physical therapists research topics

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

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

The PMC website is updating on October 15, 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

Advanced Search
Journal List
Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl
v.5(1); 2023 Mar
PMC10036231

Musculoskeletal Pain: Current and Future Directions of Physical Therapy Practice

Brona m. fullen.

a UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland

Harriet Wittink

b Research Centre Healthy and Sustainable Living Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands

An De Groef

c Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Leuven, Belgium

d Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy MOVANT, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

e Pain in Motion International Research Group, www.paininmotion.be

Morten Hoegh

f Aalborg University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark

Joseph G. McVeigh

g Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Therapies, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland

Denis Martin

h Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, United Kingdom

i NIHR Applied Research Collaborative North East and North Cumbria, Cumbria, Northumberland, United Kingdom

Keith Smart

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is 1 of the most common problems managed by clinicians in MSK care. This article reviews current frameworks for the assessment and management of MSK pain within evidence-based physical therapy practice. Key considerations related to the biopsychosocial model of pain, evidence-based practice, assessment, treatment, physical activity/movement behavior, risk stratification, communication as well as patient education and self-management skills within physical therapy and physical and rehabilitation medicine are addressed. The future direction of MSK pain management is also discussed, including strategies to promote evidence-based practice, behavior change, social prescribing, and the use of technologies.

Introduction

Physical therapy is clinically and cost effective in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. 1 Current MSK practice typically involves 3 components: education, exercise, and physical therapy. Evidence for each of the 3 component is limited, including the best way to provide them, and the emphasis that should be placed on each. An evidence-based biopsychosocial (BPS) approach with the active engagement of the patient in their own care is advocated.

This article reviews current frameworks such as evidence-based practice (EBP), the BPS model, risk stratification, and psychologically-informed physical therapy for the assessment and management of MSK pain.

Evidence-based practice

EBP has been defined as “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients” which includes the integration of best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values. 2 It was subsequently pointed out that this definition did not include any reference to ethical principles. A definition of EBP for physiotherapists was suggested as “an area of study, research, and practice in which clinical decisions are based on the best available evidence, integrating professional practice and expertise with ethical principles.” 3

Clinicians are in favor of EBP and research; however, it is not always used in clinical practice. 4 Barriers to clinical use of EBP include lack of time and workload pressures, access to research, and difficulty translating research in to practice. 4 Therefore, understanding, promoting, and maximizing the facilitators of EBP (postgraduate education, skills to engage in self-directed learning, beliefs that research and clinical guidelines can usefully inform clinical decision-making, and a willingness to change and adopt more effective methods) could be used to enhance clinical practice. 5 Engaging in such strategies (educational interventions, 6 training and education of stakeholders, adapting and tailoring the context, and supporting clinicians) have been shown to improve guideline adherence and knowledge. However, when evaluating resultant changes in patient-reported outcomes, the literature is very limited. A recent systematic review on allied health care professionals EBP training included 6 studies, of which only 3 including patient reported outcomes, with no significant changes reported. The authors conclude that either that the outcome measures were not sensitive, that different intervention strategies are needed to change patient outcomes, and that more research is needed in this area. 7

The biopsychosocial model

EBP within MSK care has been informed and shaped, in part, by the BPS model of illness and pain. The BPS model was presented in 1977 in response to perceived shortcomings of the biomedical model and as a means of acknowledging the biological, psychological, and social factors determinants of health and disease. It was proposed as “a blueprint for research, a framework for teaching, and a design for action in the real world of health care”. 8 Crucially, it acknowledged the reality that illnesses and diseases are human experiences as much as pathologic entities.

Application of the biopsychosocial model in clinical practice

MSK pain disorders are no longer considered a purely biomedical problem, but considered a complex problem which can be influenced by a wide range of other factors. These include cognitive, psychological, social, as well as biomedical factors. Assessing and treating patients according to the BPS model has been recommended in a number of pain-related clinical guidelines relevant to clinicians. 9 The BPS model also forms the basis of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, 10 suggesting widespread endorsement of the model. However, there seems to be varying levels of confidence and proficiency among clinicians regarding psychosocially oriented clinical knowledge and practice. 11

Psychologically informed treatment in physical therapy

A range of psychologically informed physical therapy interventions have been developed and evaluated. 12 This approach blends conventional physical therapy treatments with cognitive-behavioral therapies, that acknowledge the influence of a person's thoughts, feeling and behaviors together with wider socio-economic contextual factors. 13 Examples of such approaches include graded activity/exposure, cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance, and commitment interventions where the patient is facilitated to use acceptance as a way to deal with negative thoughts and feelings and commits to positive values-based goals. 14 Reviews show that the clinical effects of such interventions on pain-related outcomes are inconsistent. 12 , 14

Musculoskeletal pain assessment

Physical therapists and physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians are frequently consulted for their assessment and treatment of disorders of which pain is often the dominant feature, and of course pain may be considered a disease in its own right. 15

Palpation, structural integrity, serious pathology

Assessment of low back pain (LBP) and MSK disorders in general should exclude specific pathologies (eg, fracture, infection, malignancy), 16 Assessment of “red flags” is essential in many pain conditions and is used to identify risk of serious pathology, 17 although individual red flags cannot reliably predict pathology. 18 , 19 As an alternative or complementary approach to the use of nominal patho-anatomic diagnoses, 20 mechanism-based approaches to the management of pain have been advocated. 21 According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), there are 3 broad categories of pain mechanisms (nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic) that may occur alone or in combination. 21 Nociception provides a means of neural feedback that allows the central nervous system to detect and avoid noxious and potentially damaging stimuli in both active and passive settings. Neuropathic pain is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system, including peripheral fibers (Aβ, Aδ, and C fibers) and central neurons. Nociceptive mechanisms are assumed to drive the pain experience during and immediately after acute injuries. Likewise, nociceptive and neuropathic mechanisms are dominant in pathologies such as cancer and neuropathic pain, and nociplastic may be the dominant mechanism in some nonspecific and chronic pain presentations, such as chronic non-specific LBP and chronic widespread pain/fibromyalgia.

