Building Bridges: Advancing Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Through Global Collaboration

As we begin 2026, the Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal (CPTJ) continues to strengthen its role as a global platform for advancing evidence-based practice. After our recent inclusion in SCOPUS and ongoing efforts toward PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science, this issue exemplifies our commitment to publishing clinically relevant research and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. In addition, CPTJ will increase its social media presence in 2026 by producing new podcasts and videos relevant to cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. These milestones are not just markers of progress, they reflect the collective effort of authors, reviewers, and our editorial team to elevate the visibility and impact of cardiopulmonary physical therapy worldwide. In this first issue of the year, we bring together a rich collection of articles, 1 clinical report, 4 research reports, 1 literature review, and 1 clinical perspective, that address pressing clinical challenges, here in the United States and in Japan and Colombia, expanding the global boundaries of our discipline. In addition, we are publishing the abstracts accepted for the 2026 Combined Section Meeting for both platform and poster presentations. Christian et al1 explore cerebral blood flow changes in a patient with myalgic encephalomyelitis during postexertional malaise, offering insights into autonomic dysfunction and exercise tolerance, an area of growing importance for clinicians managing complex fatigue syndromes. Dekerlegand and Clancy2 tackle the interdisciplinary challenges in long COVID rehabilitation, identifying gaps and opportunities for integrated care models that can better serve this population. These first 2 articles are a continuation of the research presented in our special issue in January 2025. On another subject, Shoemaker et al3 evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the YMCA 3-Minute Step Test in adults with cystic fibrosis, supporting practical fitness assessment strategies that can be implemented in diverse clinical settings. From Japan, Kurata et al4 examine the association between preoperative physical function and postoperative outcomes in individuals undergoing lung cancer resection surgery, reinforcing the critical role of prehabilitation in optimizing recovery. And from Colombia, Rincón-Rueda et al5 present a Spanish adaptation and validation of strategies to mitigate cardiac rehabilitation barriers, expanding accessibility and cultural relevance for Spanish-speaking populations, a step toward global inclusivity in rehabilitation practices. On their scoping review, Schuessler and Heick6 provide a comprehensive assessment on heart rate variability interventions for chronic pain, highlighting autonomic modulation as a promising therapeutic target and opening new avenues for interdisciplinary research. Finally, Rasnake et al7 shared their clinical perspective on exercise interventions for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, outlining challenges and strategies to improve patient outcomes in this complex condition. These contributions reflect the diversity and depth of cardiopulmonary physical therapy research worldwide. They underscore the importance of collaboration across disciplines and borders to address emerging health challenges. As we continue to pursue indexation in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science, the quality and relevance of the work published in CPTJ will remain our strongest asset. I extend my deepest gratitude to our authors for trusting us with their work, to our reviewers and associate editors for their unwavering commitment to rigor and quality, and to the Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy and Wolters Kluwer for their ongoing support. Together, we are building bridges, connecting evidence, practice, and innovation to improve patient care globally. Let's keep pushing forward.