Current status of talent cultivation in sports rehabilitation in China: based on World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework
10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2026.01.012
- VernacularTitle:基于世界卫生组织康复胜任力架构的中国运动康复专业人才培养现状分析
- Author:
Jian CHEN
1
;
Zheheng LI
1
;
Dingxuan WANG
1
Author Information
1. School of Physical Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
sports rehabilitation;
rehabilitation competency framework;
talent cultivation
- From:
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice
2026;32(1):110-116
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo analyze the current status and existing challenges in talent cultivation for sports rehabilitation in China based on World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework (RCF). MethodsData were collected from 104 higher education institutions nationwide that offer undergraduate programs in sports rehabilitation, including enrollment scale, regional distribution, degree conferral and training curriculum. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to examine the status and characteristics from three dimensions: institutional distribution, competency development and resource allocation， in terms of institutional type, regional distribution density, curriculum structure differences, competency-oriented training approaches and resource allocation patterns. ResultsTalent cultivation in sports rehabilitation in China currently faced a three-dimensional dilemma involving competency, resources, and public cognition. In terms of competency structure, a disconnect existed between medical fundamentals and exercise practice: physical education institutions provided insufficient medical training, whereas medical institutions lacked systematic instruction in exercise techniques. Regarding resource allocation, significant regional disparities were observed, with institutions heavily concentrated in Southwest (24.0%), East China (19.2%), and North China (15.4%), while Northwest China accounted for only 3.8%, forming a pronounced east-west gap. At the cognitive level, the public generally perceived sports rehabilitation as a service exclusive to athletes, and within the discipline, divergences persisted among the medical-oriented, sports-oriented, and integrated schools of thought. These challenges collectively hindered the quality of talent supply and regional balance. ConclusionTalent cultivation in sports rehabilitation in China is at a pivotal stage of transition from rapid expansion to quality enhancement. It is necessary to realign the knowledge structure and competency system of training programs with the five core competency domains of RCF.