Physical activity/movement behavior

Guidelines for the assessment and management of MSK pain recommend the promotion of active lifestyles with regular physical activity (PA) as a first line treatment. 9 Both short and long-term benefits on the pain experience have been reported 22 , 23 as well as positive effects on cardiovascular health, mood, stress, sleep quality of life, and sexual function. 24 , 25

Within the BPS assessment of a person in pain an assessment of their PA levels should be undertaken in order to develop the most appropriate intensity and targeted individualized exercise programme. 26 Subjective measures such as PA questionnaires, for example, Baecke physical activity questionnaires, 27 electronic diaries 28 have been commonly used, although more recently objective measures, such as accelerometers, are increasingly used to objectively measure performance of activities in people with LBP. 29 , 30 Studies show only a weak 31 to moderate correlation 32 between self-reported PA and objectively measured PA (accelerometry) in individuals with chronic pain. Most people with chronic pain underestimate their level of PA. There is also a discrepancy between the association between subjectively or objectively measured PA and important outcome measures such as pain intensity, anxiety, and disability. 30 , 31

An international consensus on the term “movement behavior” has been reached, which includes sedentary behavior, PA, and exercise. 32 Movement behavior describes the 24-hour pattern of movement and non-movement patterns (including sleep). The term behavior refers to the choices a person makes in whether to move and how to move (frequency intensity, etc). Consequently, there is a need for objective measurement of movement behavior in people in pain. Considering the factors that modulate PA, including the quantity, type, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors, will help in the diagnosis and in the development of individualized treatment planning. It will also help in the monitoring and assessment of the effect of physical therapy treatment over time.

Risk stratification

Management of LBP should include stratifying patients into homogenous groups based on risk stratification and offering targeted treatment, which results in better outcomes, and is now specifically recommended in the United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. 33 The most widely known tool for this approach is the STarT Back Screening tool that allows clinicians to identify those who are at a low, medium, or high risk of poorer clinical outcomes due to potentially modifiable physical and psychological prognostic indicators (low mood, anxiety, catastrophizing, and fear avoidance) for persistent disabling symptoms. 34 Management of low-risk patients consists of advice (pamphlets, information video) and PA with an emphasis on promoting appropriate levels of activity, including return to work. For medium-risk patients, management should consist of referral for standardized physical therapy, to address symptoms and function. High-risk patients should be referred for psychologically informed physical therapy, again to address symptoms and functional impairment in addition to psychosocial issues that may present a barrier to recovery. 34 The efficacy of this approach has been established in Europe but has not been replicated in the US, illustrating successful implementation may vary in different health service settings. 35 Given that up to one-third of primary care patients with LBP have dominant psychosocial risk factors, 34 identifying and implementing an early effective care to patients’ level of risk of poorer outcomes is important. 36

Communication skills

Clear communication between clinicians and their patients is essential to facilitate active patient involvement in the assessment and management process. Patient-centered communication, including motivational interviewing skills, have been shown to improve patient satisfaction, build confidence, and improved health-related knowledge in those with chronic MSK pain. 37 , 38 , 39

A patient-centered communication style is fundamental to achieving active patient engagement. 40 , 41 Communicating with empathy, developing congruence of the clinician's and patient's goals and taking a positive approach to build a therapeutic alliance and facilitate shared-decision making are all essential. 42 , 43 Adapting the communication style to the individual patient, having the ability to communicate using plain language, being cognizant of their health literacy level, speaking directly to the patient, listening actively, and asking appropriate questions are important features of patient-centered communication. 41 Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions. Research indicates that health literacy in general in Europe may be inadequate 44 and hamper effective self-management in patients with chronic pain. 45 Barriers to effective communication such as demographic characteristics (socio-economic background, age, education level) should also be considered. Patient-centered communication requires the time to implement; however, the investment will result in increased effectiveness of the applied pain management strategies. 46 , 47

Musculoskeletal pain management

Following a thorough BPS assessment, a number of evidenced-based treatments and approaches may be used to manage MSK problems.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy has been a core intervention for physical therapists treating patients with MSK complaints and is recommended as an adjunct or second line treatment in clinical guidelines for non-specific LBP. 48 However, the rationale underpinning manual therapy has changed from a strict biomechanical paradigm (changing or influencing somatic tissues) to a neurophysiological one. 49 In this paradigm, manual therapy may provide its pain-relieving effects via the well-established descending modulatory pathways in the central nervous system. 49 While the exact mechanisms by which manual therapies affect the nociceptive system are unknown, it is clear that moderately painful pressure can lead to short-lasting pain inhibition (sometimes referred to as pain-inhibits-pain) in both humans and rodents. 50 Furthermore, manual therapy is likely to have an influence on pain via more cognitive and contextual factors. 49 , 51 These include the clinician's professionalism, mindset, and appearance; the patient's beliefs, experiences, and expectations about their diagnosis and treatment, the physiotherapist-patient relation during the appointment, the application of the manual therapy technique, even the overall impression of the clinic/hospital department. 51 Viewing manual therapy through the lens of neuroscience not only provides a likely mechanism but may explain why different manual therapies appear to have similar effects on MSK problems such as LBP. 52 Manual therapy may also provide the skilled clinician with a tool to engage non-verbally with the patient. 53

Electro-physical modalities

NICE 33 reports that most of the evidence for the use of electro-physical modalities for chronic primary pain is of low to very low quality. The committee's view is that there was considerable uncertainty in the data, with little evidence of long-term outcomes, and much heterogeneity in practice. While laser therapy has the strongest preliminary evidence of benefit (quality of life and pain), it is not recommended until further research is undertaken.

The NICE committee also does not recommend transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) (lack of evidence of benefit), ultrasound (no evidence), and interferential therapy (no evidence). The most recent Cochrane review on TENS (an overview of systematic reviews including 9 reviews and 51 TENS-related randomized controlled trials, n=2895) equally is unable to conclude with any confidence that, in people with chronic pain, TENS is harmful, or beneficial, for pain control, disability, health-related quality of life, use of pain-relieving medicines, or global impression of change. 54

With regard to transcranial magnetic stimulation, the findings from a Cochrane systematic review (38 trials, n=1225) indicates that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex, but not the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, may provide short‐term, but likely clinically unimportant improvements in chronic pain and quality of life (low to very low quality evidence). 55

Physical activity and exercise

Evidence supports the use of exercise and PA in the management of chronic diseases including painful conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. 56 Incorporation of exercise and PA and their importance are usually introduced during initial individual appointments and continued through to structured exercise classes or as a component of a chronic pain rehabilitation program. Despite the physical, psychosocial, and social benefits achieving the PA guideline goal of 30 minutes of moderate PA, a day is challenging for patients living with pain. Although the frequency, intensity, type, and time (duration) parameters (F.I.T.T.) for specific conditions are known, there is increasing awareness that adherence long-term to exercise programs are affected by other factors including depression and other physical health problems. 57 Evidence suggests that exercise behaviors are modifiable; therefore, motivational/behavioral change strategies should be incorporated into exercise interventions to enhance patients’ motivation and longer-term adherence. 58 , 59 The choice of exercise therapy should be closely aligned with patients’ preferences and goals as enjoyment in and commitment to the type of exercise will help with long-term adherence.

