StatAnalytica

151+ Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students [Updated]

Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students

Welcome to the world of physiotherapy, where movement is medicine, and every step leads to healing. In the area of physiotherapy education, research is a powerful tool. It helps us understand the human body better, discover new techniques for rehabilitation, and improve the quality of life for countless individuals. Today, we dive into the diverse and fascinating world of research topics for physiotherapy students. 

Whether you’re a student, a curious reader, or someone passionate about health and well-being, this journey promises to be enlightening.

topics for research in physiotherapy

What is Physiotherapy Research?

Table of Contents

Physiotherapy research is the investigation and exploration of various aspects of physical therapy. It delves into the effectiveness of different treatments, the impact of exercises on specific conditions, and the development of innovative techniques to enhance rehabilitation. This research isn’t just about lab coats and test tubes; it’s about real people, real struggles, and real triumphs.

Why Research Matters in Physiotherapy Education

Research isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s the heartbeat of progress in physiotherapy. For students, engaging in research opens doors to understanding the science behind the practice. It fosters critical thinking, hones problem-solving skills, and prepares future physiotherapists to deliver evidence-based care.

Most importantly, research enhances the quality of care patients receive, ensuring they benefit from the latest advancements in the field.

How Do I Choose A Research Topic For Physiotherapy Students?

Choosing a research topic for physiotherapy students involves several considerations to ensure it aligns with your interests, the field’s needs, and feasibility. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Identify Your Interests
  • Passion: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Your enthusiasm will drive your motivation throughout the research process.
  • Personal Experience: Reflect on any personal experiences or observations in physiotherapy that sparked your curiosity.
  • Consider Relevance
  • Field Needs: Look into current trends and gaps in physiotherapy research. What areas need more exploration or improvement?
  • Clinical Significance: Choose a topic with practical applications in clinical settings. Will your research contribute to better patient outcomes or practice?
  • Review Literature
  • Literature Search: Conduct a thorough literature review to understand what’s been done. Identify gaps where your research can make a valuable contribution.
  • Read Journals: Explore recent publications in physiotherapy journals to get ideas and understand the latest advancements.
  • Discuss with Peers and Mentors
  • Peer Feedback: Discuss potential topics with classmates or colleagues. They might offer insights or suggest areas you hadn’t considered.
  • Mentor Guidance: Seek advice from professors or experienced researchers. They can guide you towards viable topics and methodologies.
  • Assess Feasibility
  • Resources: Consider the resources available to you, such as access to equipment, databases, and funding.
  • Timeframe: Evaluate the time you have for research. Ensure your topic is manageable within the given timeframe.
  • Narrow Down and Define
  • Specificity: Narrow your topic to a specific question or problem. Broad topics can be overwhelming and challenging to research effectively.
  • Clear Objective: Define a clear research question or hypothesis. This guides your study’s direction and methods.
  • Brainstorm Potential Topics
  • Use the Outline: Refer to the outline provided earlier for inspiration. Consider topics in musculoskeletal, neurological, pediatric, geriatric, or cardiovascular physiotherapy.
  • Innovative Approaches: Explore the use of technology, patient compliance, psychological aspects, or sports-related research.
  • Evaluate Ethical Considerations
  • Ethical Approval: Ensure your chosen topic aligns with ethical guidelines. Consider factors like informed consent, patient privacy, and data handling.
  • Choose Your Topic!
  • Final Selection: After considering all these factors, select a topic that excites you, addresses a gap in the field, and is feasible within your resources and timeframe.

Remember, choosing a research topic is an exciting journey. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to the field of physiotherapy, improve patient care, and expand your knowledge and skills.

151+ Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students: Category Wise

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

  • Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in Ankle Sprains
  • Comparison of Manual Therapy and Exercise for Low Back Pain
  • The Role of Pilates in Improving Core Strength and Stability
  • Efficacy of Dry Needling in Myofascial Pain Syndrome
  • Impact of Virtual Reality on Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction
  • Muscle Imbalance and its Relationship to Injury Risk
  • Use of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Muscle Rehabilitation
  • Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain
  • Effects of Different Running Techniques on Knee Joint Stress
  • Long-Term Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Muscle Function

Neurological Physiotherapy

  • Rehabilitation Strategies for Improving Balance in Multiple Sclerosis
  • Impact of Aquatic Therapy on Motor Function in Parkinson’s Disease
  • Effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Stroke Recovery
  • Virtual Reality for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients
  • Gait Training Techniques for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
  • Neuroplasticity and its Implications for Rehabilitation
  • Role of Robotics in Neurological Rehabilitation
  • Effects of Tai Chi on Balance and Fall Prevention in Older Adults with Stroke
  • Music Therapy for Motor Rehabilitation in Stroke Survivors
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation in Patients with Vestibular Disorders

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physiotherapy

  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: Effectiveness and Adherence Rates
  • Inspiratory Muscle Training for COPD Patients
  • Role of Yoga in Improving Cardiovascular Health
  • Exercise Prescription for Patients with Heart Failure
  • Effects of High-Altitude Training on Lung Function
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases
  • Non-Invasive Ventilation in Neuromuscular Disorders
  • Effects of Smoking Cessation on Respiratory Function
  • Impact of Breathing Exercises on Asthma Control
  • Exercise Interventions for Pulmonary Hypertension

Pediatric Physiotherapy

  • Early Intervention Programs for Children with Developmental Delays
  • Hydrotherapy for Pediatric Rehabilitation
  • Motor Learning Strategies in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Pediatric Hemiplegia
  • Sensory Integration Therapy for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Effects of Biking on Gross Motor Skills in Children
  • Role of Play-Based Therapy in Pediatric Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Obesity and its Impact on Musculoskeletal Health
  • Effects of Early Mobility in Preterm Infants
  • Dance Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Geriatric Physiotherapy

  • Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies in Older Adults
  • Effectiveness of Chair Yoga in Elderly Fall Prevention
  • Role of Physical Activity in Cognitive Function in the Elderly
  • Home-Based Exercise Programs for Aging Adults
  • Effects of Tai Chi on Balance and Mobility in Elderly
  • Impact of Nutritional Interventions on Sarcopenia
  • Role of Multidisciplinary Teams in Geriatric Rehabilitation
  • Frailty Screening Tools and Interventions
  • Effects of Ageism on Physical Activity in Older Adults
  • Dementia and Exercise: Benefits and Challenges

Sports Physiotherapy

  • Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sports Injuries in Soccer Players
  • Effectiveness of Taping Techniques in Athletes
  • Return to Play Guidelines Following ACL Reconstruction
  • Role of Biomechanics in Running Injury Prevention
  • Sports-Specific Rehabilitation Protocols
  • Impact of Sports Specialization on Injury Risk in Youth Athletes
  • Effects of Cryotherapy on Muscle Recovery
  • Psychological Factors in Sports Injury Rehabilitation
  • Nutritional Strategies for Performance Enhancement in Athletes
  • Role of Physiotherapy in eSports Injury Prevention

Women’s Health and Pelvic Physiotherapy

  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Stress Urinary Incontinence
  • Effects of Pregnancy on Musculoskeletal Health
  • Postpartum Exercise Programs and Recovery
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Management
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain Management Strategies
  • Diastasis Recti: Assessment and Rehabilitation
  • Impact of Menopause on Bone Health and Exercise
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
  • Pre- and Post-Operative Physiotherapy for Gynecological Surgeries
  • Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy: Assessment and Treatment

Orthopedic Physiotherapy

  • Manual Therapy Techniques for Frozen Shoulder
  • Effects of TENS Therapy on Osteoarthritis Pain
  • Post-Operative Rehabilitation Following Total Knee Replacement
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Rotator Cuff Tears
  • Conservative Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation
  • Motor Control Exercises for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
  • Effects of PNF Techniques on Range of Motion
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Ankle Instability
  • Prehabilitation Programs for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears
  • Postural Correction Strategies for Neck Pain

Occupational Physiotherapy

  • Ergonomics and Workplace Injury Prevention
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Work Rehabilitation Programs
  • Return to Work Interventions for Musculoskeletal Injuries
  • Job Demands Analysis and Physical Capacity Assessments
  • Effects of Standing Desks on Musculoskeletal Health
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Hand Rehabilitation
  • Post-Operative Rehabilitation Following Hand Surgery
  • Workplace Stress and its Impact on Musculoskeletal Health
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations in Occupational Settings
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Ergonomic Design Consultations

Pain Management

  • Multimodal Approaches to Chronic Pain Management
  • Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Pain Perception
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Fibromyalgia Management
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain
  • Pain Neuroscience Education for Patients with Persistent Pain
  • Effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Low Back Pain
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
  • Telehealth for Pain Management
  • Pain Catastrophizing and its Influence on Treatment Outcomes
  • Effects of Sleep Quality on Pain Perception

Rehabilitation Technology

  • Wearable Technology for Monitoring Physical Activity
  • Virtual Reality for Motor Rehabilitation
  • Robotics in Rehabilitation: Current Trends and Future Directions
  • Smart Textiles for Monitoring Muscle Activity
  • Tele rehabilitation: Benefits and Challenges
  • 3D Printing in Orthopedic Rehabilitation
  • Biofeedback Systems for Muscle Rehabilitation
  • Wearable Sensors for Gait Analysis
  • Virtual Reality for Phantom Limb Pain
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces in Stroke Rehabilitation

Health Promotion and Wellness

  • Effects of Exercise on Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Obesity Management
  • Exercise Programs for Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities
  • Workplace Wellness Programs: Impact on Employee Health
  • Community-Based Exercise Programs for Cardiovascular Health
  • Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress Reduction
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Smoking Cessation Programs
  • Nutritional Counseling for Chronic Disease Prevention
  • Exercise Prescription for Mental Health Disorders
  • Impact of Social Support on Physical Activity Adherence

Rehabilitation in Specific Populations

  • Effects of Exercise on Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Refugee Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation Needs of LGBTQ+ Individuals
  • Cultural Competence in Physiotherapy Practice
  • Effects of Exercise on Immune Function in Cancer Patients
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Prison Rehabilitation Programs
  • Rehabilitation Challenges in Homeless Populations
  • Effects of Exercise on Quality of Life in HIV/AIDS Patients
  • Role of Physiotherapy in Rehabilitation After Human Trafficking
  • Exercise Programs for Individuals with Disabilities

Innovative Approaches in Rehabilitation

  • Biofeedback Training for Improving Motor Control
  • Effects of Exergaming on Physical Function in Older Adults
  • Role of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Tissue Healing
  • Virtual Reality for Pain Management in Burn Patients
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Role of AI and Machine Learning in Rehabilitation
  • Effects of Hippotherapy on Balance and Coordination
  • Role of Music Therapy in Rehabilitation
  • Hydrogen Water Therapy for Musculoskeletal Injuries
  • Role of Graded Motor Imagery in Chronic Pain Rehabilitation

Ethics and Professionalism in Physiotherapy

  • Informed Consent Practices in Physiotherapy Research
  • Confidentiality in Telehealth Consultations
  • Role of Physiotherapists in Health Advocacy
  • Ethical Considerations in Exercise Prescription
  • Cultural Competence in Patient Care
  • Role of Physiotherapists in End-of-Life Care
  • Patient Autonomy and Shared Decision-Making in Treatment
  • Professional Boundaries in Physiotherapy Practice
  • Ethical Implications of Social Media Use for Physiotherapists
  • Conflict of Interest in Physiotherapy Research

Global Health and Physiotherapy

  • Role of Physiotherapists in Disaster Relief Efforts
  • Health Disparities in Access to Physiotherapy Services
  • Physiotherapy in Low-Resource Settings: Challenges and Solutions
  • Cross-Cultural Communication in Physiotherapy Practice
  • Role of Physiotherapists in Addressing Climate Change Health Impacts

Ethical Considerations in Physiotherapy Research

  • Informed Consent: Ensuring patients fully understand the research and voluntarily agree to participate.
  • Confidentiality of Patient Information: Safeguarding patient privacy and protecting their personal data.
  • Data Collection and Storage: Using secure methods to collect, store, and analyze research data.
  • Research Ethics Committee Approval: Obtaining ethical approval before conducting any research involving human participants.

Research in physiotherapy is a dynamic and essential part of the field. For students embarking on their research journeys, the possibilities are limitless. 

From improving rehabilitation techniques to enhancing patient care, each study contributes to a brighter, healthier future.

So whether you’re intrigued by the mysteries of the musculoskeletal system or fascinated by the potential of technology in therapy, there are  research topics for physiotherapy students waiting for you to explore. Together, let’s continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and empowering individuals to move, heal, and thrive.

Related Posts

best way to finance car

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

how to get fund for business

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

  • How it works

researchprospect post subheader

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

Yes I want the free topic

Physiotherapy Dissertation Topics – Industry-Oriented Suggestions

Published by Grace Graffin at January 4th, 2023 , Revised On May 3, 2024

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that deals with movement disorders of the body arising from different conditions. Physiotherapy focuses on performing practices that reduce physical ailments without going through surgery or traditional medication. There are many other practices related to physiotherapy, such as chiropractic treatment, but they do not fall under the umbrella of physiotherapy. A person who performs physiotherapy is known as a physiotherapist.

To become a physiotherapist, you must complete a physiotherapy degree course. But, of course, you cannot become a professional physiotherapist unless you do not complete it. In order to complete your degree, it is mandatory to complete the most important and considerably hard dissertation.

If you are finding it ambiguous and uncertain about starting your dissertation, you can look at some of the current, striking, and potential topics suggested by our PhD scholars at ResearchProspect.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an introduction to the topic, research question, aim and objectives, literature review, and the proposed methodology of research to be conducted. Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics here.

Want to know what essay structure and style will work best for your assignment?

Problem fixed! We can write any type of essay in any referencing style. We ensure every essay written is beyond your expectations.

essay structure

Physiotherapy Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: an evaluation of the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in repairing cutaneous injury.

Research Aim: The research aims to evaluate the impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Repairing Cutaneous Injury.

Objectives:

  • To analyse the concept of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy used in physiotherapy.
  • To evaluate the impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on the duration of healing and postinjury complications.
  • To investigate the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in repairing cutaneous injury.

Topic 2: A comparison of the effectiveness of underwater aerobic exercises and manual knee exercises in the rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis.

Research Aim: The research aims to compare the effectiveness of underwater aerobic exercises and manual knee exercises in the rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis.

  • To analyse the mechanisms of administering underwater aerobic exercises and manual knee exercises.
  • To evaluate the methods of rehabilitating knee osteoarthritis.
  • To establish a comparison between underwater aerobic exercises and manual knee exercises in terms of their effectiveness for rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis.

Topic 3: An investigation into the effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound and resistance training for rheumatoid arthritis.

Research Aim: The research aims to investigate the effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound and resistance training for rheumatoid arthritis.

  • To analyse the areas of application of therapeutic ultrasound and resistance training in physiotherapy.
  • To analyse the physiotherapy approaches for treating rheumatoid arthritis pain.
  • To investigate the impact of therapeutic ultrasound and resistance training on treating rheumatoid arthritis pain to determine their effectiveness.

Topic 4: Evaluating the impact of strengthening exercises on diabetic patients with shoulder pain.

Research Aim: The aim of the research will be to evaluate the impact of strengthening exercises on diabetic patients with shoulder pain.

  • To determine the benefits of strengthening exercises on patients with pain.
  • To analyse if any additional precatory measures are required while rehabilitating diabetic patients.
  • To evaluate the impact of strengthening exercises on diabetic patients with shoulder pain.

