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.
Keywords: records; review; physiotherapy; postgraduate; research; students; Zambia; community rehabilitation; education trends.
Introduction
In rehabilitation sciences, well-trained researchers with advanced degrees are increasingly essential. Postgraduate physiotherapy students are pivotal in advancing the field through their research efforts, contributing to the enhancement of physiotherapy education and progress by publishing their findings and presenting them at conferences. Postgraduate education addresses the challenges of supply and demand, enhances programme quality and benefits both practitioners and graduates (Kunda 2016). Research is crucial for understanding various conditions and treatments, promoting evidence-based practice and improving patient outcomes (Muntessu et al. 2024; Sarkar & Seshadri 2014).
Clinical research helps to uncover disease patterns, treatment effectiveness, public health strategies, functional abilities, care patterns and healthcare costs (Owens et al. 2020). In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of physiotherapy schools in African countries such as Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda and Tanzania. These institutions offer a range of academic programmes, from diplomas to Master’s Degrees, developed in collaboration with renowned physiotherapy schools in Cape Town (Kunda 2016). For example, the University of Zambia introduced its 4-year Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (BSc) Physiotherapy programme in 2001, followed by a 3-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Paediatric Neurology in 2009 and a 2-year Master of Science (MSc) programme in Orthopaedics in 2011. In 2018, the university also launched a 2-year MSc Programme in Physiotherapy by research, covering various specialities within the field of physiotherapy science (UNZA 2016, 2023). This brings to a total of three separate postgraduate programmes only open to physiotherapists; two MSc programmes, one in orthopaedics and the other in physiotherapy research and one PhD programme in Paediatric Neurology. Records show that after inaugurating the BSc programme, approximately over 500 undergraduate students have graduated, 13 with MSc and two with PhD degrees.
The University of Zambia promotes academic excellence in clinical care through undergraduate education and research-focussed postgraduate programmes (UNZA 2023). These initiatives have enhanced faculty capacity and produced physiotherapists with advanced degrees, strengthening the field in Zambia. However, challenges persist for African physiotherapists, as evidenced by a lack of research culture and limited postgraduate training opportunities in Nigeria (Nweke et al. 2024). The growing research landscape in rehabilitation sciences highlights the urgent need for well-trained researchers with postgraduate qualifications in the region (Zwingmann et al. 2004). Recognising this need, UNZA has proactively addressed the gap by implementing training programmes designed to enhance competencies in rehabilitation and healthcare delivery.
Upon completing their Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (BSc. PT) degree, graduates in Zambia must register with the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) and pass a licensing examination, as mandated by the Health Professions Act 24 of 2009. This process functions as a quality control measure within the field (HPCZ 2023). The HPCZ has established core competencies and minimum standards for these licensing examinations, which are binding for all regulated individuals. The examination assesses a physiotherapist’s capacity to apply theoretical knowledge, demonstrate patient-centred skills and deliver safe, effective care across various health contexts. To retain their license, physiotherapists are required to participate in mandatory annual continuing professional development (HPCZ 2023). This rigorous approach ensures that physiotherapists in Zambia adhere to high professional standards throughout their careers.
Advanced-level training programmes in physiotherapy at UNZA aim to address challenges in the healthcare sector in Zambia and neighbouring regions (UNZA 2016). Through academic curricula and research initiatives, UNZA equips students with essential competencies to conduct research on physiotherapy practice and patient care (UNZA 2023). Postgraduate physiotherapy students at UNZA engage in research activities to gain insights into different aspects of the discipline enabling them to collect and analyse data to acquire insights into diverse facets of physiotherapy practice and patient care (UNZA 2016; Zangata, Chalwe & Mumba 2019). Postgraduate physiotherapy students at the University of Zambia are encouraged to select research topics aligned with their interests, spanning areas such as pain management, neurology, paediatrics, cardio-respiratory physiotherapy, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, sports science and management, including obstetrics and gynaecology physiotherapy sciences. Supervision is provided by experts in these fields, with external supervision from partner universities when necessary.