Feedback on PA and exercise levels is a powerful behavioral change tool, 60 and the use of technologies such as wearable biosensors integrated into clothing, shoes, watches, and smart phones that acquire, transmit, store, and retrieve health-related data could be used to monitor and augment individualized rehabilitation. 61 A recent systematic review of controlled trials reported that these devices have promise in relation to increasing PA participation 62 or to maintain PA levels after structured lifestyle interventions. 63 Going forward this technology may also reduce traditional health care usage of face-to-face appointments for providing ongoing support. 64 , 65

Self-management skills

Facilitating the development of self-management skills and building self-efficacy is a core feature of chronic pain management. 66 Self-management is a difficult to measure complex concept, 67 but typically involves the key skills of problem‐solving, decision making, seeking, and using resources, forming partnerships with their health care providers and taking action. 68 Acceptance of the persistent nature of pain is a key step in moving from a search for a diagnosis and medical solution to an individualized self-management approach.

A recent randomized controlled trial (n=102) of patients with chronic pain incorporated pain neurophysiology education, cognitive behavioral principles, and individualized, goal-oriented exercises with the type and amount of exercise was based on the participants’ goals, abilities, and pain sensitivity. 69 Results showed improved function, pain intensity, pain knowledge, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, satisfaction with health care, and global rating of change, but no improvement in pain interference, work status, fatigue, depressive symptoms, or health care utilization in comparison with usual care. By contrast, generic self-management interventions have been shown to have limited effectiveness for patients with chronic MSK pain. 70

Patient education

Patient education is a core component of the management of MSK pain. Patient education often reflects that pain is not a true representation of the actual state of the tissues, but it is the nervous system's interpretation of the threat of their injury, which in turn is subject to modulation by various psychological factors, including fear avoidance, catastrophizing, expectations, cognitions, and beliefs. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on pain science education in chronic MSK pain populations have reported evidence for improving pain ratings, pain knowledge, disability, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, attitudes regarding pain, and physical movement. 71 However, to achieve clinically important improvements, education should be combined with physical interventions. 72 Less research has been undertaken on those with acute pain; 1 systematic review reported inconclusive evidence for the benefits of perioperative pain science education on post-operative pain, which can be influenced by health care professionals’ beliefs. 72

Managing comorbidities

Patient assessment and management for MSK conditions should always be considered within the context of their general health. By mid-century, 1 in 6 people globally will be aged 65 years or older, 73 with the prevalence of comorbidities increasing with age. In addition to aging, several other important risk factors are associated with the development of chronic disease, such as lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, lack of PA). Many of these factors can cause multiple diseases and many symptoms may have shared underlying neurobiology. 74 For instance, depression is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic pain and depression itself is associated with a higher incidence of co-morbid somatic illnesses, especially cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. In the future, it will be necessary to accommodate, and potentially treat, such comorbidities within pain-related rehabilitation approaches. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have provided strong evidence for the efficacy of therapeutic exercise for a range of outcomes in patients with a broad range of long-term conditions. 75

Implementing patient-centered care

Patient centeredness in MSK care includes effective communication, individualized treatment, working with patient-defined goals, education, and information sharing during all aspects of treatment that facilitates decision making, along with self-management support. 43

Behavioral change

A process of behavioral change is the key to successful management of MSK conditions including pain. 37 Several behavioral change models such as Bandura's self-efficacy theory. Self-efficacy is a person's particular set of beliefs that determine how well one can execute a plan of action in prospective situations. 76 People's beliefs in their efficacy are developed by 4 main sources of influence: (i) mastery experiences (performance outcomes), (ii) vicarious experiences (social role models), (iii) social persuasion, and (iv) emotional states. If patients and health care professionals contribute to this process and agree on treatment decisions, the process of behavior change is enhanced, and the likelihood of improving pain-related outcomes increases. 37

In a systematic review on behavior change techniques (BCTs) associated with adherence to prescribed exercise in patients with persistent MSK pain, a moderate level of evidence to support adherence for 5 BCTs was found including (i) social support (unspecified), (ii) goal setting (behavior), (iii) instruction of behavior, (iv) demonstration of behavior, and (v) behavior practice/rehearsal. 77 For exercise or PA interventions to have a longer-term effect, they need to be enjoyable and meaningful to the individual. 78 , 79

It is also suggested that a pain neuroscience education program may be needed to prime patients for an active lifestyle, remove barriers, and bridge the intention-behavior gap to actively self-manage their problem through a tailored programme. 38

Self-management

Successful self‐management including the ability to manage symptoms, treatment, physical, psychological and social consequences, and lifestyle changes related to one's chronic condition is essential in MSK care. There is evidence to support self-management interventions for a variety of different pain conditions 80 and the use of digital communication-based technology (internet based, telephone supported, virtual reality) may provide innovative options for patients living with chronic pain. 81 Several mobile-health applications also show promise for (cognitive) treatment 82 and relapse prevention. 83

People who are knowledgeable about their condition are better able to self-manage and also deal with others who do not understand their condition; 84 however, this requires a good level of health literacy. Incorporating effective health literacy strategies into treatment, for example, offering information in bit-size chunks, using plain language and techniques such as the Teach Back methods, have been shown to be effective. 85

Patients with chronic pain experience exacerbations of their pain problems and relapses may be due to an individual physical event, or it may result from cumulative physical and psychological stresses that challenge patients’ coping resources. Rehabilitation professionals can help to identify situations that are challenging and help patients develop strategies to cope with them. Strategies may include setting criteria to visit health professionals, using pain medication, or briefly resting and relaxing. Plans for resuming activity following an exacerbation are critical. 86 Technological applications, such as apps, virtual reality, or telephone-based interventions may help patients maintain the skills they learned in their pain management programs and prevent relapse.

