Physio is an extremely valuable form of therapy because it helps patients to stay healthy and independent! Recent public health issues such as the obesity and COVID-19 crises have created new challenges for physios. Also, the introduction of new technologies and new treatment breakthroughs has reshaped the capabilities of physiotherapists in 2021.
Given the myriad of challenges and opportunities facing the physios of today, more research is needed in this field, both from students and more advanced researchers. Ultimately, it is the findings from new research which will help to improve the lives of patients! That said, if you’re a Health or Physiotherapy student and you’re looking for an interesting and up-to-date dissertation topic, here are some suggestions for your physiotherapy dissertation:
- Do fall prevention programs reduce the number of falls among older patients? An evidence-based literature review
- What is the role of physiotherapy in controlling paediatric obesity?
- What are the effects of exercise on depression in older adults?
- The effects of physiotherapy in children with developmental coordination disorder.
- The effects of strengthening and aerobic exercise on individuals with Down syndrome.
- ‘Long Covid’ – To what extent can physiotherapy help sufferers recover from COVID-19-related fatigue and chronic pain.
- Specialist physiotherapy for marathon injuries: Analysing best practice
- The importance of reflective practice for trainee physios: A qualitative approach
- Exploring the role of physios in cross-partnership working: A case-study of community setting care
- To what extent can physio help to manage anxiety in young adults? An interview-based approach
- Online consultations: what are the risks and opportunities?
- How to promote the healing of stubborn tendon/ligament injuries: An up-to-date critical review of the literature.
- Is laser treatment effective for tendon healing? A critical review
- Do what extent can ICOPE principles facilitate healthy ageing in South Africa?
- How can physios help to promote cardiorespiratory fitness?
- Working from home, cervical pain, and digital physio intervention
- To what extent can pelvic strengthening exercises improve pelvic floor muscle strength in post-partum females? A review of the recent literature
- Exploring physios’ attitudes towards the role of physiotherapy in end-of-life care
- Do treadmills encourage greater incidence of running injuries? A survey approach
- Impact of patient motivation on the outcome of physiotherapy for chronic pain management
- Exploring the physiotherapist’s role in smoking cessation.
- Is hydrotherapy an effective treatment for chronic pain?
- Can mobile health improve exercise adherence in geriatric patients?
Sources for inspiration
Dannemiler L. Mueller M. Leitner A. Iverson E. & Kaplan S. (2020). Physical Therapy Management of Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Pediatr Phys Ther. 32(4):278-313.
Heng H. Jazayeri D. Shaw L. Kiegaldie D. Hill AM. & Morris M. (2020). Hospital falls prevention with patient education: a scoping review. BMC Geriatr. 2020; 20: 140.
Hidalgo J. (2019). Effectiveness of physical exercise in the treatment of depression in older adults as an alternative to antidepressant drugs in primary care. BMC Psychiatry. 19 (21)
Milne N. Choy N. Leong G. Hughes R. & Hing W. (2016). Child obesity service provision: a cross-sectional survey of physiotherapy practice trends and professional needs. Aust J Prim Health. 22(2):140-146.
Paul Y. Ellapen T. Barnard M. Hammill H. & swanepoel M. (2019). The health benefits of exercise therapy for patients with Down syndrome: A systematic review. Afr J Disabil. 2019; 8: 576.