Topic 5: An analysis of the implications of strengthening exercises on alleviation of lower back pain and cervical pain.

Research Aim: An analysis of the implications of strengthening exercises on the alleviation of lower back pain and cervical pain.

  • To determine the types of strengthening exercises in physiotherapy for pain relief.
  • To analyse the causes of lower back pain and cervical pain in patients and the common methods of treatment.
  • To investigate the impact of strengthening exercises on the alleviation of lower back pain and cervical pain.

Topic. 6: Physiotherapy vs. chiropractic

Research Aim: There are many similar practices to physiotherapy; one of them is chiropractic. It deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. The chiropractic health care system was founded on the basis that the human body’s health is determined by its nervous system. 

The aim of the research would be to find out the difference between physiography and chiropractic. The researcher will identify the differences and similarities between both professions, types, and methodologies and identify the ways they resemble or differentiate. 

Topic. 7: Why Physiotherapy is beneficial

Research Aim: There are ongoing discussions regarding physiotherapy and its benefits. The research will identify how physiotherapy is beneficial for the body and aim to make new revelations by experimenting with certain bodily impairments. 

Topic. 8: Future of physiotherapy

Research Aim: Physiotherapy is the best way to get treatment for injuries as the results are permanent and provide complete relief. It is the best alternative for people who do not want to take heavy doses of medicines. However, whether it will remain as significant in the future as it is today is a big question to address. The researcher will focus on the current trends and forecasts in the field of physiotherapy and find out how far this discipline will go and how long it can remain useful for humans. 

Topic. 9: Physiotherapy vs. Orthopedic surgery

Research Aim: Physiotherapy and orthopaedic  surgery are two different ways to treat acute injuries in bones, joints, and their associated soft tissues. The research will focus on differentiating the practices of physiotherapy and orthopaedic surgery. 

Topic. 10: Effectiveness of mirror therapy for stroke patients

Research Aim: Mirror therapy is a kind of therapy in which a mirror is placed between the arms or legs to make an image of the moving limb and give an impression of normal movement of the affected limb. It is said that rehabilitation therapy is effective for stroke patients. The research paper will aim to find out the level of effectiveness of mirror therapy for stroke patients. 

Topic. 11: Physiotherapy for athletes

Research Aim: Physiotherapy has a wide range of uses; it is vitally important on and off the field for athletes and sportsmen. The research will aim to find out the significance of physiotherapy for athletes, how it is used, why it is used, and what are the preferable techniques by worldwide athletes. 

Topic. 12: Effective methods of physiotherapy

Research Aim:  The aim of the research is to probe all methods and techniques of physiotherapy and identify the most effective methods of all. The researcher will do qualitative research and present the best types of physiotherapy for specific conditions and situations. 

Topic. 13: Physiotherapy vs. other medical treatments

Research Aim:   There are still many people who find physiotherapy more effective than other medical treatments, and to some, it is inverse. The aim of the research is to juxtapose physiotherapy with other types of related medical treatment and determine which one of them, in a true sense, is effective. 

Also Read: Medicine and Nursing Dissertation Topics

Topic. 14: Physiotherapy and lower back pain

Research Aim: Lower back pain is one of the most common types of pain that people suffer from during their middle and young age. Lower back pain ranges from mild to chronic pain that can last forever. Lower back pain is usually treated with physical therapy. The main aim of the research is to find the extent to which physiotherapy is effective in treating lower back pain and in which conditions it is the most effective. 

Topic. 15: Ankylosing spondylitis and physiotherapy

Research Aim:  Ankylosing spondylitis is a common inflammatory disease that can fuse some of the bones in the spine. As a result, the spine becomes less flexible and causes pain when sitting, standing, and moving, leading to a hunched posture. The aim of the research is to find out if physiotherapy can help relieve ankylosing spondylitis. 

Topic. 16: Physiotherapy for knee replacement

Research Aim:  Knee replacement is a surgical procedure carried out on patients with severe pain and immobilisation in their knee joint. The procedure is only recommended for severe cases, and the mild cases can be treated in other ways; the research will aim to find if physiotherapy can be an alternative to knee replacement. 

Topic. 17: Physiotherapy equipment and their uses

Research Aim:  The way there are many strategies and types of physiotherapy, and so are the equipment and tools. The research will study different kinds of physiotherapy and their uses. The main aim of the research is to find if the same or different tools are used for the same method around the world. 

Topic. 18: Physiotherapy and stress control

Research Aim:  While physiotherapy has a lot to do with the physical body, it can also relieve the mind and help unwind mental stress. The research will carry out thorough research to find out how physiotherapy helps stress control and how often one can see a physiotherapist to unwind mental strain. 

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Topic. 19: Technology and physiotherapy

Research Aim:  Since technology has taken over and substituted human practices with technology-led machines, it is necessary to understand technological advancements in the field of physiotherapy. The advancements can range from tools to practices. The research will focus on learning about the current technological advancements in the field and the future prospects. 

Topic. 20: Post-accident physiotherapy

Research Aim: Post-traumatic disorder  is one of the common results of experiencing a highly traumatic accident. Therefore, it is highly essential to recover and stabilise oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Physiotherapy is said to be one of the most effective techniques for helping people get over trauma. The research will study the level of effectiveness of post-accident physiotherapy. The research can do a case study to drive accurate results. 

Topic. 21: Equine physiotherapy

Research Aim:  A type of physiotherapy, equine physiotherapy, is not widely understood. The aim of the research is to explore and understand equine physiotherapy, its practice, and its significance for humans. 

Topic. 22: Physiotherapy and fibromyalgia

Research Aim: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects people severely. Patients experience pain and stiffness in the muscles. While fibromyalgia does not damage the joints or organs, constant aches and fatigue become part of normal life. The aim of the research is to study fibromyalgia and the role of physiotherapy in its treatment. 

Topic. 23: Physiotherapy and massage therapy

Research Aim: Physiotherapy and massage are not interchangeable terms that very few people know about. The research will throw light on the specialities and specific details of each of the practices and differentiate them from each other. 

Topic. 24: Yoga for physiotherapy patients

Research Aim: Yoga has gained immense attention lately. Yoga is recommended for teens, youngsters, elders, and pregnant women, but this research will discover if it is beneficial for physiotherapy patients. 

Topic. 25: Physiotherapy, its history, and specialities

In order to understand the roots of physiotherapy, it is important to delve into its conventional practices. The research will study and investigate the history of physiotherapy and its specialities; it will evaluate if it is still practised the same or different in the 21st century. 

You may also be interested in medicine dissertation topics, mental health dissertation topics , physical health & education dissertation topics , and healthcare dissertation topics.

List of Trending Dissertation Topics on Physiotherapy 

  • The Role of Physiotherapy in the Management of Chronic Pain Conditions
  • An Analysis of Exercise Therapy in Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
  • Physiotherapy Interventions for Improving Balance and Preventing Falls in Older Adults
  • Investigating the Role of Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • The Impact of Prehabilitation on Postoperative Outcomes in Orthopedic Surgery Patients
  • The Role of Physiotherapy in Enhancing Respiratory Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Investigating the Effects of Exercise Therapy on Mental Health and Well-being
  • The Role of Physiotherapy in the Management of Sports Injuries
  • Exploring the Use of Biomechanical Analysis in Optimising Gait Rehabilitation
  • Manual Therapy Techniques for the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
  • Physiotherapy Interventions for Improving Functional Mobility in Stroke Survivors
  • The Role of Acupuncture in Physiotherapy Practice for Pain Management
  • Investigating the Effects of Exercise Therapy on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients
  • Role of Physiotherapy in the Management of Postural Dysfunction and Ergonomics Awareness
  • Investigating the Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy in Rehabilitation Programs
  • Physiotherapy Interventions for Improving Functional Independence in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
  • Assessing the Role of Psychological Interventions in Physiotherapy Practice for Chronic Pain Management
  • Investigating the Role of Exercise Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis
  • The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Pain Perception and Functional Outcomes
  • Physiotherapy Approaches for Managing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Investigating the Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Physical Function and Pain Relief
  • The Role of Physiotherapy in the Management of Post-Concussion Syndrome
  • Exploring the Role of Exercise Therapy in Improving Cognitive Function in Older Adults
  • Investigating the Role of Physiotherapy in Preparing Patients for Joint Replacement Surgery: Prehabilitation Strategies

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find physiotherapy dissertation topics.

To discover physiotherapy dissertation topics:

  • Research recent advancements.
  • Address healthcare challenges.
  • Explore niche areas (e.g., sports, geriatrics).
  • Review patient outcomes and therapies.
  • Consult experts and mentors.
  • Pick a topic aligning with your passion and research potential.

You May Also Like

Use and get inspired by our list of trending and unique neuropsychology dissertation topic ideas to get started with your dissertation.

Choosing the right Asset Management dissertation topic can be a nightmare for many students. The topic of your dissertation determines how well it ranks. This is due to the fact that your topics are the first thing your readers will notice about your article.

Use our latest list of the best demonstration speech topics available for free to improve your presentations and engage your audience.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

researchprospect-reviews-trust-site

COMPANY DETAILS

Research-Prospect-Writing-Service

  • How It Works

logo

100+ Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students in 2022

/favicon.jpg

Team Desklib

Published: 2022-08-18

blog_image

The physiotherapy profession has addressed the significance of teaching students the fundamentals and applications of research through its published educational accreditation criteria and normative model of professional education.

The goal of Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students  is to conduct a long-term study of students in relation to their perception of research knowledge, perception of the best source to use when making clinical decisions, and their perception of the best tools to use when managing patients in a clinical setting.

How Physiotherapy Students can Choose Manageable Research Topics?

Discover what is already known about your issue and what unanswered research questions exist after reviewing it. The most recent literature will likely be the source of your research question.

What details and research remain on your problem? Which publications you discovered have you had "implications for future research"? Research Topics for Physiotherapy  Students  can take many different forms. Let's go through these topics one by one -

Top 25 Interesting Physiotherapy Research Topics

  • Knee osteoarthritis can be treated with quadriceps workouts and Kinesio taping.
  • Knee osteoarthritis can be treated with ultrasound therapy and knee joint mobilization.
  • Effectiveness of resistance training and therapeutic ultrasonography in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Effect of nerve mobilization and gliding procedures in carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Contrasting the effects of conventional physical therapy methods with phonophoresis in osteoarthritis.
  • Shoulder exercises for people who have had CABG.
  • Effects of strengthening exercises and Kinesio taping for diastasis recti in postpartum women.
  • Techniques for mobilization and hold relaxation for limited knee range of motion.
  • Exercises that increase strength and use an alternating current to treat knee osteoarthritis
  • Exercises that build muscle are used to treat shoulder pain in diabetics.
  • Effectiveness of strengthening exercises and interferential current in the treatment of cervical discomfort.
  • Effect of Kinesio taping and therapeutic ultrasonography on knee injuries.
  • A randomized control experiment evaluating the effectiveness of Kinesio taping in treating shoulder discomfort.
  • Contrasting the results of therapeutic ultrasound and dry needling for the relief of trapezius trigger points.
  • Exercise's effects on a premenopausal woman's bone health.
  • Effects of strengthening exercises and lumbar traction on chronic radicular lumbar back pain
  • Exercises for strengthening and cervical traction for persistent neck discomfort
  • A randomized control experiment using dry needling for cervical discomfort.
  • A randomized control experiment evaluating the effectiveness of cervical mobilization in migraine.
  • A randomized control experiment evaluating the effectiveness of stretching activities for treating low back pain.  
  • Exercises for strengthening help with neck pain.
  • Effects of pelvic floor exercises and therapeutic ultrasonography on the relief of persistent pelvic pain
  • In an ankle injury, therapeutic ultrasound and Kinesio taping are used.
  • Computer users' neck pain can be reduced using therapeutic ultrasound and trigger point release.
  • Trigger point release helps female patients with lumbar back discomfort.

Top 25 Physiotherapy Research Topics for College Students

  • Effect of trigger point release and therapeutic ultrasonography on the relief of neck discomfort in university students.
  • An RCT looked at the impact of lumbar traction on calf muscle soreness.
  • Impact of trigger point release in treating student thoracic back discomfort.
  • Therapeutic ultrasonography with trigger point release for the treatment of persistent pelvic pain.
  • Therapeutic ultrasound and trigger point release for piriformis muscle discomfort.
  • Trigger point release's effects on reducing biceps discomfort.
  • Scapular mobilization for shoulder pain relief.
  • The effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound and quadriceps muscle trigger point release in reducing knee pain
  • Trigger point release and therapeutic ultrasound's effects on calf muscle discomfort.
  • Effects of therapeutic ultrasound and trigger point release on treating tennis elbow discomfort.
  • Effects of therapeutic ultrasound and trigger point release on golfer's elbow pain.
  • Randomized controlled trial contrasting the benefits of therapeutic ultrasound and shock wave on heel spur pain.
  • Impact of trigger point release and therapeutic ultrasound on reduction of SI joint discomfort.
  • The effectiveness of cervical neck mobilization and therapeutic ultrasonography.
  • Effect of mobilization in experiencing dizziness again.
  • The ability of therapeutic ultrasonography to ease knee pain
  • Techniques for easing shoulder discomfort
  • Mobilization and therapeutic ultrasound for postpartum women with carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Comparison of the effects of shock wave therapy versus the standard physiotherapy routine for treating fibromyalgia.
  • Contrasting the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential current for the treatment of chronic low back pain.
  • Effectiveness of prenatal exercise program for sacroiliac joint treatment
  • Interferential current in a randomized controlled trial for the treatment of rotator cuff muscle rupture pain.
  • Contrasting the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential current for the treatment of neck discomfort.
  • The effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound and mobilization in easing wrist discomfort.
  • Therapeutic ultrasound's effect on reducing lumbar back pain.

Top 25 Current Physiotherapy Research Topics 

University students who suffer from thoracic back discomfort can benefit from therapeutic ultrasound treatments.

  • Impact of therapeutic ultrasound and mobilization in easing pain in the SI joint.
  • Contrasting the effects of conventional physiotherapy and shock wave therapy on cervical discomfort.
  • Effects of conventional physical therapy and shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis.
  • Shock wave therapy and conventional physical therapy methods are used to treat lateral epicondylitis.
  • Medical epicondylitis treatment procedure using physiotherapy.
  • Contrasting the results of standard physiotherapy and shock wave therapy.
  • Contrasting the effects of shock wave therapy and conventional physical therapy methods for treating trapezius trigger points
  • Protocol used in conventional physical therapy to address low back pain.
  • Treatment plan for piriformis syndrome.
  • Contrasting the effects of shock wave therapy and conventional physical therapy methods for treating shoulder discomfort
  • For the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, interferential current and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is used.
  • Interferential current in a randomized controlled trial for the treatment of pain following complete hip replacement.
  • Comparative analysis For the treatment of bicep muscle pain, interferential current effects and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are used.
  • Effects of phonophoresis on bicipital tendinitis in a randomized controlled experiment.
  • A randomized control experiment on the effects of phonophoresis for De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
  • Effects of phonophoresis for the treatment of Achilles tendinitis in a randomized controlled experiment.
  • A randomized control experiment evaluating the effects of phonophoresis for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.
  • Using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated.
  • Interferential current under controlled study to treat pain following a shoulder replacement.
  • Contrasting the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential current for the treatment of piriformis syndrome.
  • A trial-based investigation of phonophoresis's effects in the treatment of coccydynia.
  • A Randomized Controlled Trial using the interferential current to treat meniscal tear pain
  • Contrasting the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential current for the treatment of lumbar back muscle spasm.
  • Exercises that improve posture and build muscle are used to treat acute occupational neck pain.