Future directions

The evolving biopsychosocial model.

Although not specific to pain, variations and updates of the BPS model have recently been described in light of new knowledge. The “holistic biopsychosocial model of illness” makes explicit the range of factors that may influence behavior and disability and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of illness and a rational approach to rehabilitation. 87 The “Biopsychosocial-Pathways model” describes causal pathways among biological, psychological, and social factors. 88 Aside from integrating newer interpretations of the BPS model, addressing the many barriers to the adoption of existing methods, such as those linked to the professional knowledge and skills of clinicians (eg, a perceived lack of knowledge of psychosocial factors and/or how to identify or manage them), may promote improved understanding and application of BPS approaches in future clinical practice and education. 89

Focusing on the social perspective

Social prescribing initiatives are viewed as a way of addressing the wider social determinants of health and targeting those most socially disadvantaged. 90 The negative physical and psychological effect of chronic pain is well established, and there is evidence that chronic pain is associated with loneliness and perceived insufficiency of social support. 91 The use of non-drug, community-based, non-clinical interventions has been proposed as a cost-effective alternative to help those with long-term conditions, including chronic pain, to manage their symptoms and improve their health and well-being. 92 Social prescription is widely promoted as a way of targeting socioeconomically deprived populations in need of direct health care intervention by linking patients in primary care with support services embedded within the community. 93 There are a range of social prescription initiatives widely used such as “Arts on Prescription”; “Books on Prescription”; “Education on Prescription”, but “exercise prescription” is 1 of the most used social prescription interventions for the promotion of PA. 94 While more development in this area is needed, participants in social prescribing programs have reported improvement in outcomes relevant to those with chronic pain such as psychological well-being and positive mood; reduction in anxiety and depression, improvements in physical health, increased self-esteem and confidence, and a reduction in visits to general practitioners. 94

This article has reviewed current concepts in the management of MSK pain. EBP remains the underlying approach of course, and new evidence is emerging. The BPS model underpins the need to address all aspects of the patient's problem, biomedical issues, psychosocial issues, and the context and environment in which the patient lives and works are all equally important. Reflecting a greater awareness of the BPS approach to MSK issues, psychological informed physical therapy is an emerging area of practice and there is a growing body of evidence to support this practice, particularly within a risk stratification approach to assessment and treatment. Some fundamentals of MSK care remain unchanged, effective communication with the patient as a partner in care is critical. PA and exercise interventions in MSK care remain a core intervention; however, there is a greater awareness of the need to support behavioral change and the techniques required to do this. Likewise, there is a greater awareness of the role of supported self-management and the use of technology as an adjunct to treatment. Public approaches and social prescribing interventions in MSK care are in their infancy, but given the challenges of access to services and treatment no doubt these approaches will grow and develop.

Musculoskeletal care in 2050

The basic International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is robust enough to imagine it could still be relevant in 2050 as a framework for defining needs of the individual across the lifespan. Perhaps there will be a more widespread understanding of the influence of environmental factors that could focus attention on new ways of addressing people's needs. For example, attention to the importance of societal attitudes and norms about chronic pain may lead to more public education campaigns like pain revolution (painrevolution.org) and flippin pain (flippinpain.co.uk).

The expanding influence of social media as a source of information in society may become increasingly important. Selective use of social media and information sources can create “echo chambers”, magnify the problem and spreading false/inaccurate information that reinforce attitudes and beliefs, potentially hindering successful pain management. A growing challenge therefore is to ensure that evidence-based messages and information achieve cut-through to the public consciousness.

The ubiquity of digital technology in health care has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and will influence patient care in the future. 66 The enforced shift to virtual consultation and treatment, while previously available, was not widely used in clinical practice. However, for many people with chronic pain the logistical benefits of this approach may remain attractive, and the use of virtual appointments may be more desirable. As these solutions lead to great improvements in patient care, the health and wellbeing effects for patients will change the profession. The challenge going forward will be to optimize the important elements of the skilled clinical encounter (communication, empathy, therapeutic touch, and therapeutic alliance). Other technological advances including virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning will also deepen our understanding of a person's pain and provide personalized treatment approaches.

This article has considered a number of contemporary issues and future directions related to MSK pain. It will be fascinating to observe how changes in pain science and practice develop and affect patient care in the future. Will physical therapists be well-placed to meet the needs of people with persistent pain in 2050? Given the current evidence and future directions of physical therapy practice, perhaps the question would be more usefully rephrased—under what circumstances would physical therapists not be best placed to meet the needs of people with persistent pain in 2050?

Disclosures: none.

Aims and Scope

Journal Information
Advanced Online Publication
Current Issue
Welcome Message from Editor-in-Chief
Editorial Board
Copyright, Open Access License Policy
Editorial and Peer Review Policy
Conflicts of Interest
Ethics Policies
Instructions to Authors
Publication Fees and Charges

Physical Therapy Research

Physical Therapy Research (PTR) is an Open Access journal that aims to foster important advances in physical therapy. PTR publishes a comprehensive and dynamic array of peer-reviewed articles and materials that are of interest to our broad global audience of researchers, practitioners, continuing-education students, and those interested in the field. The article types include Original Articles, Case Studies, Brief Reports, Reviews, and more. PTR is free to access for all readers and free to publish for most authors * .

ISSN 2189-8448 Current Issue 2022 Vol.26 Issue 1 -->

* A submission fee and a publication fee must be paid for by those who hold a physical therapy license in Japan but do not belong to Japanese Physical Therapy Associaation (JPTA)

Current lssue (2024 vol.27 lssue 2)

105+ Most Amazing Physical Therapy Research Topics – Full Guide!

Many age groups and medical conditions across individuals are helped by physiotherapy, which helps to relieve pain, restore movement, and improve the quality of life.

This area constantly changes, creating new areas for physical therapy research. It introduces new techniques and groundbreaking interventions while revealing the complexity of how the human body functions during rehabilitation.

It offers a fascinating tapestry of intellectual curiosity and a profound impact on human well-being in various aspects, ranging from discovering neuroplasticity’s intricate mechanisms to investigating cutting-edge technologies that redefine the limits of recovery in physical therapy research.

This blog offers an assortment of interesting research subjects that could interest you, challenge your intellect, or even help contribute to this noble profession.

