A retrospective review of postgraduate physiotherapy research at the University of Zambia

Abstract

Background: Highly qualified researchers are vital in rehabilitation sciences, and postgraduate physiotherapy students play a key role through their research, which bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application to enhance both education and patient care.

Aim: This study aimed to review postgraduate physiotherapy research characteristics and patterns at the University of Zambia.

Setting: This review was conducted within the University of Zambia’s Physiotherapy Department, where postgraduate research outputs were examined across various academic periods and publication platforms.

Method: A retrospective analysis of postgraduate physiotherapy research from 2009 to 2024 was conducted using departmental archives. The data included programme inception, enrolment figures, research topics, study designs, publication statuses and journals. Descriptive statistics, including percentages, were used for the analysis.

Results: Out of 45 student records, 33 were suitable for analysis, with 77.8% of the students being female. The research primarily focussed on community rehabilitation (24%), followed by neurology and orthopaedics (21% each). Case studies were the most common research design adopted, accounting for 27% of the studies, with findings published in local, regional and international journals.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate sustained growth in postgraduate physiotherapy enrollment over the past 15 years, with a notable increase in female representation. Research has primarily focused on community rehabilitation and case studies, contributing to both policy frameworks and clinical practice.

Contribution: The research highlights the need to strengthen future studies through improved research methods and data collection strategies. Enhancing these aspects will further support evidence-based advancements in physiotherapy practice and contribute to more effective clinical outcomes.