Post-discharge services for individuals with chronic disability are, however, poor or non-existent and there are reports of high levels of patient dissatisfaction89 and loss of rehabilitation gains90. The provision of facilities such as strength and fitness centers directed at all age groups and disability levels requires collaboration between public health and community services. Physiotherapists can play a significant role in this collaborative process.
Entry-level physical therapy curricula also have to respond to evidence of the significance of task-oriented training and strength, endurance and fitness training for individuals with acute or chronic disability. Core knowledge should include biomechanics, exercise science and motor learning. The skills required for training individuals with disability, and how to adapt training and exercise to the patient's level of performance, should also form a large part of the education of physical therapy students as well as part of skills upgrading in continuing professional education.