Some Advance Physiotherapy Research Topics 

  • A randomised control experiment evaluating the effectiveness of shortwave diathermy in treating knee osteoarthritis.
  • A randomized control trial of manual therapy for treating vertigo.
  • Kinesiotaping is used to treat persistent low back pain.
  • Manual therapy's effects on the treatment of SI joint pain in postpartum women
  • Low back pain management with infrared therapy.
  • A controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of short-wave diathermy with infrared therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain.
  • Exercises for stretching and strengthening to address forward head position.
  • Kinesiotaping for female population bladder issues
  • Kinesiotaping's effectiveness in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome.
  • Results of a randomized control experiment on the effects of shock wave therapy for migraine management.
  • A comparison of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with the interferential current for the treatment of shoulder pain.
  • Phonophoresis for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized control trial study.
  • Prenatal exercise program's effectiveness in treating neck and shoulder discomfort
  • Contrasting the results of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with the interferential current.
  • An analysis of the effectiveness of a prenatal exercise program for the treatment of low back pain.
  • Competitive research on the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential current for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.
  • Effects of phonophoresis for the treatment of neck pain: a randomized control experiment.
  • For the treatment of medial epicondylitis, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is used, and the effects of interferential current are compared.
  • A comparison of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with the interferential current for the treatment of persistent pelvic pain.
  • A randomized control experiment evaluating the effects of phonophoresis on the treatment of SI joint discomfort.
  • Contrasting the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential current for the treatment of sacroiliac joint pain.
  • Interferential current in a randomized controlled trial for the treatment of pain following total knee replacement.
  • Exercises to strengthen the core and correct posture are used to address acute occupational low back pain.
  • Frozen shoulder treatment with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and a comparative investigation of the effects of interferential current.
  • A Study at an Indian Primary School on Inclusive Education Environments from the Teachers' Perspective.
  • Learning methodologies and their relationship to self-study time are compared between students in a lecture-based curriculum and those who use problem-based learning.

Conclusion -

In this descriptive study of professional physiotherapy students, we sought to evaluate the students' self-reported feelings of comfort and confidence in reading and apply research findings published in the literature, their personal reading habits, and their general beliefs about the value of research to their professional careers and of basing clinical practise on research findings.

Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students show that although there were noticeable improvements by the program's conclusion, attitudes about research have not changed permanently in areas like individual motivation for participation in research and the importance that physical therapists accord to research.

Further Readings - 

  • 120 Hot Research Topics for Nursing Students
  • Top 50+ Research Topics for High School Students in 2022
  • A Thorough Analysis of Market Research
  • Research for Psychology and Personality Disorder
  • Mental Health Research Topics for Students in 2022
  • 4 Tips on How to Find Homework Answers Quickly
  • How to Write Different Types of Research Paper ?
  • Desklib: Designed to solve plagiarism issues
  • 10 Tips to Motivate with Desklib Homework Help  

Your Feedback matters

  • Physical Therapy

Explore the latest in physical therapy, including management of sports injuries, postoperative rehabilitation, strength conditioning in the elderly, and more.

Publication

Article type.

This randomized clinical trial investigates the efficacy of combination physiotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals with functional movement disorders.

This study examines the content, including mention of benefits and harms of testing and treatment, and funding of disease awareness campaign websites recognized by major noncommercial institutions.

This randomized clinical trial of children with cerebral palsy compares overground robot-assisted gait training using an untethered, torque-assisted, wearable exoskeletal robot with standard physical therapy.

This nonrandomized clinical trial examines 6 escalated exercise therapy dose levels ranging from 90 to 450 minutes per week for men with treatment-naive localized prostate cancer.

This systematic review maps the certainty and quality of evidence reported by systematic reviews in 2018 to 2023 of massage therapy for pain in adults.

This randomized clinical trial investigates which strategy is more effective in patients with atrial fibrillation and obesity: dual or single direct-current cardioversion.

  • Meta-Analysis: Touch Tied to Improved Mental, Physical Health JAMA News May 3, 2024 Dermatology Complementary and Alternative Medicine Pain Medicine Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Depressive Disorders Full Text | pdf link PDF

This report describes 2 cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo symptoms in middle-aged patients who experienced onset after using a handheld massage gun.

This randomized clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of self-administered acupressure on reducing knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain among middle-aged and older adults.

This cross-sectional study examines the extent to which states have introduced or enacted mandates for coverage of nonpharmacological pain treatments and characterizes the variation in such mandates.

  • Extracorporeal Shockwave for Claudication—Potential Efficacy JAMA Surgery Opinion April 10, 2024 Cardiology Lifestyle Behaviors Physical Activity Ischemic Heart Disease Full Text | pdf link PDF

This randomized clinical trial evaluates quality-of-life outcomes in patients with claudication following extracorporeal corporeal shockwave therapy.

  • Exercise Therapy for Post–COVID-19 Condition—Does No Harm JAMA Network Open Opinion April 4, 2024 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Nutrition, Obesity, Exercise Coronavirus (COVID-19) Lifestyle Behaviors Physical Activity Full Text | pdf link PDF open access

This cross-sectional study evaluates the association of preoperative circulating tumor HPV DNA levels with disease burden or adverse pathologic features among patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who have undergone primary transoral robotic surgery.

This cohort study evaluates the association of a virtual synchronized prehabilitation program with perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing thoracic cancer surgery.

This cohort study aims to establish whether anterior vs posterior tumor extension may represent a prognostic factor in oral tongue and floor squamous cell carcinoma.

This study attempts to verify if Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities would improve manual abilities in young children with unilateral cerebral palsy more than usual motor activity.

This review summarizes current evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of knee osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain, and meniscal tears.

This cohort study examines the association between the receipt of physical therapy to treat dizziness and the risk of falls requiring medical care in the subsequent year.

This cohort study assesses receipt of physical therapy and chiropractic care for chronic low back pain among Medicare beneficiaries with opioid use disorder (OUD) from different racial and ethnic groups.

Select Your Interests

Customize your JAMA Network experience by selecting one or more topics from the list below.

  • Academic Medicine
  • Acid Base, Electrolytes, Fluids
  • Allergy and Clinical Immunology
  • American Indian or Alaska Natives
  • Anesthesiology
  • Anticoagulation
  • Art and Images in Psychiatry
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Assisted Reproduction
  • Bleeding and Transfusion
  • Caring for the Critically Ill Patient
  • Challenges in Clinical Electrocardiography
  • Climate and Health
  • Climate Change
  • Clinical Challenge
  • Clinical Decision Support
  • Clinical Implications of Basic Neuroscience
  • Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • Consensus Statements
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Cultural Competency
  • Dental Medicine
  • Dermatology
  • Diabetes and Endocrinology
  • Diagnostic Test Interpretation
  • Drug Development
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Emergency Medicine
  • End of Life, Hospice, Palliative Care
  • Environmental Health
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Facial Plastic Surgery
  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Genomics and Precision Health
  • Global Health
  • Guide to Statistics and Methods
  • Hair Disorders
  • Health Care Delivery Models
  • Health Care Economics, Insurance, Payment
  • Health Care Quality
  • Health Care Reform
  • Health Care Safety
  • Health Care Workforce
  • Health Disparities
  • Health Inequities
  • Health Policy
  • Health Systems Science
  • History of Medicine
  • Hypertension
  • Images in Neurology
  • Implementation Science
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Innovations in Health Care Delivery
  • JAMA Infographic
  • Law and Medicine
  • Leading Change
  • Less is More
  • LGBTQIA Medicine
  • Lifestyle Behaviors
  • Medical Coding
  • Medical Devices and Equipment
  • Medical Education
  • Medical Education and Training
  • Medical Journals and Publishing
  • Mobile Health and Telemedicine
  • Narrative Medicine
  • Neuroscience and Psychiatry
  • Notable Notes
  • Nutrition, Obesity, Exercise
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Occupational Health
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopedics
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pain Medicine
  • Palliative Care
  • Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
  • Patient Care
  • Patient Information
  • Performance Improvement
  • Performance Measures
  • Perioperative Care and Consultation
  • Pharmacoeconomics
  • Pharmacoepidemiology
  • Pharmacogenetics
  • Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Physician Leadership
  • Population Health
  • Primary Care
  • Professional Well-being
  • Professionalism
  • Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
  • Public Health
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Regulatory Agencies
  • Reproductive Health
  • Research, Methods, Statistics
  • Resuscitation
  • Rheumatology
  • Risk Management
  • Scientific Discovery and the Future of Medicine
  • Shared Decision Making and Communication
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Sports Medicine
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Substance Use and Addiction Medicine
  • Surgical Innovation
  • Surgical Pearls
  • Teachable Moment
  • Technology and Finance
  • The Art of JAMA
  • The Arts and Medicine
  • The Rational Clinical Examination
  • Tobacco and e-Cigarettes
  • Translational Medicine
  • Trauma and Injury
  • Treatment Adherence
  • Ultrasonography
  • Users' Guide to the Medical Literature
  • Vaccination
  • Venous Thromboembolism
  • Veterans Health
  • Women's Health
  • Workflow and Process
  • Wound Care, Infection, Healing
  • Register for email alerts with links to free full-text articles
  • Access PDFs of free articles
  • Manage your interests
  • Save searches and receive search alerts

CodeAvail

111+ Top Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

Physiotherapy is a dynamic and evolving field that plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry. Physiotherapists are responsible for helping individuals regain their physical abilities, improve their quality of life, and manage various musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions. For physiotherapy students, conducting research is an essential part of their academic journey. It allows them to explore emerging trends, contribute to the field’s knowledge base, and develop critical thinking skills.

In this blog, we will provide you with a diverse list of research topics for physiotherapy students. These topics span various sub-disciplines within physiotherapy, including musculoskeletal, neurological, pediatric, sports, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, among others. Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, you will find intriguing research ideas that can serve as a starting point for your academic journey.

If you’re looking for assistance with your studies, consider exploring our service, designed to provide you with the guidance and resources you need to thrive in your academic journey.

What are the Research Topics in Physiotherapy?

Table of Contents

Research topics in physiotherapy refer to specific areas or questions that students and researchers aim to investigate, analyze, and contribute to through scientific inquiry. These topics are essential for advancing the profession and improving patient care. They can encompass a wide range of subjects within the field of physiotherapy, including musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and pediatric aspects, among others.

Importance of Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

Research topics are a cornerstone of physiotherapy education for several reasons:

Advancement of Knowledge

Research topics drive the development of new knowledge and evidence-based practices in physiotherapy. By conducting research, students contribute to the body of evidence that informs clinical decision-making.

Skill Development

Engaging in research hones critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis skills. These skills are invaluable for students’ future careers as physiotherapists.

Patient Care Improvement

Research helps identify better treatment approaches, leading to improved patient outcomes. Physiotherapy students who engage in research can directly impact the well-being of their future patients.

Career Opportunities

Participation in research projects enhances a student’s resume and opens doors to academic and clinical career opportunities. Employers often value research experience when hiring.

Professional Growth

Research topics provide students with opportunities to collaborate with experienced researchers and faculty, fostering professional growth and networking.

How do I Choose a Topic for Physiotherapy Research?

Before know the research topics for physiotherapy students, you need to know tips for choosing topic. Selecting the right research topic is crucial for a successful research journey. Here are some steps to guide you in choosing a research topic in physiotherapy:

1. Identify Your Interests

Start by considering your personal interests within the field of physiotherapy. What aspect of physiotherapy excites you the most? Your passion will fuel your motivation throughout the research process.

2. Review Current Literature

Conduct a thorough literature review to understand what research has already been done in your chosen area. This will help you identify gaps in knowledge and potential research questions.

3. Consult with Mentors

Seek guidance from experienced faculty members or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your research topic.

4. Consider Feasibility

Assess the resources, time, and access you have to conduct your research. Ensure that your chosen topic is feasible within your constraints.

5. Think About Impact

Consider the potential impact of your research. Will it contribute to the field? Will it benefit patients or fellow practitioners?

6. Narrow it Down

Once you’ve brainstormed ideas, narrow your focus to a specific research question. A well-defined question will make your research more manageable.

7. Research Ethics

Ensure that your chosen topic adheres to ethical guidelines and respects patient confidentiality and informed consent.

Observational Research Topics for undergraduate Physiotherapy Students

Discover the research topics for physiotherapy students in different fields:

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Research Topics

1. The efficacy of manual therapy in treating chronic lower back pain.

2. Investigating the role of exercise in preventing and managing osteoarthritis.

3. Assessing the effectiveness of various stretching techniques in improving flexibility.

4. Examining the impact of resistance training on muscle strength and function in the elderly.

5. Comparing different rehabilitation approaches for post-surgical ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction.

6. The relationship between muscle imbalances and the risk of sports-related injuries.

7. Investigating the use of taping techniques in the management of rotator cuff injuries.

8. The effects of aquatic therapy on pain and function in individuals with fibromyalgia.

9. Assessing the long-term outcomes of physical therapy for scoliosis management.

10. Exploring the benefits of prehabilitation exercises before joint replacement surgery.

Neurological Physiotherapy Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

1. The effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy in stroke rehabilitation.

2. Investigating the role of virtual reality in improving balance and mobility in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

3. Assessing the impact of early intervention in infants with cerebral palsy.

4. Exploring the use of robotics in gait training for spinal cord injury patients.

5. The effects of mirror therapy on phantom limb pain in amputees.

6. Investigating the use of functional electrical stimulation in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

7. Assessing the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation in the treatment of vertigo.

8. The role of physical therapy in managing spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients.

9. Exploring the benefits of hippotherapy for children with autism spectrum disorder.

10. The impact of balance training on fall prevention in the elderly with Parkinson’s disease.

Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy Research Topics

1. The effects of aerobic exercise on pulmonary function in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

2. Investigating the role of cardiac rehabilitation in improving quality of life after heart surgery.

3. Assessing the benefits of inspiratory muscle training in patients with asthma.

4. The impact of breathing techniques on anxiety and stress in patients with panic disorders.

5. Exploring the use of pulmonary rehabilitation in lung cancer patients.

6. Investigating the effects of home-based exercise programs in heart failure patients.

7. Assessing the role of physical therapy in reducing hospital readmissions for COPD patients.

8. The efficacy of airway clearance techniques in cystic fibrosis management.

9. Exploring the benefits of aerobic training in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

10. Investigating the impact of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on sleep quality in patients with sleep apnea.

Pediatric Physiotherapy Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

1. The effectiveness of early intervention in children with developmental delays.

2. Investigating the role of physical therapy in improving motor skills in children with Down syndrome.

3. Assessing the impact of aquatic therapy in pediatric cerebral palsy patients.

4. The effects of vestibular rehabilitation in children with balance and coordination issues.

5. Exploring the benefits of hippotherapy in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

6. Investigating the use of virtual reality in pediatric physical therapy for pain management.

7. Assessing the efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy in pediatric stroke patients.

8. The role of sensory integration therapy in children with sensory processing disorders.

9. Exploring the impact of early mobility interventions in neonatal intensive care units.

10. The effects of adapted sports and recreational activities on the physical and social development of children with disabilities.