This diverse range of research topics and expert guidance creates a rich academic environment, though the collective impact of this programme remains to be fully assessed. As a graduation requirement, students are expected to publish their research results in various journals, ensuring wide dissemination of their work. This retrospective record review study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the postgraduate physiotherapy research conducted at the University of Zambia. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of postgraduate physiotherapy research at the University of Zambia, focussing on research areas, categories and study designs. Additionally, the study sought to identify trends across different academic years, types of journals and published topics, with the goal of improving and informing physiotherapy practices in Zambia. This study’s findings are anticipated to have far-reaching implications that could influence healthcare practices by addressing challenges in Zambia’s healthcare sector and neighbouring regions. Additionally, the results may inform policy formulation within the Ministry of Health and the HPCZ. By analysing the breadth and depth of student research, this study strives to contribute to the advancement of physiotherapy practice and education in Zambia and beyond.
Methodology
Study design
The enquiry employed a retrospective record review strategy to examine and elucidate the physiotherapy student records within the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Zambia. A record review is a method utilised to collect historical data to address pertinent inquiries. It is known by various terms, including retrospective data analysis or table review (Sarkar & Seshadri 2014). This technique proves to be particularly beneficial when data have already been documented in notes or a structured database and an analysis of the data components is required (Cassidy et al. 2002). The process entails reviewing existing data, summarising it, statistically analysing it and drawing conclusions (Gilbert et al. 1996; Reisch et al. 2003). By scrutinising the characteristics and evolution of conditions over time, as well as outcomes, record reviews have played a role in the advancement and solidification of scientific evidence (Kandi & Vadakedath 2023). Furthermore, record reviews serve other functions such as evaluation, identification of concerns, planning and assessment adherence to guidelines and standards (Kothari 2023; Singh, Patel & Boster 2024). The research design encompassed the extraction and analysis of data from student records spanning from 2009 to 2024.
Study site
The study was carried out at the Department of Physiotherapy at UNZA, which acts as the primary educational institution for physiotherapy practitioners in Zambia. Zambia has approximately 10 public and private universities, with the UNZA being one of the oldest and most prominent (Ministry of Education 2024). It stands out for offering specialised physiotherapy education, including both undergraduate and rare postgraduate programmes (Smith & Mumba 2022). These advanced degrees encompass coursework, research and clinical practice and are governed by academic committees within the School of Health Sciences (UNZA 2023). The University of Zambia’s Physiotherapy Department plays a crucial role in rehabilitation sciences. It emphasises evidence-based practice and community rehabilitation, supported by modern facilities and clinical training. The department is also active in community outreach, addressing local health challenges and conducting research to enhance physiotherapy practices (Chirwa & Phiri 2021). Collaborations with national and international institutions further bolster its impact, establishing it as a leading contributor to the advancement of physiotherapy in Zambia.
Study population, sampling and sample size
The study population comprised student records from postgraduate students enrolled in the Physiotherapy Department at the University of Zambia from January 2009 to May 2024. The sample was limited to records of students who had engaged in research activities during this period. With a total of 45 records available, a census sampling technique was used, including all student records in the review because of the manageable size of the population.
Review process
Data sources
In order to ensure the comprehensiveness and depth of the information collected, we accessed departmental archives that contained both physical copies and Excel registers. The selection of these archives was influenced by both ease and the specific requirements of our research questions. Our main objective was to extract relevant details such as the dates of programme commencement, enrolment figures, research topics and categories, study designs, publication statuses and journals of publications. By utilising these data sources, we were able to gather a substantial amount of information that was crucial for achieving the goals of our study.
