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Research in Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic diagnostics and treatment as well as physiotherapy in the context of healthcare.

Physiotherapy focuses on physiotherapeutic diagnostics and treatment as well as physiotherapy in the context of healthcare. Our research priorities are physical activity, supply and implementation research, analysis in our movement laboratory, new technologies as well as research and educational research. The team consists of specialists in Physiotherapy, Movement Science and Sports Science, Psychology and Social Science, who have broad experience in practice and research at home and abroad to the benefit of our students in Physiotherapy and Movement Science, who are involved in projects while working on their master thesis or as student apprentices in a research team. Our clients and partners include public institutions, hospitals, practices and companies. We maintain cooperation with various ZHAW institutes, other Swiss universities of applied sciences as well as national and international universities.

Key research subjects

Technologies and digitalization in physiotherapy

In this area of research, the focus of our development, application and implementation of technologies is on digitalization in physiotherapy. User-centered development is prioritized along with a practical and sustainable approach. We work with patients, physiotherapists, and decision-makers from politics, the healthcare system, and industry.

Biomechanics and movement analysis

In biomechanics and movement analysis research, we look at the interaction between movement, muscle strength, and external factors such as cognitive challenges. Applying movement analysis methods, we measure the effect of physiotherapy interventions, such as mobility aids and technologies. This allows for targeted further development and validation of efficacy. In addition, we work on the subject of open access for movement analysis data.

Pain management

With the goal of a better understanding of the biopsychosocial correlations of pain, this research area examines a variety of pathologies, particularly musculoskeletal pain. We aim to strengthen the biopsychosocial perspective of pain management as an intervention, anchoring it in research, teaching, and practice. In addition, we also seek collaboration with other research groups and allied health professions.

Family-centered early intervention in pediatrics

In this research area, we are developing family-centered early intervention for infants and small children who have motor dysfunctions, or who are at risk of developing motor dysfunctions, such as cerebral motor dysfunction and genetic syndromes. We engage with the families as much as the children, while focusing on strengthening the evidence for family-centered early intervention. For this purpose, we develop corresponding investigation tools, ask families about their requirements and experiences, and conduct intervention studies.

Physical activity

In our projects in the research area of physical activity, we explore new approaches to supporting physical activity and individualized exercise. We design movement recommendations and effective interventions. And we provide solutions on how they can be effectively implemented in healthcare. As such, we are offering long-term support for people with risk factors and people with chronic conditions by employing optimized physical activities.

Professional development

In this research area, we are committed to a continuous process aimed at optimizing and further developing professional skills and competencies. This enables physiotherapists to continually update their professional knowledge to meet the requirements of changing healthcare provisions. Our work includes the development of new care models, the integration of new opportunities such as digitalization, and the evaluation of existing assessments and interventions. We work in close cooperation with other healthcare stakeholders, such as the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health and physioswiss and the national professional association of physiotherapists.

What we offer

Our research team offers the following services to clients and practice partners:

  • Effectiveness of physiotherapeutic methods and interventions
  • Examinations in the Movement Laboratory
  • Professional and educational research in physiotherapy
  • Surveys and data evaluations in a social science and psychology setting
  • Scientific support of projects

Projects and publications

The Physiotherapy Science Research Unit focuses on physiotherapeutic diagnostics and treatment as well as physiotherapy in the context of healthcare. Our research priorities are physical activity, supply and implementation research, analysis in our movement laboratory, new technologies as well as research and educational research. All of the Physiotherapy Science Research Unit’s projects and publications are listed according to their start date and publication date in the ZHAW project and publication database.

Clients and research partners

We develop offers that are tailored to the needs and questions of our practice partners and clients. For this purpose, a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and other tools are available to us.

We offer a modern infrastructure and a wide range of competencies, supplemented by interdisciplinary networking within ZHAW as well as by our close cooperation with international experts in various subject areas.

In interdisciplinary projects we work together with the Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Health Sciences research groups at the School of Health Sciences.

Our research team

The team consists of specialists in Physiotherapy, Movement Science, Sports Science, Psychology and Social Sciences, who have broad experience in practice and research at home and abroad.