Recommended Reading: “ Top 111+ Forensic Science Research Topics – Interesting Ideas! “.

Importance of Choosing the Right Physical Therapy Research Topic

Table of Contents

The most important thing is choosing the right research topic for physical therapy. It is not just a mere formality, but it is also an ultimate decision that can either make or break your entire journey in conducting research.

What is worth noting here is that finding the right subject to study will keep you engaged and curious throughout your research process, keeping you going even when things become difficult.

However, this goes beyond personal motivation. Indeed, the topic you choose can propel physical therapy forward as a discipline. The purpose here would be to explore unchartered territories or difficult issues, and your investigation may reveal new treatments, question old assumptions, or improve our understanding of bodily healing mechanisms. This kind of work changes lives.

Moreover, crossing disciplines to pursue ambitious topics leads to exciting partnerships. Physical therapy is a unique convergence between medicine, biomechanics, and neuroscience.

At this juncture, such approaches blend that magic occurs—those ‘Eureka’ moments redefining medicinal care.

Therefore, do not select a subject because it sounds cool or it’s an easy grade booster. Instead, go for something that ignites and can affect individuals around you positively.

Therefore, this single attribute differentiates great difference-making investigative studies from ordinary ones; hence, one should take their time and get things right at the beginning before moving any further steps.

Top 105+ Physical Therapy Research Topics

The list of top 105+ physical therapy research topics is organized by category.

Topics on Helping Muscles and Bones

How hands-on therapy helps muscle and bone problems.
Comparing different exercises for back pain.
How therapy helps achy joints.
Using special machines for sports injuries.
Exercise programs to help older people keep their balance.
Using special tape to help injuries.
Different ways to stretch to stay flexible.
Comparing different exercises for shoulder injuries.
Helping people recover after surgery.
How therapy helps with neck pain.

Topics on Helping the Brain and Nervous System

How therapy helps people after a stroke.
Helping people with Parkinson’s disease.
Learning to walk again after brain or spine injuries.
Using video games for therapy.
Assisting people to move better after a stroke.
Assisting people with multiple sclerosis to keep their balance.
Using water therapy for nerve problems.
Special machines to help people move their arms.
Helping people with brain injuries exercise.
Using therapy for stiff muscles after a spine injury.

Topics on Helping Heart and Lungs

Exercise programs for breathing problems.
Exercising for a healthier heart.
Using therapy to stay out of the hospital for heart problems.
Breathing exercises to make lungs stronger.
Special ways to clear mucus from the lungs.
Different exercises after heart problems.
Helping people breathe better.
Using special exercises for stronger breathing muscles.
Using exercise after heart surgery.
Exercise to lower the risk of heart problems.

Topics on Helping Kids

Helping kids who develop slowly.
Helping kids with stiff muscles from birth.
Using play to help kids exercise.
Assisting babies to learn to move.
Helping kids with spine problems walk better.
Using water play for kids with autism.
Helping babies with stiff necks.
Helping kids who don’t like certain sensations.
Helping kids with Down syndrome move better.
Helping kids use their arms better.

Topics on Helping Older Adults

Helping older people keep their balance.
Exercise to stay strong as you age.
Making life better for older people in nursing homes.
Stopping older people from falling.
Helping older people with long-term pain.
Keeping muscles strong as you get older.
Exercises for older people at home.
Keeping the mind sharp with exercise.
Using water therapy for older people.
Helping older people keep their balance with tai chi.

Topics on Helping After Surgery or Injuries

Helping before surgery to recover faster.
Using special needles for muscle pain.
Assisting people to stand up straight.
Using special exercises for tendon pain.
Helping with jaw pain.
Using hands-on therapy to relax muscles.
Assisting ankles to stay strong to prevent sprains.
Helping kids with crooked backs.
Using hands-on treatment for wrist pain.
Using special exercises for knee pain.

Topics on Helping Athletes

Stopping athletes from getting hurt.
Helping athletes with head injuries.
Using science to stop athlete injuries.
Assisting knees to stay strong for athletes.
Using special bands for healing muscles.
Assisting athletes in getting back to their sport after knee surgery.
Assisting athletes with overuse injuries.
Using special exercises for sports recovery.
Assisting athletes with tape for injuries.
Using tape to stop ankle injuries in athletes.

Topics on Helping Women’s Health

Helping with bladder problems.
Assisting women with organs that move out of place.
Exercising safely during pregnancy.
Assisting women in recovering after having a baby.
Helping with pain in private areas.
Helping after having a baby belly.
Exercising safely during pregnancy for a sore belly.
Assisting women with menopause symptoms.
Assisting women with weak bones after menopause.
Exercising to prevent diabetes during pregnancy.

Topics on Learning in Physical Therapy

Learning in real-life situations during training.
Using pretend situations to learn in therapy school.
Learning with different types of healthcare workers.
Think about what you’ve learned after helping patients.
Using computers to learn in therapy school.
Testing what you’ve learned in therapy school.
Learning by teaching others during training.
Going to other countries to learn during training.
Learning from someone experienced during training.
Learning from classmates during training.

Topics on Staying Healthy

Exercising for a healthier body.
Changing your lifestyle to stay healthy.
Exercising to stay strong as you get older.
Exercising for a happier mind.
Staying healthy at work.
Exercising to save money on healthcare.
Learning how to move well.
Exercising with friends in your community.
Using technology to help you exercise.
Assisting others to be healthy.

Topics on New Technology and Ideas

Talking to a therapist online.
Using special watches to track your health.
Using phone apps to follow exercises.
Playing games to feel less pain.
Using smart computers to make therapy better.
Playing games to make therapy more fun.
Using robots to help people move.
Using machines to make special body parts.
Using a screen to see how you’re moving.
Wearing a special machine to walk better.

Physical therapy, as a wide field, has many topics to discuss. They allow exploration and improvement of the area. Physical therapy researchers can study these topics deeply to bring out important ideas that will help improve the practice.

Closing Up

As wide as it is, the subject matter of physical therapy contains several promising and critical areas for investigation. In addition to novel approaches to treating chronic pain and neurological diseases, they also study how physical therapy can help maintain healthy aging and prevent falls.

These topics may improve patient outcomes significantly and further develop this profession. As researchers uncover more about these fields, practitioners must be updated with the latest information and ready to use evidence-based practice in their clinical decision-making.