Sports Physiotherapy Research Topics

1. The impact of eccentric training on preventing hamstring injuries in athletes.

2. Investigating the effectiveness of Kinesio taping in the treatment of sports-related injuries.

3. Assessing the role of sports-specific training programs in improving athletic performance.

4. The effects of cryotherapy on muscle recovery in elite athletes.

5. Exploring the benefits of neuromuscular training in preventing ACL injuries in female athletes.

6. Investigating the use of biomechanical analysis in optimizing running gait for long-distance runners.

7. Assessing the impact of pre-season conditioning programs on injury rates in contact sports.

8. The role of sports physiotherapy in concussion management and return-to-play protocols.

9. Exploring the effects of different warm-up protocols on sprint performance in sprinters.

10. Investigating the benefits of sport-specific rehabilitation in professional athletes.

Geriatric Physiotherapy Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

1. The effects of strength training on frailty and falls in elderly individuals.

2. Investigating the role of physical therapy in improving mobility and independence in nursing home residents.

3. Assessing the impact of balance training on reducing the risk of hip fractures in the elderly.

4. Exploring the benefits of telerehabilitation for older adults in rural areas.

5. The efficacy of home-based exercise programs in maintaining cognitive function in seniors.

6. Investigating the use of technology-assisted interventions for seniors with chronic conditions.

7. Assessing the role of aquatic therapy in improving the quality of life for elderly individuals with arthritis.

8. The effects of chair yoga on flexibility and pain management in older adults.

9. Exploring the impact of multidisciplinary geriatric assessments on healthcare outcomes.

10. The benefits of community-based exercise programs for promoting social engagement in seniors.

Women’s Health Physiotherapy Research Topics

1. The effectiveness of pelvic floor exercises in managing urinary incontinence.

2. Investigating the role of physical therapy in prenatal and postpartum care.

3. Assessing the impact of exercise interventions on menstrual cycle irregularities in athletes.

4. Exploring the benefits of manual therapy in treating endometriosis-related pain.

5. The effects of core strengthening exercises in reducing low back pain during pregnancy.

6. Investigating the use of biofeedback in pelvic floor rehabilitation.

7. Assessing the role of physical therapy in improving sexual function in postmenopausal women.

8. The efficacy of exercise programs in managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

9. Exploring the impact of posture and ergonomics on breast health and musculoskeletal issues.

10. The benefits of physical therapy in the management of fibromyalgia in women.

Orthopedic Physiotherapy Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

1. The effects of early mobilization after orthopedic surgery on recovery and complications.

2. Investigating the role of physical therapy in post-fracture rehabilitation.

3. Assessing the impact of manual therapy in treating frozen shoulder.

4. Exploring the benefits of proprioceptive training in ankle sprain prevention and rehabilitation.

5. The efficacy of conservative versus surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears.

6. Investigating the use of shockwave therapy in the management of tendinopathies.

7. Assessing the role of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of joint replacement surgery patients.

8. The effects of different bracing techniques in scoliosis management.

9. Exploring the benefits of postural correction exercises in individuals with kyphosis.

10. The impact of neuromuscular training on patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Occupational Health Physiotherapy Research Topics

1. The effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in preventing workplace musculoskeletal disorders.

2. Investigating the role of physical therapy in managing work-related neck and upper limb pain.

3. Assessing the impact of workplace wellness programs on employee health and productivity.

4. Exploring the benefits of early intervention for repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

5. The effects of workstation modifications on reducing lower back pain in office workers.

6. Investigating the use of therapeutic exercise in the rehabilitation of work-related injuries.

7. Assessing the role of physical therapy in improving work-related stress and mental health.

8. The efficacy of return-to-work programs for individuals with disabilities.

9. Exploring the impact of job-specific functional assessments on return-to-work outcomes.

10. The benefits of telerehabilitation for occupational health patients.

11. Assessing the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in preventing workplace musculoskeletal disorders among remote workers.

Pain Management Physiotherapy Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

1. The effects of mindfulness-based interventions in chronic pain management.

2. Investigating the role of physical therapy in treating myofascial pain syndrome.

3. Assessing the impact of exercise therapy in reducing neuropathic pain.

4. Exploring the benefits of aquatic therapy in fibromyalgia pain relief.

5. The efficacy of graded motor imagery in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) treatment.

6. Investigating the use of dry needling in the management of trigger points.

7. Assessing the role of physical therapy in chronic headache management.

8. The effects of spinal manipulation in the treatment of non-specific low back pain.

9. Exploring the impact of pain education and self-management programs.

10. The benefits of interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs.

11. Investigating the impact of music therapy on pain management in chronic pain patients.

Rehabilitation Technology Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

1. Investigating the use of wearable devices in monitoring and enhancing rehabilitation outcomes.

2. Assessing the impact of telerehabilitation on patient adherence and outcomes.

3. Exploring the benefits of exoskeleton-assisted gait training in spinal cord injury patients.

4. The effects of virtual reality-based rehabilitation on motor recovery after stroke.

5. The role of robotics in upper limb rehabilitation for stroke survivors.

6. Investigating the use of brain-computer interfaces in neurorehabilitation.

7. Assessing the impact of gamification in pediatric rehabilitation.

8. Exploring the benefits of biofeedback and neurofeedback in rehabilitation.

9. The efficacy of tele-physiotherapy for rural and underserved populations.

10. Investigating the integration of artificial intelligence in rehabilitation assessment and planning.

11. Exploring the benefits of 3D printing technology in creating customized orthotic devices for rehabilitation.

Research topics in physiotherapy are a gateway to advancing the profession and improving patient care. They provide students with opportunities to develop critical skills, contribute to the body of knowledge, and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals seeking rehabilitation. Choosing the right research topic is a crucial step, and it should align with your interests, the current state of knowledge, and the resources available to you.

The research topics for physiotherapy students we’ve explored in this guide cover a wide range of physiotherapy specialties, from musculoskeletal and neurological to cardiopulmonary and pediatric. Whether you’re passionate about helping athletes prevent injuries or improving the quality of life for elderly individuals, there’s a research topic that suits your interests.

Related Posts

8 easiest programming language to learn for beginners.

There are so many programming languages you can learn. But if you’re looking to start with something easier. We bring to you a list of…

10 Online Tutoring Help Benefits

Do you need a computer science assignment help? Get the best quality assignment help from computer science tutors at affordable prices. They always presented to help…

Enjoy a completely custom, expertly-written dissertation. Choose from hundreds of writers, all of whom are career specialists in your subject.

Best 60 Physical Therapy Research Topics

Physical Therapy research topics

Physical therapists specialize in improving the quality of life through movements by prescribed physical exercise, care, and education of patients. They diagnose and treat people of various ages, from adults to small children and even older patients.

Different individuals suffer injuries, disabilities, and all other physical conditions that require hospitalization or treatment. Physical therapists are responsible for nursing these people back to health and individuals who want to become even healthier and prevent physical complications in the future.

They carry this out by examining each patient and creating a treatment plan to improve movement ability and reduce or manage pain, prevent disability, and gradually restore normal mobility functions. Physical therapists are sometimes underrated, but they can affect profound positive changes in people’s lives.

To ensure the best treatment outcomes, it is essential for physical therapists to stay updated with the latest research and advancements in the field. If you’re in need of assistance in exploring physical therapy research topics or require support in writing your thesis, consider reaching out to professional experts who can help you. With their expertise, they can guide you in selecting relevant research topics and provide valuable insights to enhance your thesis.

Physical therapy research topics aid and guide physical therapists to help people achieve a better style and standard of healthy living. By seeking professional assistance, such as writing services that offer “ write my thesis ” support, you can ensure that your thesis reflects the latest research and contributes to the field of physical therapy.

What Are Some Physical Therapy Research Topics?

Physical therapists practice across different works of life. Significant examples are schools, workplaces, clinics, hospitals, sports environments, and nursing homes. The demand for physical therapies differs in various regions of the world. In countries or nations with a higher and older population, the need for physical therapists is ever increasing.

Research topics for physical therapy provide insight into the various ways and methods of fulfilling healthy living through physical therapy and fitness. These topics can range from research education to health administration and consultation. Fundamentally, physical therapy is given as a means of primary care or in addition to other medical services.

In most countries, physical therapists also possess the authority to issue lifestyle routines and prescribe medications. Some research topics in physical therapy include;

  • The systemic review of health promotion in physical therapy
  • The influence of hip strength and core endurance on recurrent dislocations
  • Influence of fatigue and knee kinetics
  • Effects of fatigue of jumping and leg movement
  • Role of physical therapists in health promotion
  • The accuracy of sensors in the detection of kicks in young infants

Current Physical Therapy Research Topics

Current physical therapy research topics mostly dwell on the trending and impactful issues that presently concern the physical health and fitness of the general population. They compare previous experiences and formulate ideas and physical movement methods to improve individuals’ physical wellbeing.

Students can write research papers about the latest developments in the sector of physical therapy. Some of these research topics can even address current setbacks in the sector. Some good research topics for physical therapy currently being talked about include;

  • Physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
  • Physical therapy and mental health
  • Physical therapy and Foucault
  • The pain barrier and physical therapy
  • Physical therapy for cancer patients
  • A study of the benefits of physical therapy on physical and psychological health

Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Topics

Pediatric physical therapy research topics talk about topics that involve patients requiring pediatric care. These types of physical therapy topics encompass how physical therapy affects both mother and child. These topics are perfect for students who intend on specializing in pediatric physical therapy.

However, the choice of any subject in this category should principally depend on the students’ passion and interest and the instructions of the tutors in charge. Examples of pediatric research topics in physical therapy are;

  • How does physical therapy impact a child?
  • The significant differences between occupational therapy and physical therapy
  • The function and features of pediatric therapy research
  • Who is a pediatric physical therapist, and what is their obligation?
  • Disparities between a physical therapy for children of different age ranges
  • Is pediatric research for children with injuries vital?

Interesting Physical Therapy Topics

Interesting physical therapy topics lean towards those topics on physical therapy that pique the interest of individuals and are extensive in terms of providing specific and compelling information on various points of improved physical health. These physical therapy topics are often discussed and induce great anticipation and interest upon their explanation or study. Some exciting research topics on physical therapy are;

  • The science of pain and physical therapy
  • Compliance and consistency in physical therapy
  • Significant signs of burnout in physical therapy
  • Travel therapy: A form of physical therapy
  • Physical therapists and their handling of musculoskeletal issues
  • The science behind physical therapy

Hot Topics in Physical Therapy

To think up hot topics in physical therapy research, students should brainstorm or explore the available problems or developments. Potential ideas in physical therapy such as the issues affecting routine and the growth and development or success of physical therapy can be written and thoroughly examined to generate hot topics in physical therapy. Hot research topics for physical therapy students include;

  • Interaction between physical therapists and mentally challenged patients
  • Physical therapy for both mind and body
  • Physical disability and its psychological impact
  • Physical therapy as a means of empowerment for surmounting pain
  • Abuse and tortured patients’ treatment in physical therapy
  • The effect of slow-progressing physical therapy

Controversial Topics Physical Therapy

Controversial topics in physical therapy research concern methods and techniques used by physical therapy experts which are deemed ineffective and unnecessary. These topics have differing opinions on their efficacy and contribution to overall physical wellbeing. Some controversial physical therapy topics are;

  • Is ultrasound effective in the diagnosis of sports injuries?
  • The reason behind self-myofascial techniques
  • Is icing a good treatment for physical injuries?
  • The process of dry needling
  • Is hemp-derived CBD successful in treating sport-related injuries?
  • The most effective strategies for targeting neuro-musculoskeletal injuries.

Acute Care Physical Therapy Topics

This topic revolves around patients who require acute physical care due to the nature of their physical impairments. Some of these topics include;

  • Treatment of bone and muscle disorders in the musculoskeletal system
  • Walking analysis and kinetics
  • Primary effects of physical therapy intervention in the cardiovascular system
  • Physiological responses to the musculoskeletal system
  • Secondary effects of physical therapy intervention in the pulmonary system
  • Measurements and tests in physical therapy.

Physical Therapy Topics for Presentation

These physical therapy research topics can be employed for presentation purposes. They intensively explain some direct aspects of physical therapy. These physical therapy presentation topics include;

  • Prevention and identification of injuries during physical therapy
  • Acute care and assessment of sports injuries
  • Education of athletes on injury prevention
  • Treatment and techniques that speed up physical therapy
  • Best processes for the rehabilitation and management of injuries
  • The pharmacology of musculoskeletal systems.

Physical Therapy Research Paper Topics

Physical therapy research paper topics delve into the extensive explanation and research of physical therapy methods and techniques used to treat physical impediments or disorders. Some of them are;

  • The musculoskeletal system’s response to the environment
  • Mobility and joint functions in the body
  • Exercise and the musculoskeletal system
  • Practicing physical therapy: A professionals perspective
  • The benefits of an effective physical therapy
  • Similarities in occupational and physical therapy.

Get Your Physical Therapy Paper from Experts

To get physical therapy from experts, you simply need to identify efficient and trusted therapy platforms with experienced therapists to aid your recovery or improve your physical health. As a student, many professional writers can assist you in writing a therapy paper. Some physical therapy paper topics experts can help you to write on are;

  • Code of ethics for physical therapy
  • The roles which challenge physical therapists
  • Rehabilitation guidelines for physical therapists
  • Dimensions of physical therapy
  • Ethical issues in the practice of physical therapy
  • The relationship of patients and physical therapists

Conclusion 

Research papers on physical therapy essentially encompass health problems that make movement and daily tasks difficult for individuals. The principal reason for this is because physical therapy is about pain relief and physical rehabilitation. All the topics highlighted here can easily be used for research and paper writing.

If you’re pursuing a thesis in the field of physical therapy and find yourself in need of expert guidance, our reputable academic writing services available to write the thesis for you . DissertationTeam provide valuable assistance in crafting a well-researched and structured thesis. Professional writers with subject matter expertise can help you navigate the complexities of the research process, refine your ideas, and ensure that your thesis meets the highest academic standards. By seeking the support of our company and having us write the thesis for you, you can enhance your thesis writing experience and increase your chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richard Ginger is a dissertation writer and freelance columnist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the writing industry. He handles every project he works on with precision while keeping attention to details and ensuring that every work he does is unique.

topics for research in physiotherapy

Succeed With A Perfect Dissertation

Biochemistry research topics

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future.

Ukraine Live Updates

  • Careers in Physical Therapy
  • Career Advancement
  • APTA Learning Center
  • APTA Combined Sections Meeting
  • APTA Event Commitments
  • Find PT and PTA Jobs
  • Practice Models and Settings
  • Scope of Practice
  • APTA Fit for Practice
  • Supervision and Teamwork
  • Documentation
  • National Provider Identifier
  • Ethics and Professionalism
  • APTA Article Search
  • Clinical Summaries
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines
  • Tests and Measures
  • Symptoms and Conditions
  • Interventions
  • Public Health and Population Care
  • APTA Legislative Update Bill Status
  • Take Action
  • APTA Advocacy Network
  • Explore Membership
  • News and Publications
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Chapters and Sections
  • Leadership and Governance
  • APTA Community (Online Communities)
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Honors & Awards Program
  • Strategic Alliances
  • Join / Renew
  • Pursue Specialist Certification
  • Buy APTA Gear
  • For Students
  • For Early-Career PTs and PTAs
  • For Educators

CMS is asking for your feedback: Add your voice to secure two fee schedule wins.

