This presentation describes the extensive international participation in the PEDro Scale Training program and PEDro’s engagement with a growing global audience to contribute to the rigorous rating process.
We compiled data on the numbers of physiotherapists who have enrolled in the training programs, attempted and passed the accuracy test, and joined the network of volunteer PEDro raters. We also described the recent upgrades to the raters’ interface that have provided raters with increased support for their contributions, professional recognition, and has linked them with the global network of PEDro raters further increasing engagement across different regions.
Since its inception, PEDro has benefitted from the contributions of a growing volunteer community. As of August 2024, 98% of all clinical trials indexed in the database had each been rated by at least two PEDro raters, amounting to over 128,700 ratings. The PEDro Scale has been consistently used over the last 25 years, providing a reliable and valid evaluation of trial methodological quality (Interclass Coefficient = 0.91). PEDro raters are globally diverse, with raters spanning across 28 countries and speaking 27 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish, among others. Over the past 3 years, PEDro has trained raters across several regions, with growing participation. On average, each rater assesses approximately 2 to 3 articles per month. The electronic interface, introduced in 2009 and recently upgraded in 2023, has significantly streamlined the rating process, enhancing user experience and increasing participation.
PEDro’s success is built on the global contributions of its volunteer raters, whose ongoing commitment ensures the high quality of the evidence base. The continued engagement of physiotherapists from diverse backgrounds reflects a collaborative international effort that guarantees the reliability and accessibility of clinical research. Improvements in the rater interface, alongside continuous training, have empowered raters and further expanded global involvement.
The global commitment to PEDro's volunteer rating system over the past 25 years underscores the importance and worldwide value for the PEDro resource. The contributions of volunteer raters are vital in sustaining PEDro’s quality and reach, reinforcing its role in supporting physiotherapists’ clinical decision-making and ensuring access to high-quality evidence. As a result, PEDro’s influence will keep growing, enabling physiotherapists to make well-informed, evidence-based clinical decisions, advancing patient care worldwide.
Methodological Quality
Education