Through lifelong learning and contributing new knowledge to the vast storehouse of facts that form the backbone of this discipline, therapists can mold their future contributions to positively impact their patients’ lives.

What are some unique research topics in forensic science?

Some unique research topics in forensic science include the analysis of digital evidence in cybercrimes, using plant evidence in forensic botany, and applying geospatial analysis in forensic geology.

How does forensic science research contribute to solving cold cases?

Forensic science research contributes to solving cold cases by reanalyzing existing evidence using advanced techniques, developing new methods for analyzing forensic evidence and applying interdisciplinary approaches to uncover new leads and information.

What role does forensic anthropology play in criminal investigations?

Forensic anthropology plays a crucial role in criminal investigations by analyzing skeletal remains to determine the identity, age, sex, and ancestry of individuals, as well as identifying trauma or injuries that may provide clues about the cause of death.

Top 30+ Mini Project Ideas For Computer Engineering Students

Mini projects are really important for computer engineering students. They help students learn by doing practical stuff alongside their regular…

151+ Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students [Updated]

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.

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.

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

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

100+ Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students in 2022

Team Desklib

Published: 2022-08-18

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 -

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.

Your Feedback matters

Madigan Library
Research Guides
Health Sciences
PTA100 Introduction to Physical Therapy
Choosing a Research Topic

PTA100 Introduction to Physical Therapy: Choosing a Research Topic

Evidence-Based Medicine This link opens in a new window
Professional Journals
Find Articles
Find Books & Videos
Presentation Resources
Literature Review

What do you need?

As a researcher, you need to define and articulate the need for information. This includes:

Identifying a research topic;
Developing a topic and formulating questions based on the information need;
Exploring general information sources to increase your familiarity with the topic;
Developing the information need into a manageable focus (i.e. a research question);
Identifying keywords, synonyms and related terms for the information needed;
Constructing and implementing a search strategy in various information retrieval systems (databases);
Assessing the quantity, quality, and relevance of the search results to determine whether alternative information retrieval systems should be utilized;
Identifying gaps in the information retrieved and determine if the search strategy should be revised; and
Repeating the search using the revised strategy as necessary.

Research Strategy

Choosing a Topic
Narrowing Your Topic
Creating a Research Strategy
Example: Concussions in student athletes are a growing public health problem. You may be interested in knowing about the dangers of concussions, what to do if you suspect a student has a concussion, and how to evaluate and manage the concussion in order for the student to return to athletic activity.
Is there a specific disease or condition that interests you, perhaps one that has affected a friend or family member? What are some therapeutic methods that could be employed to help those affected by it?
Is there a health issue that interests you that drew you to enter this major?
Browse the table of contents/news sections of professional magazines and journals to see what is being researched (see the Professional Journals tab).
What topics are covered in your textbooks?

Using the following databases, look up background information on your topic as that may help you to narrow your focus.

Contains leading physical therapy textbooks, procedure and exercise videos, image galleries, self-assessment tools, and a unique cadaver dissection tool –optimized for viewing on any device.

Full-text articles from multi-volume encyclopedias, biographical collections, business plan handbooks, company history compilations, consumer health references, and specialized reference sources.

Narrowing Your Topic Worksheet

After you conduct a review on your topic, you should discover what is already known and what research questions remain regarding your topic. Your research question will most likely derive from the recent literature. What remains to be known and studied about your issue? Which implications for future research were stated in the articles you found?

Health topic	Too broad	Too narrow	Just Right
Rehabilitation for brain injuries	X
Mirror therapy for brain-injured or stroke patients with partial paralysis			X
Health benefits of whole grains in one’s diet			X
What are the causes of sprains in athletes?	X
What are the best treatments for itching (pruritus) in hospitalized patients?	X
Health needs of elderly residents in Charlotte County after Hurricane Charley in 2004			X
Does exercise improve mental health?	X
Pet therapy with a dog for an autistic child, age 5		X

Source: Physical Therapy: Choosing a Research Topic by David Petersen, Health Professions & Social Work Librarian, Florida Gulf Coast University

The purpose of this video is to:

Explain how to define and articulate a need for information;
Demonstrate how to construct and implement an effectively-designed search strategy; and
Demonstrate how to refine a search strategy, when necessary.
Next: Evidence-Based Medicine >>
Last Updated: Mar 28, 2024 12:56 PM
URL: https://pct.libguides.com/pta100

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 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.

Succeed With A Perfect Dissertation

Be a Part of PTJ

Are you in the fields of physical therapy and rehabilitation? Submit your research and reviews to Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation . Learn more about the submission process in our Author Guidelines .

Listen with PTJ

The PTJ Podcast is hosted by Editor-in-Chief Alan Jette, who gets at the story behind the research with author interviews. The exclusive interviews include insights on clinical application, study design, and future directions.

Browse our podcast hub to explore the latest episodes, episode collections, and archives.

Recommend to Your Librarian
Advertising and Corporate Services
Journals Career Network

Affiliations

Online ISSN 1538-6724
About Oxford Academic
Publish journals with us
University press partners
What we publish
New features
Open access
Institutional account management
Rights and permissions
Get help with access
Accessibility
Advertising
Media enquiries
Oxford University Press
Oxford Languages
University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

Cookie settings
Cookie policy
Privacy policy
Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Alzheimer's disease & dementia
Arthritis & Rheumatism
Attention deficit disorders
Autism spectrum disorders
Biomedical technology
Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Gastroenterology
Gerontology & Geriatrics
Health informatics
Inflammatory disorders
Medical economics
Medical research
Medications
Neuroscience
Obstetrics & gynaecology
Oncology & Cancer
Ophthalmology
Overweight & Obesity
Parkinson's & Movement disorders
Psychology & Psychiatry
Radiology & Imaging
Sleep disorders
Sports medicine & Kinesiology
Vaccination
Breast cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Colon cancer
Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Kidney disease
Lung cancer
Multiple sclerosis
Myocardial infarction
Ovarian cancer
Post traumatic stress disorder
Rheumatoid arthritis
Schizophrenia
Skin cancer
Type 2 diabetes
Full List »

share this!

September 12, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

trusted source

Fear of hypoglycemia remains a major barrier to exercise among adults with type 1 diabetes, research shows

by Diabetologia

Despite high use of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy, fear of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) remains a significant barrier to physical activity and exercise for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D), according to new research presented at the Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes ( EASD ), held in Madrid (9–13 Sept).