By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy .

Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From the American Physical Therapy Association

The Research Agenda for Physical Therapy expands on our profession's continued advancement and considers current issues, new innovations, and forward-thinking viewpoints. The research agenda outlines research priorities that are vital to advancing physical therapist practice and the profession. The development of the research agenda included multiple iterative steps and feedback from stakeholders.

The agenda has 6 key areas of focus: population health research, mechanistic research, clinical research, education and professional development research, health services research, and workforce research. Researchers, funding agencies, and public policy makers can use the research agenda to concentrate research efforts around these areas.

For more on the development of the research agenda, go to PTJ Article page .

View the APTA Research Agenda infographic below or download the full infographic PDF .

topics for research in physiotherapy

Date:  September 18, 2023 Contact:  [email protected] Content Type:  Open Access

You Might Also Like...

topics for research in physiotherapy

Sep 1, 2024

Lecturer Julian Magee challenged the profession to turn discontentment into divine dissatisfaction.

Practice in geriatrics doesn't have a limited focus. Why every day is something different.

APTA President Herr: 4 Takes on Embracing Change for the Better

TheScholarsRepository@LLU: Digital Archive of Research, Scholarship & Creative Works

Home > SAHP > PT > ETD-PT

Theses, Dissertations and Projects - Physical Therapy

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

The Association of Acute Stress and Single Leg Balance , Theodore W. Gehrig III

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

High-Intensity Interval Training and Biological Age , Trevor Lohman

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

The Impact of Intraneural Facilitation Therapy on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy , Kyan Zhra-Sahba Alnajafi

The Influence of Strength and Mobility on Lumbar Biomechanics During Lifting , Christopher S. Patterson

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Spine Kinematics and Muscle Activities in Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain Subgroups in Sitting , Mansoor Ahmed Alameri

Relationship between Balance and Physical Activity in Subjects with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain , Muhsen B. Alsufiany

Does self-evaluation and education in students change attitudes and beliefs towards Weight Stigma? , Henry A. Garcia

Effects of Head Motion on Balance in Middle-Aged and Young Adults with Chronic Motion Sensitivity , Ammar E. Hafiz

Effect of Pediatric Ear Infections on Postural Stability , Ohud A. Sabir

Biomechanics and Postural Control Characteristics in Low Back Pain Subgroups During Dynamic Task , Amjad Shallan

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Effect of Adding Stretching Techniques to Standardized Intervention on Nonspecific Mechanical Neck Pain , Saad S. Alfawaz

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Effects of Head Motion on Postural Stability in Participants with Chronic Motion Sensitivity , Abdulaziz A. Albalwi

Relationship between Vestibular System, Vision, Anxiety, and Chronic Motion Sensitivity , Ahmad A. Alharbi

The Effects of Frequent Smartphone Use on Children’s Upper Posture and Pulmonary Function , Asma Alonazi

The Effects of Wearing Headscarves on Cervical Spine Proprioception and Range of Motion , Samiah Alqabbani

A Comparison of Neuromuscular Control between Subjects with and without Chronic Ankle Instability , Hatem Jaber

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Effects of Adjustments to Wheelchair Seat to Back Support Angle on Head, Neck, and Shoulder Postures , Afnan M. Alkhateeb

Effect of Jet Lag on Postural Stability , Faisal M. Al Mubarak

Effect of Heavy Lifting with a Head Strap on the Pelvic Floor across the Menstrual Cycle , Yvonne Biswokarma

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Physical Therapy after Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries and Ulnar Wrist Pain , Mohamed A. Abdelmegeed

The Effect of Cervical Muscle Fatigue on Postural Stability during Immersion Virtual Reality , Mazen M. Alqahtani

The Effects of a Novel Therapeutic Intervention in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients , Adel M. Alshahrani

Cross-cultural Adaption and Psychometric Properties Testing of The Arabic Anterior Knee Pain Scale , Abdullah S. Alshehri

Effect of Tai Chi Exercise Combined with Mental Imagery in Improving Balance , Abdulrahman Alsubiheen

Effect of Vestibular Adaptation Exercises on Chronic Motion Sensitivity , Danah Alyahya

Muscle Dynamics as the Result of Whole Body Vibration and Plyometrics , Richard Jeremy Hubbard

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Effect of Monophasic Pulsed Current on the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis , Abdullah Alotaibi

Screening for Torticollis and Plagiocephaly: The Role of the Pediatrician , Lisa Ann Change-Yee Hwang

Effect of 17β Estradiol & Foot Strike Patterns on Physiological & Biomechanical Changes in Runners , Iman Akef Khowailed

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Inter-rater Reliability of Lumbar Segmental Instability Tests and the Subclassification , Faisal Mohammad Alyazedi

Sleep-wake Cycle Assessment in Type 2 Diabetes and Salivary Melatonin Correlates , Paula Regina Aguiar Cavalcanti

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Elasticity and Force for Knee Flexion during the Menstrual Cycle in Women , Haneul Lee

Effect of Passive Vibration on Skin Blood Flow in Good Glycemic Control and Poor Glycemic Control Type 2 Diabetics , Kanikkai Steni Balan Sackiriyas

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Co-diagnosis Frequency of Peripheral Vestibular Disorders and Physical Therapy , Summer M. San Lucas

Postural Sway, EEG and EMG Analysis of Hip and Ankle Muscles during Eight Balance Training Tasks , Yuen Yi Florence Tse

Effect of a Single High-Fat Meal and Vitamins on the Circulatory Response to Local Heat in Koreans and Caucasians , JongEun Yim

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Virtual Reality Gaming as a Tool for Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy , Abel A. Rendon

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Aerobic Exercise and Bone Turnover in Trained and Untrained Premenopausal Women , Michelle Prowse

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Effect of 3-Electrode Electrical Stimulation on Current Delivery and Healing in Chronic Wounds , HyeJin Suh

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Is Electrical Stimulation a Predictive Tool for Autonomic Dysfunction in Males with Diabetes? , Susan Dorothy Rand

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The Effect of Posterior Versus Anterior Glide Joint Mobilization on External Rotation Range of Motion of Patients with Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis , Andrea J. Johnson

The Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Blood Flow in Chronic Wounds in Patients with and without Diabetes , Daryl J. Lawson

Isokinetic Knee Strength in Females with Fibromyalgia , Flora F. Shafiee

Difference in Transverse Plane Scapular Position of Professional Baseball Players Relative to Baseball Field Position , James M. Syms

The Effect of Positioning on Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity as Evaluated with Surface Electromyography in Normals , Karen R. Whitter-Brandon

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Orthopedic Treatment Outcomes and Physical Therapists' Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Status , Karin Granberg

The Effectiveness of a Physical Therapy Intervention for Children with Hypotonia and Flatfeet , Charmayne G. Ross

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

The Role of Health Promotion in Physical Therapy , Brenda L. Rea

Predicting Sacroiliac Syndrome: The Association Between Noninvasive Sacroiliac Joint Tests and Sacroiliac Joint Injections , Lorraine D. Webb

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Prevalence of various Upper Extremity Disorders in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome versus Patients without Carpal Tunnel Syndrome , Daniel C. Buda

Effect of Electrode Size, Shape, and Placement on Electrical Current and Subject Comfort During Electrical Stimulation , Bonnie J. Forrester

Patterns of Scholarly Productivity in Physical Therapy Faculty , Ardith L. Williams-Meyer

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

The Effects of Education on Fear-Avoidance Behavior of Subjects with Work-Related Low Back Pain , Marie A. Anger

Toward the Optimal Waveform for Electrical Stimulation , Scott Douglas Bennie

Factors in Predicting the Number of Home Care Physical Visits , Bruce D. Bradley

A Practice Analysis Survey: Defining the Clinical Practice of Primary Care Physical Therapy , Edsen Bermudez Donato

Disability Self-Assessment and Upper Quarter Muscle Balance in Females , Eric Glenn Johnson

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

Comparison of Elderly Non-Fallers and Fallers on Performance Measures of Functional Reach, Sensory Organizations, and Limits of Stability , Harvey W. Wallmann

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

Patient participation in physical therapy goal-setting , Susan M. Baker

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

Prediction of Discharge Destination from Initial Physical Therapy Assessment using the Physical Assessment Key (PAK) , Wendy L. Chung and Kimberly A. Vieten

Does the Oswestry or SF-36 Help a Therapist to Predict Treatment Classification , Amy Crawford and Denese D. Kaufeldt-Soliz

Reliability and Validity of Assessing Student Performance of Psychomotor Skills in Entry Level Physical Therapy Curricula , Nancy Sue Darr

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

Reference Serum Chemistry and Hematological Values for Spinal Cord Injured Patients , Michael S. Laymon and Antone L. Davis II

Discharge Outcomes : An Evaluation of a Functional Index of Physical Assistance , Jan R. Snell

Theses/Dissertations from 1985 1985

A Comparison of Strength Improvement on Free Weights and the Universal Centurion , David J. Davies

Theses/Dissertations from 1984 1984

The effect of dextrose ingestion on cardiovascular endurance , Judith M. Axford

Theses/Dissertations from 1980 1980

The Ingestion of Garlic and its Effect on Cardiovascular Endurance , Thomas G. Blackwelder

  • Collections
  • Disciplines

Advanced Search

  • Notify me via email or RSS

Author Corner

  • Faculty Research (Pure)

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy

topics for research in physiotherapy

  • Subscribe to journal Subscribe
  • Get new issue alerts Get alerts

Secondary Logo

Journal logo, current issue.

topics for research in physiotherapy

July 2024 - Volume 48 - Issue 3

  • Editor-in-Chief: George D. Fulk, PT, PhD, FAPTA
  • ISSN: 1557-0576
  • Online ISSN: 1557-0584
  • Frequency: 4 issues per year
  • Ranking: Rehabilitation 17/169 Clinical Neurology 118/277
  • Impact Factor: 2.6 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.8

Call for Manuscripts:

Special Issue on understanding of walking in people with neurological health conditions

Regaining the ability to walk is a primary goal for most people with neurological health conditions and is a primary focus of rehabilitation. The focus of this rehabilitation, across the ICF framework, involves the interplay and influence of the following internal and external factors that can affect one's ability to walk: 1. body structure/function (e.g., neuroanatomical and physiological correlates, biomechanics, motor control, strength, dynamic postural control); 2. activity and participation (e.g., ADL function, work situation, interpersonal interactions); and, 3. contextual (i.e., personal, environmental). While researchers have identified a variety of assessments, technologies, outcomes, and interventions to address walking ability, there are still many areas of neurologic physical therapy practice for which the evidence is sparse or insufficient. This special issue will feature recent advances in our understanding of walking in a broad sense across the spectrum of recovery in people with neurological health conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, brain injury).

Please see the  Call for Manuscripts  page for more information.

Call for Manuscripts    |  Submit a Manuscript ​

Reader Survey

The JNPT readership community is an important partner in our efforts to provide content that is of value to physical therapists, researchers, and other rehabilitation professionals who work with people with neurological health conditions. We are performing a reader survey to collect information on how our readers use and value JNPT that we hope will guide the journal in the future. Please take the time to share your opinions about JNPT by clicking on the link below. It should take you approximately 15 minutes to complete. Please complete the survey in one sitting.

https://redcap.upstate.edu/surveys/?s=RMAKNHW9TH

Thank you! The JNPT Editorial Board

Web Editorial

​​​ ​Research From Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries Will Benefit Global Health and the Physiotherapy Profession, But It Requires Support

Disparities in research publications are common in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation fields. 1 A small proportion of published research arises from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), 1,2 home to 85% of the world's population. Systems-level, institutional-level, and individual-level factors contribute to these disparities. With urgent and unified actions, global health and the standard of physiotherapy research in LMICs can be improved and strengthened. In this editorial, we will discuss the challenges encountered by researchers from LMICs in conducting and publishing high-quality research and propose potential strategies to address these challenges.

Read the full editorial here​ .

Saurab Sharma, Arianne Verhagen, Mark Elkins, Jean-Michel Brismée, George Fulk, Jakub Taradaj, Lois Steen, Alan Jette, Ann Moore, Aimee Stewart, Barbara J. Hoogenboom, Anne Söderlund, Michele Harms, and Rafael Zambelli Pinto

names Lori Quinn next Editor-in-Chief

Lori Quinn, PT, EdD, FAPTA has been named the next editor-in-chief of the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy (JNPT). Dr. Quinn is a Professor of Movement Sciences and Kinesiology, and Chair, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University. She has served on the editorial board for PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal since 2017 and was appointed Associate Editor in January 2024. She has also served as Associate Editor for the Journal of Huntington’s Disease since 2017. Dr. Quinn will serve as a deputy editor during a transition period before assuming the role of editor-in-chief (EIC) in January 2025 when the term of the current EIC, George D. Fulk, PT, PhD, FAPTA is completed.​

See the full announcement from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy here:

About this Issue

The July 2024 issue of JNPT is filled with outstanding content! In this issue, Palmieri and colleagues performed a scoping review of the evidence for bicycling exercise in Parkinson disease. Kalderon and colleagues assessed barriers and facilitators to vestibular rehabilitation from the perspectives of both patients and physiotherapists. Jain and colleagues tested associations between brain white matter organization and postural sway in collegiate soccer and non-soccer athletes. Dahlby and colleagues examined sex differences in the relationship between subjective and objective measures of upper extremity motor impairment among individuals with stroke. Monaghan and colleagues assessed the generalization of reactive balance training to an unpracticed reactive balance task in people with Parkinson disease. A clinical commentary on this article was provided by Studer and Jacobson . 

We hope you enjoy this issue!

Pierce Boyne PT, DPT, PhD JNPT Digital Media Editor​

Colleague's E-mail is Invalid

Your message has been successfully sent to your colleague.

Save my selection

Editor's Picks

topics for research in physiotherapy

Barriers and Facilitators of Vestibular Rehabilitation: Patients and Physiotherapists’ Perspectives

Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 48(3):140-150, July 2024.

  • Abstract Abstract
  • Permissions

Go to Full Text of this Article

Generalization of In-Place Balance Perturbation Training in People With Parkinson Disease

Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 48(3):165-173, July 2024.

Bicycling for Rehabilitation of Persons With Parkinson Disease: A Scoping Review

Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 48(3):125-139, July 2024.

  • Infographic

Abstracts for CSM Posters and Platforms

Highlights from the current issue.

  • Systematic Reviews and Scoping Articles

topics for research in physiotherapy

  • Research Articles

topics for research in physiotherapy

Neural Mechanisms Associated With Postural Control in Collegiate Soccer and Non-Soccer Athletes

Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 48(3):151-158, July 2024.

topics for research in physiotherapy

Examining Sex Differences in Relationships Between Subjective and Objective Measures of Upper Extremity Motor Impairment in a Sample of Stroke Survivors

Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 48(3):159-164, July 2024.

  • Clinical Point of View

Commentary on: “Generalization of In-Place Balance Perturbation Training in People With Parkinson Disease”

Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 48(3):174-176, July 2024.

Need Help with Online Activation?

To access the full text online journal & article PDFs, you must first Register a new account with the web site and second, follow the online steps to activate your full text subscription. 

Neurology Academy Members:  Activation requires your Member ID# previously sent to you by email.  (Use the prefix “JNPT” with member number:  JNPT######).  If you do not know your Member ID#, you may request assistance from [email protected] .

