991 Jul;71(7):499-504.
Engel GL. The need for a new medical model: a challenge for biomedicine. Science. 1977 Apr 8;196(4286):129-36.
Linton SJ, Shaw WS. Impact of psychological factors in the experience of pain. Phys Ther. 2011 May;91(5):700-11.
Djordjevic O, Kmeck V. Evidence-based practice in physiotherapy: a concept analysis. Int J Ther Rehabil. 2021;28(10):1-13.
Cristancho-Lacroix V, Valdés-Badilla P, Valenzuela-Parga N, Valdés-Mariqueo M, Ramírez-Campillo R, Herrera-Valenzuela T. Investigación cualitativa en actividad física y deporte: aspectos epistemológicos, preguntas orientadoras y criterios de rigor. Retos. 2023;(49):807-17.
Aguilar-Díaz M, Ortega-Nuñez Á. La metodología fenomenológica en la investigación en fisioterapia: una aproximación desde la experiencia del dolor. Mov Cient. 2015;9(1):58-66.
Jesus TS, Landry MD, Hoenig H, Sangelaji B, Settle G, Van Pletzen E. Physical therapists’ sociopolitical consciousness and the meaning of disability: a qualitative descriptive study. Phys Ther. 2020 Aug 12;100(8):1289-300.
Sackett DL, Rosenberg WM, Gray JA, Haynes RB, Richardson WS. Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't. BMJ. 1996 Jan 13;312(7023):71-2.
Downloads
Downloads
Posted
Categories
Data Availability Statement
Los datos del estudio están disponibles.
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Martín Inmediato (Autor/a)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This preprint contains the reported license and associated copyright. Once published in an associated journal or other publisher, the published version assumes the publisher's terms and conditions.