However, the findings suggest that if exercise and diabetes management are discussed in the clinic, this fear could be reduced.

"Regular exercise can help individuals with diabetes to achieve their blood glucose goals, improve their body composition and fitness, as well as reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes, which is higher in people with type 1 diabetes," explained lead author Dr. Catriona Farrell from the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK.

"Yet many people living with type 1 diabetes do not maintain a healthy body weight or manage to do the recommended amount of physical activity each week."

A number of previous studies have examined barriers to exercise in T1D, but these have been limited by their small sample size.

To fill this important evidence gap, researchers from the University of Dundee assessed knowledge and barriers to physical activity in adults with T1D and associated predictive factors.

Adults with T1D were recruited from the NHS Research Scotland Diabetes Network (research register) and internationally via social media.

Overall, 463 adults, 221 men and 242 women, with T1D answered an anonymous web-based questionnaire to assess barriers to physical activity (measured on the modified Barriers to Physical Activity in type 1 Diabetes [BAPAD-1] scale), diabetes management, and attitudes to exercise and sport.

Participants were asked to rate on a 7-point Likert scale (1, extremely unlikely to 7, extremely likely) the chance that each of 13 factors would keep them from doing regular physical activity in the next six months. Factors included: loss of control over diabetes, the risk of hypoglycemia, the fear of being tired, the fear of getting hurt, a low fitness level, and lack of social support.

Researchers calculated average scores for each factor and assessed which were most correlated with perceived barriers to physical activity, as well as identifying independent predictors.

The participant reported median age of respondents was 45–54 years, median disease duration 21–25 years, and median HbA1c 50–55 mmol/mol (an ideal level is 48 mmol/mol or below).

Over three-quarters (79%) of respondents reported using continuous or flash glucose monitoring, around two-thirds (64%) said they were treated with multiple daily insulin injections, and over a third (36%) reported using insulin pump therapy.

The researchers identified that despite advances in technologies and diabetes management , risk of hypoglycemia with exercise remains a significant barrier to physical activity.

Importantly, participants who best understood the importance of adjusting insulin dose before and after exercise as well as adjusting carbohydrate intake for exercise were found to be less fearful of hypoglycemia associated with physical activity. This knowledge is essential in order to adapt insulin and/or carbohydrate intake to prevent hypoglycemia induced by exercise.

The researchers also found that being asked about exercise or sport within a diabetes clinic was negatively correlated with fear of hypoglycemia, and identified exercise confidence as the strongest independent predictor of fear of physical activity.

"Our findings demonstrate that in order to break down the barriers to physical activity, and empower our patients to exercise safely and effectively, we need to improve the education we provide and our dialogue about exercise in clinics," said Dr. Farrell.

"In turn, this should help them to achieve the multitude of health benefits that exercise offers."

Explore further

Feedback to editors

Breathing could bring microplastics into the human brain, study shows

Ozempic could curb progression of diabetes-linked liver disease

Brain implant lets man control Amazon's Alexa with thought

Research suggests neurons protect and preserve certain information through a dedicated zone of stable synapses

Targeted radioactive infusion for late-stage prostate cancer shown to improve outcomes for patients in earlier stages

3 hours ago

Study reveals how COVID-19 infection can cause or worsen diabetes

AI model can generate 3D brain MRI images while addressing data scarcity and privacy concerns

4 hours ago

Navigating space: Dual maps discovered in the brain

Immunotherapy after surgery helps people with high-risk bladder cancer live cancer-free longer, clinical trial finds

Brown fat: How cells generate heat by burning calories

Study reveals best types of exercise for patients with diabetes

Aug 21, 2024

ACSM updates guidance for exercise in type 2 diabetes

Feb 16, 2022

Many people with type 1 diabetes continue to struggle to control blood sugar surrounding exercise

Jun 15, 2023

Artificial pancreas can prevent dangerously low blood sugar in people with T1D

Aug 27, 2020

How people with type 2 diabetes can get the benefits of exercise while reducing the risks

Nov 19, 2019

Mini-dose glucagon may halt post-exercise hypoglycemia

May 30, 2018

Recommended for you

Much hyped AI products like ChatGPT can provide medics with 'harmful' advice, study says

6 hours ago

Study shows therapy dog program works as needed mood-booster for health care workers

Social determinants of health associated with diabetic eye-care quality

Study finds replacing ultra-processed foods in diet reduces type 2 diabetes risk

8 hours ago

Let us know if there is a problem with our content

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form . For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines ).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

E-mail the story

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Medical Xpress in any form.

Newsletter sign up

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

More information Privacy policy

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience

We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.

E-mail newsletter

Frontiers in Medicine
Gastroenterology
Research Topics

Nutrition Management Puzzle in IBD

Total Downloads

Total Views and Downloads

About this Research Topic

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic diseases with multifactorial aetiology. They are diagnosed in patients with a genetic predisposition who have been shown to have abnormalities of the immune system, most often in correlation with certain environmental factors. The most commonly identified environmental factors are physical inactivity, chronic psychological stress, and poor dietary habits. Diet is strongly associated with the gut microbiota and intestinal dysbiosis has been identified as a potential predisposing factor to IBD. Diet can also influence epigenetic changes in the host. However, the mechanism of how individual dietary components affect the gut microbiota and epigenetics is poorly understood. Therefore, the main purpose of the special issue is to collect original and review articles and others on the effects of individual dietary components on the intestinal microbiota and the potential relationship to host epigenetics and immune system in IBD. Our main aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of information on the effects of individual nutrients on the gut microbiota, host epigenetics in IBD. Moreover, with the above ingredients indirectly affecting the patient's immune system, basic drug therapy of the patient can be supported to induce disease remission. Collecting this data may be helpful in developing future nutritional strategies depending on various clinical aspects of the disease. To ensure the diversity of approaches and viewpoints of authors, we will collect different types of article, such as original articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and others. this collection of publications, we will consider the literature on the relationship between microbiota, eigenetics and nutrition, with particular emphasis on inflammatory bowel diseases. We would like to indicate directions on how to optimize the treatment of patients with IBD and how to prevent disease exacerbations. We will discuss the following topics: 1. Changes in the gut microbiota influenced by selected nutrients in IBD 2. Epigenetic effects of nutrients in IBD 3. Nutritional factors influencing the occurrence of disease, active phase/remissions (IBD), 4. Nutritional strategies in patients with IBD depending on the clinical condition 5. Immunomodulation by Gut Microbiome on IBD 6. Inflammatory bowel disease and immunonutrition 7. Gut dysbiosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Keywords : Crohn Disease, epigenetics, gut microbiota, inflammatory bowel disease, nutrients, Ulcerative Colitis

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.