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • Publications
  • Account settings
  • My Bibliography
  • Collections
  • Citation manager

Save citation to file

Email citation, add to collections.

  • Create a new collection
  • Add to an existing collection

Add to My Bibliography

Your saved search, create a file for external citation management software, your rss feed.

  • Search in PubMed
  • Search in NLM Catalog
  • Add to Search

Trends in Physiotherapy of Chronic Low Back Pain Research: Knowledge Synthesis Based on Bibliometric Analysis

Affiliations.

  • 1 Community Healthcare Center dr. Adolf Drolc Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
  • 2 ECM Maribor, Alma Mater Europaea University, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
  • 3 Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
  • PMID: 39201234
  • PMCID: PMC11354025
  • DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161676

Background: Physiotherapy and chronic low back pain (CLBP) form a broad and quickly developing research area. The aim of this article was to holistically, thematically and chronologically analyze and synthesize the literature production in this research area and identify the most prolific research entities and research themes.

Methods: This article quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed research literature production harvested from the Scopus bibliometric database, using a triangulation of bibliometric and thematic analysis. For this, Excel 2024, Bibliometrix Biblioshiny 4.1 and VOSviewer version 1.6.20 softwares were used.

Results: In the Scopus database, 2843 data sources were found, which were published between 1974 and 26 February 2024. The growth trend has been linearly positive since the beginning of publication, and after 2018 exponential growth began. A review of the most prolific entities showed that the most literature was published in America, Europe and Australasia. The thematic analysis of the information sources identified six main themes (pathophysiology of CLBP and the quantification assessment tools, diagnostics and CLBP treatment, CLBP questionnaires and surveys, quality of life, complementary methods in physiotherapy and psychosocioeconomic aspects), while the chronological analysis revealed three main areas of development: assessment tools, CLBP processing and study methodology.

Conclusions: The results of this bibliometric study present a good starting point for further research, providing taxonomy and research landscapes as a holistic framework offering multidisciplinary knowledge about CLBP, while chronological analysis provides a basis for identifying prospective research trends. This article offers an interdisciplinary view of the current issue of public health. The results of this study provide a basis for the development of both the physiotherapy and epidemiological fields.

Keywords: bibliometric analysis; chronic low back pain; knowledge synthesis; physiotherapy.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

The dynamics of research literature…

The dynamics of research literature production.

The dynamics of research literature production after 2018.

The bibliometric map of the…

The bibliometric map of the research on the use of physiotherapy in CLBP.

Chronological diagram of the research…

Chronological diagram of the research topics.

  • Gedin F., Alexanderson K., Zethraeus N., Karampampa K. Productivity Losses among People with Back Pain and among Population-Based References: A Register-Based Study in Sweden. BMJ Open. 2020;10:e036638. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036638. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
  • Stanciu L.-E., Petcu L.C., Apostol S., Ionescu E.-V., Oprea D., Oprea C., Țucmeanu E.-R., Iliescu M.-G., Popescu M.-N., Obada B. The Influence of Low Back Pain on Health–Related Quality of Life and the Impact of Balneal Treatment. Balneo PRM Res. J. 2021;12:433–438. doi: 10.12680/balneo.2021.475. - DOI
  • Rahman S., Kidwai A., Rakhamimova E., Elias M., Caldwell W., Bergese S.D. Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Pain. Diagnostics. 2023;13:3689. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13243689. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
  • van Middelkoop M., Rubinstein S.M., Kuijpers T., Verhagen A.P., Ostelo R., Koes B.W., van Tulder M.W. A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Physical and Rehabilitation Interventions for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain. Eur. Spine J. 2011;20:19–39. doi: 10.1007/s00586-010-1518-3. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
  • Kamper S.J., Apeldoorn A., Chiarotto A., Smeets R., Ostelo R., Guzman J., van Tulder M. Multidisciplinary Biopsychosocial Rehabilitation for Chronic Low Back Pain: Cochrane Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BMJ. 2015;350:h444. doi: 10.1136/bmj.h444. - DOI - PMC - PubMed

Publication types

  • Search in MeSH

Grants and funding

  • Citation Manager

NCBI Literature Resources

MeSH PMC Bookshelf Disclaimer

The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited.

Are you an existing member logging in for the first time?

Click here and we'll help you get started.

Are you sure you want to change your home address?

Are you sure you want to change your mailing address.

Australian Physiotherapy Association

  • choose.physio
  • jobs4physios
  • cpd4physios
  • classifieds4physios
  • shop4physios

The research behind physiotherapy

Graphic of person holding a magnifying glass over a series of tables and graphs

Physiotherapy is an evidence-based profession and it is critical to keep building knowledge and adding to the literature base. The lead investigators of three projects supported by the APA provide a snapshot of their work.

Since March this year, the APA has doubled the number of research projects it endorses.

We now support 15 projects on a variety of topics led by researchers from Victorian, New South Wales and Queensland universities.

Gathering evidence to support physiotherapy professional development and advocacy has never been more important and the growing research base of the profession underpins policy, funding models and education. Here are some examples of projects the APA currently supports.

The EMBRACE trial

Associate Professor Stephanie Filbay APAM, University of Melbourne

Evaluating non-surgical management of acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture with a novel BRACE protocol versus early surgical reconstruction—a comparative effectiveness randomised controlled trial

The assumption that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures cannot heal has led most Australians with this injury to undergo reconstructive surgery.

However, research that I’ve led has shown that 30 per cent of people with an acute ACL rupture who start with rehabilitation experience some degree of ACL healing.

These patients report better outcomes than those who undergo early ACL reconstruction.

A novel treatment, the Cross Bracing Protocol, has shown promising results.

This protocol involves immobilising the knee at a 90-degree angle for four weeks, then gradually increasing the range of motion over 12 weeks in combination with physiotherapy.

Initial findings in 80 patients indicate a 90 per cent healing rate, leading to excellent clinical outcomes.

To provide more rigorous evidence, the EMBRACE trial ( here ), conducted across five Australian cities, will compare the Cross Bracing Protocol to early ACL reconstruction.

Participants aged 16–49 with acute ACL ruptures will be randomly assigned to either the Cross Bracing Protocol group or the surgery group, with comprehensive follow-up over 18 months.

Primary outcomes will be measured using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score ( here ), while secondary outcomes include knee function, pain, return to activity and health economics.

This research aims to improve patient outcomes and potentially reduce the need for surgery and associated healthcare costs.

The SHAPE trial

Dr Kade Paterson, University of Melbourne

SHoes for Adolescent PatEllofemoral pain: a randomised clinical trial

Patellofemoral pain affects nearly one- third of adolescents and is aggravated by running, jumping and squatting, which has a negative impact on participation in sports and exercise.

Traditional treatments such as exercise therapy and orthoses have shown limited success and had poor adherence in adolescents.

Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative treatment approaches.

The SHAPE (SHoes for Adolescent PatEllofemoral pain) randomised clinical trial aims to address this gap by investigating the efficacy of minimalist shoes compared to motion control shoes (ie, shoes with arch support and cushioned soles) in alleviating patellofemoral pain.

Clinicians typically recommend motion control footwear to people with patellofemoral pain because clinical trials have shown benefits from using foot orthoses that support the medial arch in adults.

However, minimalist shoes, with their lightweight design and flexible soles, can reduce patellofemoral joint forces, which are central to developing this pain.

Significant progress has been made since the inception of the SHAPE trial.

To date, 64 out of the required 156 participants have been successfully recruited, putting the study on schedule.

The retention rate stands at an impressive 95 per cent, underscoring strong participant engagement.

Overall, the SHAPE trial is progressing well, having achieved or exceeded all predetermined milestones.

The Better Hip trial

Professor Kim Bennell APAM, University of Melbourne

Effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported exercise and weight loss program for hip osteoarthritis

The protocol paper for the Better Hip randomised controlled trial, which evaluates the effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered, clinician-supported exercise and weight loss program for hip osteoarthritis, was published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders in February and is available online here .

Recruitment for the study is going well, with 181 out of 212 participants recruited (85 per cent).

Of these, 91 have been assigned to the intervention group, for whom physiotherapist-delivered education will be combined with strengthening exercise and physical activity.

Within this group, 47 participants have consented to participate in dietitian consultations for a weight loss intervention.

Meanwhile, 90 participants have been assigned to the control group and have received website-delivered educational information.

The response rate for primary outcomes is 90 per cent at six months (from 143 participants) and 93 per cent at 12 months (from 97 participants).

To learn more about how the APA can support your research project, click here and read the APA Research Partnership Framework in the Research partnerships section.

To seek support from the APA for your research project, complete the application form and return it to [email protected] along with the research proposal.  

© Copyright 2024 by Australian Physiotherapy Association. All rights reserved.

Latest issue

X-ray of the lower back, indicating pain

  • Frontiers in Immunology
  • Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy
  • Research Topics

Brain Tumor Immunotherapy

Total Downloads

Total Views and Downloads

About this Research Topic

Antigenic differences between normal and malignant cells of the cancer patient form the rationale for clinical immunotherapeutic strategies. While the central nervous system has traditionally been thought of as an immune-privileged site, studies have been conducted that demonstrate the potential efficacy of immunotherapy in management of primary and secondary brain tumors. Immunization in patients with dendritic cells “fed” derivatives of tumor cells or transfected with tumor-RNA can result in the induction of tumor-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses against the patient’s malignant cells. In addition, work has been done involving regulation of Immune checkpoint inhibitors which are capable of blocking molecules involved in inhibiting immune cells that can result in a stimulation of the T-cell response against various tumors, including brain tumors. Although results of dendritic cell immunotherapy or checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated promise in animal models, clinical trials have documented relatively short benefits or limited to a minority of treated patients. In many aggressive tumors, such as gliomas, progression is enabled by local immunosuppression driven by the accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Cytokine gene vaccine therapy involving IL-15 or IL-2 has also been shown in brain tumor animal models to stimulate a potent antitumor immune response and prolong survival. In this Research Topic, we will welcome all types of articles addressing novel and innovative immunotherapy treatments for brain tumors. Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by robust and relevant validation (clinical cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this Research Topic.

Keywords : Brain Tumors, Gliomas, Cytokine gene vaccine therapy, Immunotherapy, Angiogenesis, Check-point inhibitors, Dendritic cell therapy

Important Note : All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Topic Editors

Topic coordinators, submission deadlines.

Manuscript Summary
Manuscript

Participating Journals

Manuscripts can be submitted to this Research Topic via the following journals:

total views

  • Demographics

No records found

total views article views downloads topic views

Top countries

Top referring sites, about frontiers research topics.

With their unique mixes of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • Publications
  • Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

  • Advanced Search
  • Journal List
  • v.15(10); 2023 Oct
  • PMC10680406

Logo of cureus

A Brief Overview of Recent Pediatric Physical Therapy Practices and Their Importance

Chavan srushti sudhir.

1 Department of Paedatric Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND

H V Sharath

2 Department of Paediatric Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND

Recent years have seen a substantial increase in interest in pediatric physical therapy, which is a reflection of improvements in its methods and the rising understanding of its significance in child development and rehabilitation. This review provides a concise overview of the latest trends and techniques in pediatric physical therapy, emphasizing the integration of innovative technologies, evidence-based interventions, and holistic approaches. For children with varied developmental, congenital, and acquired disorders, the significance of early intervention and individualized treatment programs is emphasized, underlining the important influence of prompt interventions on long-term functional results and quality of life. To guarantee comprehensive and coordinated care, the study also examines the interdisciplinary character of pediatric physical therapy placing special emphasis on collaboration with families, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals. It also emphasizes the importance of continuing research, instruction, and lobbying to improve the effectiveness and availability of pediatric physical therapy services, eventually promoting the overall well-being of kids and their families.

Introduction and background

Pediatric physical therapy is a branch of physiotherapy that helps treat or develop movement issues in infants and young children and enhances a child's developmental stages. Orthopedics, congenital malformations, neurology, neuropsychiatry, respiration, and preterm are among the systems that affect children [ 1 ]. Pediatric physical therapists address developmental delay and neuromotor disorders. They treat children of all ages, from infants to teenagers, and they have particular knowledge and training in growth and development, syndromes, and diagnosis (Table ​ (Table1) 1 ) [ 2 ].

TechniquesDescription
Bobath approachesThis neurodevelopmental therapy is utilized to improve specific developmental stages, postural deformity or aberrant patterns, as well as to improve sensory input.  
Motor learningInfants with cerebral palsy typically benefit from this practice.
The Margaret Rood approachThis approach uses both superficial and deep stimulation to stimulate motor activity.  
The Doman-Delecto techniqueIt uses steady, repeating motions of patterns of natural sequential development movement to stimulate the brain's dormant central nervous system pathways.  
The Kabat-Knott-Voss techniqueIt uses practical movement patterns to facilitate proprioceptive neuromuscular function.

The pediatric physical therapist may collaborate with a wide range of specialists due to the complicated requirements of the child and the family, including teams from medicine, nursing, social work, education, and psychiatry, as well as speech and occupational therapists [ 3 , 4 ]. Even though India is still in its infancy, the breadth has significantly expanded in the last several years to decades. Despite this point of view, there is controversy around using therapeutic touch in pediatric physical therapy, particularly for children with cerebral palsy [ 5 , 6 ]. Physiotherapists who work with children are experts in evaluating, identifying, diagnosing, and treating movement abnormalities and physiological conditions (Table ​ (Table2). 2 ). They treat children (infants up to 19 years) in the areas of orthopedics, congenital anomalies, neurology, neuropsychiatry, breathing, and preterm [ 7 - 9 ]. 

ASD: autism spectrum disorder; ADHD: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; ARDS: acute respiratory distress syndrome. 

ConditionsDefinition  
Preterm infantsBabies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered preterm. Based on the gestational age, preterm birth is divided into the following subcategories: very premature birth (less than 28 weeks), extremely preterm (28 to under 32 weeks), and late to moderate preterm (32-37 weeks).
Cerebral palsyMobility, balance, and posture are all impacted by a set of illnesses collectively referred to as cerebral palsy. During early childhood or preschool, signs and symptoms first arise. Poor mobility brought on by cerebral palsy is indicated by abnormal posture, floppiness or spasticity of the limbs and trunk, excessive reflexes, uncontrollable motions, shaky walking, or any other combination of these symptoms.
TorticollisIt is a condition that causes a baby's head to twist and tilt to one side because of the neck muscles. Torticollis is also known by the term "WRYNECK." Torticollis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including muscular fibrosis, congenital problems with the spine, and toxic or traumatic brain injury. Congenital cases of torticollis and acquired cases can be broadly classified.
Spina bifidaIt is a spinal condition that is typically noticeable from birth. This specific abnormality affects the neural tube. Spina bifida can appear anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not completely close. Spina bifida, myelomeningocele, and meningocele are the types of spina bifida.
ASDAutism spectrum disorder is defined by limited repetitive behavioral patterns and trouble with social communication. The term "spectrum" describes the wide range of signs and degrees of severity connected with autism spectrum disorder.
Down syndromeIt has a certain facial appearance, a developmental delay, and an intellectual handicap. It could be related to thyroid or heart problems. Usually, a "nondisjunction" flaw in cell division causes it. Down syndrome is a hereditary disorder caused by a faulty cell division process that adds an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21. This excess genetic material contributes to the physical characteristics and developmental problems of Down syndrome.
ADHDADHD is the most common neurobehavioral illness in children. It frequently receives its initial diagnosis as a youngster and persists into adulthood. It is well established that ADHD can have negative consequences on a person's academic performance, career prospects, and even day-to-day functioning. ADHD is thought to be a serious and persistent disorder.
Erb's palsyAn arm paralysis caused by injury to the upper group of the arm's major nerves, particularly the upper trunk C5-C8 nerves. The brachial plexus is composed of the ventral rami of the thoracic nerve T1 and the spinal nerves C5-C8. The majority of the time, but not always, shoulder dystocia following a difficult delivery is to blame for these injuries. Depending on the type of lesion, the paralysis could go away on its own with time, call for therapy or surgery.
ARDSThis condition causes fluid to accumulate in the air sacs of the lungs, preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs. It affects infants as a result of an accident or infection. It can be used to diagnose infants with hypoxia.