COMMENTS

Advance articles
Browse the latest accepted manuscripts of Physical Therapy, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Physical Therapy Association. Find articles on various topics, such as women's health, chronic pain, Parkinson disease, balance, and more.
Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From APTA
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) outlines research priorities that are vital to advancing physical therapist practice and the profession. The research agenda covers 6 key areas of focus: population health, mechanistic, clinical, education, health services, and workforce research.
Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From the American Physical Therapy
Introduction. Physical therapy is a profession with a theoretical and scientific base that is dynamically evolving. Physical therapists are health professionals who diagnose and manage movement dysfunction to restore, maintain, and promote optimal physical function for the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. 1 Physical therapist assistants assist a physical ...
Physical Therapy
Browse the most recent publications on physical therapy from JAMA Network, a collection of medical journals. Find articles on topics such as sports injuries, postoperative rehabilitation, massage therapy, acupressure, and more.
Roundup
PTJ is APTA's scientific journal that publishes high-quality research on physical therapy and rehabilitation. See the most-read articles of 2023, covering topics such as shoulder pain, pulmonary rehabilitation, and low back pain.
Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From the American Physical Therapy
Learn about the research priorities that the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) believes are vital to advancing the practice and profession of physical therapy. The research agenda includes 6 key areas of focus: population health, mechanistic, clinical, education, health services, and workforce research.
PDF 2021-2022
ch AgendaThe Scientific and Practice Affairs Committee began development of the 2022 Research Agenda and the 2021-2022 Scientific Research Priorities in Jan. ary 2020. The process included an environmental scan, development of a conceptual framework, and the collection of input from sta. eholders. The result was six research categories (Basic ...
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is the official journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, publishing content for an international readership on topics related to physical therapy. Browse the latest issue, editor's choice, featured content, and more.
How New Technology Is Improving Physical Therapy
The aim of this paper is to highlight new technology currently being used in Physical Therapy for orthopedic conditions ranging from sports medicine to joint arthroplasty to trauma. ... recent research suggests that in the lower extremity 60% limb occlusion pressure may be the minimum effective dose to achieve a response with pressure up to 80% ...
Musculoskeletal Pain: Current and Future Directions of Physical Therapy
Introduction. Physical therapy is clinically and cost effective in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. 1 Current MSK practice typically involves 3 components: education, exercise, and physical therapy. Evidence for each of the 3 component is limited, including the best way to provide them, and the emphasis that should be placed on each.
Physical Therapy Research
Physical Therapy Research (PTR) is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles and materials on physical therapy. It is free to access and free to publish for most authors, except those with a physical therapy license in Japan.
University Library: Physical Therapy: Choosing a Research Topic
Your backgrounds at this stage often differ from the typical experienced researcher. On this page, find specific strategies to help you get started: The evolving process of picking your research topic (fun, little video to watch) Ways to come up with a research topic idea. Narrowing your topic.
105+ Most Amazing Physical Therapy Research Topics
The list of top 105+ physical therapy research topics is organized by category. Topics on Helping Muscles and Bones. How hands-on therapy helps muscle and bone problems. Comparing different exercises for back pain. How therapy helps achy joints. Using special machines for sports injuries. Exercise programs to help older people keep their balance.
151+ Research Topics For Physiotherapy Students [Updated]
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 ...
PDF Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From the American Physical Therapy
This document outlines the purposes, types, and priorities of research in physical therapy from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). It covers topics such as population health, mechanistic, clinical, education, and professional development research.
High impact research from PTJ
Browse the latest articles from PTJ, the official journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, with high citation impact and relevance to physical therapy and rehabilitation. Topics include COVID-19, chronic pain, telerehabilitation, exercise, and more.
100+ Research Topics for Physiotherapy Students in 2022
Find out how to choose manageable research topics for physiotherapy students and get inspired by 100+ topics on various conditions and interventions. Explore interesting, current and advanced topics for college and final year projects.
Evidence Based Physical Therapy (EBPT)
Evidence-based Physical Therapy. Evidence-based physical therapy (EBPT) has been defined as "physiotherapy informed by relevant high quality clinical research" (Herbert, Jamtvedt, Mead & Hagen, 2005, p. 1). "The practice of evidence-based physiotherapy should be informed by the integration of relevant high quality clinical research, patients ...
Home
Discover the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, funding scholarships and research grants for qualified candidates.
PTA100 Introduction to Physical Therapy: Choosing a Research Topic
Identifying a research topic; Developing a topic and formulating questions based on the information need; Exploring general information sources to increase your familiarity with the topic; Developing the information need into a manageable focus (i.e. a research question); Identifying keywords, synonyms and related terms for the information needed;
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.
Full article: Empowering tomorrow's healers: a perspective on
As providers of musculoskeletal care, contemporary literature underscores the need for physical therapists (PTs) to shift toward an increased emphasis on biopsychosocial influences when addressing individuals with pain [Citation 1, Citation 2].The biopsychosocial model facilitates our comprehensive understanding of health and illness, which draws on the interconnection between biology ...
Roundup
The web page lists the top 10 feature articles from APTA Magazine based on web traffic, covering topics such as sleep health, wilderness medicine, emergency department, and future of PT. It does not mention any controversial topics related to physical therapy.
Top Mentioned Articles of 2020
Explore the most discussed articles from 2020 in the journal Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Topics include COVID-19, manual therapy, opioids, and more.
Fear of hypoglycemia remains a major barrier to exercise among adults
Despite high use of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy, fear of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) remains a significant barrier to physical activity and exercise for adults with ...
Nutrition Management Puzzle in IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic diseases with multifactorial aetiology. They are diagnosed in patients with a genetic predisposition who have been shown to have abnormalities of the immune system, most often in correlation with certain environmental factors.The most commonly identified environmental factors are physical inactivity, chronic psychological stress, and poor ...
Getting autism right
Contrary to common perceptions and years of research that autistic people can't describe their emotions or often have muted emotional responses, a new study concludes that many autistic adults are ...