Study selection

We included all research articles like randomized and non-randomized clinical studies, systematic reviews, and experimental studies of recent pediatric physical practices over the past five years; the English-language literature was searched on Google Scholar, Medline, Cochrane Library, and PubMed. Between 2019 and March 2023, 346 articles were searched using the terms paediatric physiotherapy, modern treatment practices, and advanced physiotherapy. Twenty-three papers were included in the 50 articles eligible for full-text review out of the 346 articles (Figure 1 ), which displays a database search, and data extraction demonstrates the outcome of the article selection process. A list of the examined papers is shown in Table ​ Table3, 3 , which provides a quick summary of current pediatric physical procedures.

GMA: General Movement Assessment; AIMS: Alberta Infant Motor Scale; NDD: Neurodevelopmental Delay; IH: Intermittent Hypoxia; LRT: Lower Respiratory Tract; NDT-B: Neurodevelopmental Therapy Method-Bobath; CMT: Congenital Muscular Torticollis; NTDs: Neural Tube Defects; SB: Spina Bifida; SSC: Stretch Shortening Cycle; DS: Down Syndrome; ADHD: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; HCs: Healthy Asymptomatic Controls; MOOSE: Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology; NBPP: Newborn Brachial Plexus Palsy. 

S. No.Author name/year of publicationAim of the studyMethodologyConclusion
1.Embarek Hernandez M et al. 2022 [ ]To evaluate the evidence about the effect of a multisensory stimulation program applied on preterm infants, compared to any intervention or standard case.The data sources were Medline (PubMed, EBSCO), Scopus, and Web of Science. The analysis looked at randomized clinical studies published between 2015 and 2021 that looked at multimodal stimulation therapy in preterm infants born less than 37 weeks of pregnancy.  Preterm newborns may benefit from multisensory stimulation in terms of eating, psychomotor development, and visual function.
2.Canan Yildirim et al. 2022 [ ]To compare the GMA with the AIMS for the identification of cerebral palsy (CP) and NDD in preterm babies.There were 75 preterm infants between 24 and 37 weeks of gestation. The AIMS was used to assess the infants throughout their periods of writhing, fidgeting, and between 6 and 12 months of corrected age, respectively.Cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental delay can be predicted using the general movement assessment technique. Combining the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and overall Movement Optimality Score may help clinicians make a precise and accurate diagnosis of cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental delay.
3.Stephanie Margarete Mueller et al. 2023 [ ]Evaluation of the effect of parental and direct medical interventions on the incidence of IH in extremely preterm neonates is the study's main objective.It was conducted using an observational design with intra-individual comparisons. Time-lapse video and the blood oxygen saturation level [spO ] were both recorded. IH occurrence frequency, duration, and time were also recorded.  Future studies should examine the ways in which preterm infants understand touch. The basic touch triggers of intermittent hypoxemia, and the best handling strategies for preventing intermittent hypoxemia during direct medical care.  
4.Hege H Clemm et al. 2018 [ ]The purpose of this review is to give an overview of what is currently known regarding bronchial hyperresponsiveness in this susceptible group of persons.Among the techniques used in microbiology are the antigen test, polymerase chain reaction, direct immune-fluorescence, and [paired] serology. Naso-oropharyngeal swabs from the upper respiratory tract are frequently employed as stand-in markers for the LRT.Although lung illness following preterm birth and respiratory symptoms in asthma may resemble one another, clinical experience and research demonstrate that preterm delivery symptoms are indicative of a different disease entity.
5.Merete Aarsland Fosdahl et al. 2019 [ ]To examine the impact of progressive resistance training and stretching on the range of motion and muscle strength in kids with cerebral palsy.Stretching the hamstrings for 16 weeks, followed by 16 weeks of maintenance exercises that target the lower extremities.After a 16-week stretching and progressive resistance training program, followed by a 16-week maintenance program, the intervention group showed no significant improvements in passive, active popliteal angle, and muscle strength.
6.Mohamed Ali Elshafey 2022 [ ]The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of a core stability training program on balance, coordination, and the degree of ataxia in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy (CP).The split groups were analyzed before and after therapy using the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor competence, the scale for assessment and rating of ataxic, the balance error scoring system scale, and the Humac balancing system scores.When combined with a conventional physical treatment routine, the core stability program helps children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy improve their balance and coordination.
7.Gonul Acar et al. 2022 [ ]The capacity to feed and swallow was impacted by the structured NDT-B approach in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and eating disorders.Bobath approach affected individuals with cerebral palsy and eating difficulties during their feeding and swallowing activities.Plans for treatment should include neck and trunk stability exercises based on the Bobath neural tube dysfunction..
8.Bax et al. 2005 [ ]To assess how training in both proprioceptive and visual skills at the same time affects the gait characteristics in kids with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.Using Tekscan's walk way pressure system, the gait parameters of 30 spastic diplegic children (ages 4-6) were assessed before and after treatment.Proprioceptive and visual training can be beneficial for children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, although it has little impact on kinetic gait characteristics.
9.Hilal Keklicek 2018 [ ]To determine the effectiveness of soft tissue mobilization in treating congenital muscle torticollis in infants with mild to moderate head tilt.29 infants with congenital muscle torticollis between the ages of 0 and 9 months and head tilts between 50 and 200 were divided into two groups. Both groups received a foundational home program that included alignment, handling techniques, stretching, and strengthening exercises.Approaches for soft tissue mobilization are effective in treating CMT and yielding favorable effects more quickly.
10.Irene Cabrera Martos et al. 2015 [ ]To investigate torticollis (congenital or acquired) on the attainment of particular gross motor milestones in infants with plagiocephaly.175 newborns with plagiocephaly, with or without torticollis, had baseline measurements taken for anthropometric and clinical factors.The results show that in infants with plagiocephaly, congenital or acquired torticollis is a significant factor influencing gross motor development.
11.Castilla et al. 2023 [ ]To investigate recent research on physical therapy (PT) diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of congenital muscular torticollis to update the evidence-based clinical practice guideline for PT care of congenital muscular torticollis.In order to find studies that influenced physical therapy diagnoses, prognoses, or therapies for newborns and kids with congenital muscle torticollis, seven databases were searched from 2012 to 2017.According to recent studies, breech presentation, low birth weight, and motor asymmetry are all risk factors for prolonged treatment times. The scientific basis for microcurrent therapy is growing.
12.Laura Avagliano et al. 2019 [ ]The aim of the current study is an overview of neural tube defects.In order to provide crucial information based on the classification of neural tube abnormalities for clinical and scientific use, a review of the literature on histological and pathological features, epidemiology, prenatal diagnosis, and prognosis depending on the type of defect was conducted.NTDs are the second most frequent congenital anomaly that affects how the human central nervous system develops.
13.Rocque et al. 2021 [ ]To list the factors influencing self-management behaviors, the development of general or condition-specific self-management measures used with the spina bifida population, and the development and/or outcomes of interventions to improve self-management in SB.Self-management encompasses self-management techniques, preliminary information on spina bifida-specific instruments, factors that must be considered during the creation and testing of future interventions, and knowledge gaps.The state of the science of self-management, self-management behaviors, prospective spina bifida instruments, considerations for developing and evaluating potential future therapies, and gaps in the literature are all outlined in this paper.
14.Holly Hodges 2020 [ ]The aim of the study is to have an overview of autism spectrum disorderThe authors examine the data supporting the hypothesis that autism spectrum disorder is a neurobiological condition influenced by both hereditary and environmental variables that affect the developing brain and list risk factors for the condition.No clear causal pathway has been established, despite the fact that research is still uncovering traits that are associated with the risk of autism spectrum disease and that these findings may direct future etiologic exploration.
15.Nora Shields 2021 [ ]T o show the preliminary evidence that exercise has positive short-term effects on cognitive touchThe most recent studies have examined how aerobic exercise affects both cognitive function and low-grade systemic inflammation.Depending on the stage of life, a physiotherapist's role when working with a person with Down syndrome generally includes encouraging physical activity.
16.A R Azab et al. 2022 [ ]To determine how a three-month SSC program on a trampoline affected the children with DS in terms of muscle strength and postural control.Both before and after therapy, lower limb muscle strength and postural stability (including the anterior/posterior stability index, middle/lateral stability index, and overall stability index) were evaluated.Stretch-shortening cycle exercises performed on a trampoline for a period of 12 weeks are probably helpful for enhancing muscular strength and postural control in kids with Down syndrome and should be incorporated into their rehabilitative regimens.
17.Michale O Ogundele 2023 [ ]Impact of non-pharmacological interventions on both the core symptoms of ADHD and the accompanying behaviors separately, as they are two distinct but equally significant problems.The evaluation is conducted within the headings of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neurofeedback, Psychoeducation, and Medication.By the time they reach school age, 3% to 9% of children have ADHD, which frequently lasts into adulthood. It is the most prevalent developmental condition of childhood. For the affected children and young people, their careers, and society as a whole, ADHD in children and adolescents has far-reaching, multimodal effects.
18.Ping Tao Tseng et al. 2018 [ ]The current study's aim was to conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis taking into account variations in peripheral iron levels and all other aspects of iron status between kids with ADHD and HCs. We also wanted to investigate the relationship between the risk and severity of ADHD.The investigation adhered to the MOOSE recommendations.There is growing recognition that iron deficiency, in particular, may raise a child's risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
19.Carmen Giannantonio et al. 2010 [ ]The study focused on the effects of blood gases and oxygen saturation on spontaneous breathing by Vojta methodThis study investigated the application of reflex rolling from the Vojta method in preterm children with lung illness.The Vojta technique is safe for preterm neonates, according to our experience with it, but more research is required to confirm its positive effects and analyze long-term respiratory outcomes.
20.Beeby et al. 1998 [ ]To quantify the frequency of thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities and related elements preterm.Infants in their first year of life who were born prematurely and weighed less than 2000 grams and were monitored at the preterm clinic from February 2007 to December 2008 participated in this cross-sectional study.Preterm neonates frequently exhibited thoracic anomalies, which were associated with pulmonary disease and an inadequate length-to-age ratio.
21.Abhishta P Bhandari 2022 [ ]To compare the effects of various body positions on hospitalized infants and kids with acute respiratory distress syndrome who are between the ages of four weeks and 16 years.The concepts of oxygen saturation, partial pressure of arterial oxygen, oxygenation index, thoraco-abdominal synchrony, and episodes of desaturation were employed with the terms of supine positioning and prone positioning, respectively.Despite the fact that the included studies suggest that the prone position may have some benefits, there was not enough information to offer specific recommendations. According to a preliminary study, positioning seems to improve oxygenation in children with ARDS who are mechanically ventilated.
22.Ruth Van Der Looven et al. 2020 [ ]Current study aim is to present a thorough update on the most common and important risk factors for NBPP.On the basis of the MOOSE recommendations and the PRISMA statement, a meta-analysis was carried out for the five most important risk factors. There were reported pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and study heterogeneity.The incidence of neonatal brachial plexus palsy is declining. Shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, maternal diabetes, tool delivery, and breech birth all provide risks for neonatal brachial plexus palsy. The cesarean section appears to be a safety net.  
23.Jessica Anne Rich et al. 2019 [ ]BMJ case reports 2019 Dec 23After undergoing surgery for a complex brachial plexus injury, the patient had six weeks of postoperative physical therapy.Neuromuscular electrical stimulation can be used successfully as a rehabilitation adjunct to boost nerve regeneration after severe brachial plexus impairment. Physiotherapy therapies for brachial plexus and polytrauma injuries can help with strength, range of motion, and functional rehabilitation.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is cureus-0015-00000047863-i01.jpg

PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Pediatric physical therapists give outstanding care to everyone, from infants in the neonatal intensive care unit to young adults with childhood illnesses. Worldwide, prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal deaths, and pneumonia is the second-leading cause of death among children under five. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has the world's highest rate of preterm deliveries (Table 4 ). Studies have shown that early intervention therapy and chest physiotherapy for neonatal intensive care unit secretion clearance that comprises manual hyperinflation and vibrations significantly reduce the preterm death ratio. Even children who are malnourished can benefit from physical therapy to build muscle while they are recovering. For children with cerebral palsy, the most cutting-edge treatment, Pedi suit/Rehab suit therapy, is required. The benefits of multimodal stimulation for preterm infants include promoting eating and psychomotor growth. The multimodal stimulus has also been shown to enhance visual function. The General Movement Assessment approach is utilized for baby neurodevelopment. It is a method that aids in the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy. The Albert Infant Motor Scale and Optimality Score are two components of the General Movement Assessment. The handling techniques are especially useful in respiratory disorders like the incidence of intermittent hypoxemia, where it is stated that touch features are basic trigger mechanisms for intermittent hypoxemia [ 31 - 33 ].

Refs. [ 1 - 35 ].

TreatmentElucidation
Multimodal stimulusMultimodal stimulus is a term used in pediatric physical therapy to describe the utilization of numerous sensory inputs and stimuli to activate many sensory modalities at once during therapeutic interventions. To promote and facilitate a child's motor, cognitive, and sensory development, these stimuli are used. Therapists strive to provide a comprehensive and dynamic environment that fosters holistic growth and increases the efficiency of therapy for children by combining different sensory experiences, such as visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular inputs. Based on the knowledge that sensory experiences are essential to a child's growth and learning, multimodal stimulation is used in pediatric physical therapy. Therapists can improve a child's sensory integration, motor coordination, cognitive ability, and general well-being by using a variety of sensory inputs. Multimodal stimulation approaches can entail a variety of exercises, such as interactive games, virtual reality simulations, music-based exercises, sensory integration therapy, and the use of adapted equipment, all of which can be specifically tailored to match the needs and objectives of each child receiving therapy. Multimodal stimulus is being used in pediatric physical therapy with the overall goal of offering a thorough and interesting therapeutic experience that helps kids meet developmental milestones, develop their motor skills, encourage sensory processing, and improve their general quality of life.
Handling techniquesPediatric physiotherapy handling skills are crucial because they create the foundation for encouraging children's healthy motor development, sensory integration, and general well-being. In addition to improving muscle strength, joint mobility, and postural control, skilled handling is essential for avoiding deformities, contractures, and other issues. Physiotherapists can support active movement participation, encourage neurodevelopmental advancement, and foster positive caregiver-child interactions during therapeutic interventions. This will help children feel secure and emotionally connected. To enhance children's quality of life, ensure their holistic development, and unlock their full potential for independence and useful living, effective handling skills are essential.
StretchingStretching is a crucial component of pediatric physical therapy because it helps children increase their flexibility, mobility, and overall musculoskeletal health. Physiotherapists can assist in enhancing posture, joint range of motion, and muscle suppleness by introducing suitable stretching exercises into therapy sessions. This helps to avoid the onset of musculoskeletal impairments and promotes optimal physical function. Additionally, stretching helps lower the likelihood of muscular tightness, contractures, and joint stiffness, especially in children with neurological disorders or those who have been immobile for an extended length of time. Additionally, physiotherapists can foster healthy behaviors that support the maintenance of musculoskeletal health, boosting long-term physical well-being and improving the overall quality of life for pediatric patients by encouraging frequent stretching exercises.
Microcurrent therapyMicrocurrent therapy plays a significant role in pediatric physical therapy because it offers a non-invasive and gentle way to help kids with their pain, increase tissue healing, and improve their overall recovery. Microcurrent therapy can effectively target particular areas of pain and inflammation, promoting cellular regeneration and accelerating the healing process without causing discomfort or unfavorable side effects. It works by using low-level electrical currents that mimic the body's natural bioelectrical signals. Children who have musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, or chronic pain can benefit most from this therapy since it lessens pain perception, enhances local blood circulation, and encourages the creation of endogenous neurotransmitters and cellular healing processes. Pediatric physiotherapists can offer a safe and efficient method to enhance the rehabilitation process, hasten healing, and more by including microcurrent therapy in treatment programs.
Vojta approachPediatric physical therapy places a high value on Vojta treatment because it provides a specific and all-encompassing method for promoting children's postural control, movement patterns, and general motor development, especially in those with neuromuscular abnormalities or developmental delays. Vojta therapy uses precise pressure techniques on critical reflex zones to elicit involuntary motor responses, encouraging deep muscle activation and facilitating coordinated movement patterns necessary for reaching developmental milestones. The goal of this therapy is to stimulate and rewire the central nervous system, enhancing postural stability, balance, and motor performance. Additionally, Vojta treatment is critical for fostering the growth of core motor skills, increasing the child's independence, and facilitating the integration of basic movement patterns, all of which eventually contribute to the child's total physical and functional well-being.
Neurodevelopmental therapyPediatric physical therapy places a great deal of emphasis on neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), which offers a thorough and research-based strategy to encourage motor learning, functional independence, and ideal movement patterns in kids with neurological impairments or developmental disabilities. NDT seeks to promote the integration of typical movement patterns and postural responses by addressing the underlying neurophysiological principles, hence promoting the development of motor control, balance, and coordination. To foster active engagement and the development of practical skills necessary for daily living, this method places an emphasis on the use of guided handling techniques, therapeutic exercises, and task-oriented activities. Pediatric physiotherapists can assist children in enhancing their motor function, independence, and capacity for involvement in a variety of activities by the use of NDT principles, ultimately leading to an improvement in quality of life.
Proprioceptive and visual trainingIn pediatric physical therapy, proprioceptive and visual exercises are essential because they improve children's motor coordination, sensory integration, and overall functional performance. Physiotherapists can aid in the development of body awareness, spatial orientation, and postural control, supporting enhanced balance and stability during a variety of motor tasks, by adding particular exercises and activities that target proprioceptive input and visual-motor coordination. These training methods help improve sensory-motor integration and encourage the effective use of visual information in movement planning and execution, which is especially helpful for kids with sensory processing issues, developmental coordination issues, or neurological impairments. Physiotherapists can assist kids in acquiring crucial motor skills, enhancing their coordination, and improving their general ability by including proprioceptive and visual training in their therapy sessions.

Deformities involving muscles, tissue, or joints are included in musculoskeletal conditions. Exercises for stretching, handling placement, and strengthening are used to treat this issue [ 34 ]. Even adjustments to the surroundings help treat the illnesses. Higher-level data are emerging in favor of microcurrent therapy for torticollis. As the cesarean section appears to be a precaution, Erb's palsy, also known as neonatal brachial plexus palsy, is decreasing. Physiotherapy therapies are useful in assisting and enhancing the range of motion, strength, and functional recovery after brachial plexus and polytrauma injuries. One of the cardiorespiratory illnesses is acute respiratory disorder syndrome (ARDS). In premature neonates, chest physical therapy can treat lung issues. The Vojta approach is useful for treating lung problems in chest physical therapy. Both prone and supine positions were used while measuring oxygen saturation, partial pressure of arterial oxygen, oxygenation index, and thoracoabdominal synchronization [ 35 ].

Children with cerebral palsy are offered stretches and progressive resistance exercises to maintain and build strength. The core stability activities also improve children's balance and coordination. Patients with cerebral palsy and feeding issues might use the Bobath techniques for neurodevelopmental therapy to help with feeding and swallowing tasks. The spastic diplegic condition that children experience in cerebral palsy may be supported by simultaneous proprioceptive and visual training, but it has little or no impact on kinetic gait characteristics. Stretch-shortening cycle exercises based on the trampoline are used to address children's postural control issues as well as to improve strength in children with Down syndrome. Pediatric physiotherapists have a bright future in the rehabilitation of young athletes. Depending on the child's needs, a therapist will undertake sports conditioning, which may involve balance, proprioception, agility, coordination training, postural and gait retraining, dynamic core strengthening, and flexibility training. This is done to reduce the likelihood of sports-related injuries [ 12 ].

Limitations

The limitation of the topic presents a difficulty in fully encompassing the broad range of current pediatric physical therapy approaches and their significance within the context of this review. The overview may not adequately cover all the specific methods, case studies, or clinical applications needed for a complete grasp of pediatric physical therapy practices because of being very condensed.

Furthermore, given that these factors can have a substantial impact on the execution and efficacy of the interventions, the brief summary might not fully address regional or cultural variations in pediatric physical therapy practices. The review does not take into consideration the variations in access to pediatric physical therapy treatments and different socioeconomic backgrounds, which could restrict the generalizability of the findings to all populations and communities.

Additionally, the review might not go into great detail on the difficulties and barriers that pediatric physical therapists encounter in actual clinical settings, such as resource limitations, staffing problems, and changing healthcare regulations. These difficulties, which are so important in determining how pediatric physical therapy services are actually provided, might not be adequately covered in a succinct description. The succinct summary can also miss some important trends and future developments in pediatric physical therapy, such as the potential effects of new interdisciplinary collaborations, technological innovations, and scientific breakthroughs. These factors are essential for comprehending the changing environment of pediatric physical therapy and assuring its ongoing expansion and efficacy. As a result, while providing an insightful introduction, the succinct overview might not fully capture the breadth and depth of the topic of pediatric physical therapy, leaving room for further exploration and analysis.

Conclusions

This study focuses on the current situation of physiotherapy techniques for resolving and enhancing the issues that are developing in pediatric patients. In conclusion, pediatric diseases like spina bifida, congenital torticollis, and cerebral palsy can be managed and improved with physiotherapy. The in-depth investigation reveals the widespread usage of strengthening and stretching workouts for condition control. Beyond correcting errors, it encourages children's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, enabling them to realize their full potential. Additionally, the use of cutting-edge methods and technology has improved pediatric physical therapy's effectiveness and engagement levels, improving the experience for patients as a whole. A child's sense of independence and self-confidence are also fostered by therapists in addition to physical disabilities. The importance of pediatric physical therapy must be acknowledged and supported by healthcare professionals, carers, and legislators as the discipline develops. By doing this, we can work together to give physically challenged children a better future, so that they can have healthier, more contented lives. Pediatric physical therapy is a glimmer of hope and advancement for the most impressionable individuals of our society in this constantly changing environment.

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

IMAGES

  1. (PDF) Physical activity in physiotherapy students: Levels of physical

    topics for research in physiotherapy

  2. Research

    topics for research in physiotherapy

  3. 121+ Amazing Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students 2024

    topics for research in physiotherapy

  4. 151+ Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students [Updated]

    topics for research in physiotherapy

  5. (PDF) A qualitative study in neurological physiotherapy and hope

    topics for research in physiotherapy

  6. Big Physio Survey an Update

    topics for research in physiotherapy

VIDEO

  1. Banded Ankle Eversion Isometric Short Position

  2. Dorsiflexion Ankle Mobility Stretch (Hold)

  3. Physiotherapy exam

  4. Master of Physiotherapy at Flinders University

  5. Tib Raises SUCK!

  6. physiotherapy rehabilitation #short #viralshort #physiotherapy

COMMENTS

  1. 151+ Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students [Updated]

    Remember, choosing a research topic is an exciting journey. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to the field of physiotherapy, improve patient care, and expand your knowledge and skills. 151+ Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students: Category Wise Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in Ankle Sprains

  2. 25+ Physiotherapy Dissertation Topics

    Topic 4: Evaluating the impact of strengthening exercises on diabetic patients with shoulder pain. Topic 5: An analysis of the implications of strengthening exercises on alleviation of lower back pain and cervical pain. Topic. 6: Physiotherapy vs. chiropractic. Topic. 7: Why Physiotherapy is beneficial.

  3. 100+ Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students in 2022

    Top 25 Physiotherapy Research Topics for College Students. Effect of trigger point release and therapeutic ultrasonography on the relief of neck discomfort in university students. An RCT looked at the impact of lumbar traction on calf muscle soreness. Impact of trigger point release in treating student thoracic back discomfort.

  4. Advance articles

    Advance articles on Physical Therapy Journal, featuring reviews and articles on musculoskeletal and women's health topics.

  5. High impact research from PTJ

    High-Impact Research from PTJ. The latest Journal Citation Reports (Journal Citation Reports™, from Clarivate, 2022) have now been released, and I am pleased to announce that PTJ continues to grow its impact within the physical therapy and rehabilitation communities. To mark PTJ's continued growth, this selection of highly cited articles has been made free to read.

  6. Physical Therapy

    News From the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, August 2024 . Laurie King, PT, PhD, MCR, relied heavily on support from various organizations, including the 2011 Clagett Family Research Grant through the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (the Foundation), as she journeyed back into research after taking time away to care for her ...

  7. Latest articles from Physiotherapy Theory and Practice

    The effects of combined transcranial direct Current stimulation with physiotherapy for physical function in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. José Lozano-Meca MSc, PT, Joaquina Montilla-Herrador PhD, PT & Mariano Gacto-Sánchez PhD, PT. Published online: 31 May 2024.

  8. Physical Therapy

    Physical Therapy. Explore the latest in physical therapy, including management of sports injuries, postoperative rehabilitation, strength conditioning in the elderly, and more. This randomized clinical trial investigates the efficacy of combination physiotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals with functional movement disorders.

  9. Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From the American Physical Therapy

    Research agendas play an important role in directing scholarly inquiry in a field. The Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) outlines research priorities that are vital to advancing physical therapist practice and the profession. The development of the research agenda included multiple iterative steps and feedback from stakeholders.

  10. Physiotherapy Research International

    Physiotherapy Research International is a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the exchange of knowledge that is directly relevant to specialist areas of physiotherapy theory, practice, and research. We publish papers that represent the range of cultures and settings where physiotherapy services are delivered. Welcoming a variety of article ...

  11. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice

    The aim of Physiotherapy Theory and Practice is to provide an international, peer-reviewed forum for the publication, dissemination, and discussion of recent developments and current research in physiotherapy/physical therapy. The journal accepts original quantitative and qualitative research reports, theoretical papers, systematic literature reviews, clinical case reports, and technical ...

  12. 111+ Top Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students

    Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Research Topics. 1. The efficacy of manual therapy in treating chronic lower back pain. 2. Investigating the role of exercise in preventing and managing osteoarthritis. 3. Assessing the effectiveness of various stretching techniques in improving flexibility.

  13. University Library: Physical Therapy: Choosing a Research Topic

    How to choose a manageable research topic: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO VIEW: Okay, ignore the silly beginning, because this video is a great (and short!) overview on how to select a research topic that's manageable for your assignment. Nice tips on narrowing a huge topic by considering the angles of WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHY, WHEN, or HOW.

  14. Best 60 Physical Therapy Research Topics

    Some research topics in physical therapy include; The systemic review of health promotion in physical therapy. The influence of hip strength and core endurance on recurrent dislocations. Influence of fatigue and knee kinetics. Effects of fatigue of jumping and leg movement. Role of physical therapists in health promotion.

  15. Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From APTA

    The Research Agenda for Physical Therapy expands on our profession's continued advancement and considers current issues, new innovations, and forward-thinking viewpoints. The research agenda outlines research priorities that are vital to advancing physical therapist practice and the profession. The development of the research agenda included ...

  16. Theses, Dissertations and Projects

    Theses/Dissertations from 2015. Physical Therapy after Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries and Ulnar Wrist Pain, Mohamed A. Abdelmegeed. The Effect of Cervical Muscle Fatigue on Postural Stability during Immersion Virtual Reality, Mazen M. Alqahtani. The Effects of a Novel Therapeutic Intervention in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients, Adel ...

  17. Using research to guide practice: The Physiotherapy Evidence Database

    PEDro facilitates the use of high-quality clinical research by physical therapy clinicians, educators, students, and researchers. In 2019 PEDro celebrated its twentieth anniversary. ... Body Part, Subdiscipline, Topic, and Method) have pull-down menus with options that correspond to the coding of articles in the database. The remaining fields ...

  18. 170+ Interesting Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students

    Our blog offers an extensive list of over 170 interesting research topics for physiotherapy students in 2024, categorized into various domains like musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, pediatric, and more. We also address the benefits of conducting research in this field and discuss the challenges students commonly encounter during ...

  19. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy

    The Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy (JNPT) is an indexed resource for dissemination of research-based evidence related to neurologic physical therapy intervention. High standards of quality are maintained through a rigorous, double-blinded, peer-review process and adherence to standards recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.

  20. Undergraduate research implementation in physiotherapy: a hands-on and

    In fact, in some universities, physiotherapy students conduct primary research projects, or lecturers assigned to a research group assist students conceptualise a project, recruit subjects, and collect data in the last academic year [23-25]. To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply a real RCT as a research-based strategy integrated ...

  21. Trends in Physiotherapy of Chronic Low Back Pain Research ...

    Background: Physiotherapy and chronic low back pain (CLBP) form a broad and quickly developing research area. The aim of this article was to holistically, thematically and chronologically analyze and synthesize the literature production in this research area and identify the most prolific research entities and research themes.

  22. Exploring Innovative Avenues: Research Topics for Physiotherapy

    Welcome to the dynamic realm of physiotherapy research, where curiosity converges with innovation to shape the future of healthcare. In this blog, we embark on a journey through 15 compelling…

  23. APA

    Physiotherapy is an evidence-based profession and it is critical to keep building knowledge and adding to the literature base. The lead investigators of three projects supported by the APA provide a snapshot of their work. Since March this year, the APA has doubled the number of research projects it endorses.We now support 15 projects on a variety of topics led by researchers from Victorian ...

  24. Brain Tumor Immunotherapy

    Cytokine gene vaccine therapy involving IL-15 or IL-2 has also been shown in brain tumor animal models to stimulate a potent antitumor immune response and prolong survival. In this Research Topic, we will welcome all types of articles addressing novel and innovative immunotherapy treatments for brain tumors.

  25. A Brief Overview of Recent Pediatric Physical Therapy Practices and

    Introduction and background. Pediatric physical therapy is a branch of physiotherapy that helps treat or develop movement issues in infants and young children and enhances a child's developmental stages. Orthopedics, congenital malformations, neurology, neuropsychiatry, respiration, and preterm are among the systems that affect children [1].