Data collection tools and procedures
We developed a meticulously structured data collection tool that was carefully designed to align with the objectives. In the development of this tool, we followed the guidance provided by established frameworks and reference guidelines (Sarkar & Seshadri 2014; Schildmeijer et al. 2013). These resources served as a solid foundation for constructing a structured instrument that was tailored to the specific objectives of our study. Before its formal implementation, the tool underwent a pilot phase, during which it was tested using 10 records obtained from the Department of Radiology within the School of Health Sciences. This pilot phase played a crucial role in assessing the viability of the tool and refining its functionality. The resulting data collection tool proved to be highly effective in identifying relevant variables, such as demographics, research topics and study designs. These variables were systematically extracted from student records, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.
Data extraction
For data extraction, the review researchers (L.A.N and M.M.M) independently reviewed and used a predefined data collection tool to gather information from the student records. This approach enhances the trustworthiness of the data. To ensure accuracy and consistency, several quality assurance measures were implemented. Each record was reviewed separately by both researchers, and inter-rater agreement was calculated using Cohen’s kappa, a robust statistical measure that accounts for agreement occurring by chance (Gwet 2014). Cohen’s kappa provides a more nuanced assessment of agreement beyond mere chance, with values ranging from -1 to 1, where higher values indicate stronger agreement. Additionally, percentage agreement was also computed as a supplementary measure, reflecting the straightforward proportion of times the raters agreed. This metric provides an intuitive understanding of the level of agreement (McHugh 2012). Discrepancies identified were resolved through discussion between the researchers. Both researchers underwent training and calibration to ensure a consistent understanding of data collection criteria and methods.
Data cleaning and analysis
In terms of data cleaning, verification processes were conducted by cross-checking data against original records to confirm accuracy. Consistency checks were performed to identify and correct anomalies or inconsistencies. Missing or incomplete data were noted, and efforts were made to address these gaps based on the available information and research needs. These measures were crucial for ensuring the reliability and validity of the data, thereby enabling us to effectively achieve the study’s objectives.
Ethical considerations
This study involved a retrospective record review using anonymised data from completed student research projects and registers. Given that it did not involve direct interaction with human subjects or the collection of new data, formal ethical approval was not required. However, the study was reviewed (Protocol ID 20231271187) by the University of Zambia Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (UNZAHSREC), which confirmed that formal approval was not necessary for this type of retrospective analysis. Nonetheless, this review ensured that all ethical considerations were properly addressed, even though formal approval was not mandated. Data confidentiality were maintained throughout the study, and results were reported in aggregate form to protect individual contributions as proposed by Sarkar and Seshadri (2014). Furthermore, the original student research projects reviewed had undergone appropriate ethical review processes at the time of their conduct. Additionally, permission was obtained from the institution to access and retrieve the necessary records, ensuring compliance with policies and upholding research integrity.
Results
Records identification and assessment
Figure 1 uses an adapted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) format to illustrate the process of identifying the records examined in this study. During the data retrieval phase, an extensive search was conducted, resulting in a collection of 55 records obtained from electronic Excel files and hardcopy departmental registers. After careful examination, 10 duplicate entries were removed from the dataset, leaving a refined total of 45 distinct records for further analysis. Following this, an additional 12 records were considered ineligible because of incomplete or insufficient data, resulting in a final count of 33 records eligible for subsequent descriptive analysis.
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FIGURE 1: Records identification and synthesis. |
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Sample description
Table 1 presented gives an all-encompassing summary of academic enrolment data across several years, categorised by gender and field of study. Over the course of 2009 to 2024, a total of 45 students were admitted, with the majority opting for Master of Science (MSc) degrees. The gender breakdown during this timeframe reveals a greater number of female students compared to their male counterparts. Notably, the most recent period spanning from 2021 to 2024 exhibits a significant increase in enrolment, with a total of 20 students.
Research areas, categories and study designs
The results in Table 2 highlight the broad range and diligence of the research carried out by the students, encompassing a diverse range of subjects and utilising a variety of methodological approaches. This comprehensive overview also outlines the various research topics, categorised areas and study designs pursued by postgraduate students. Community rehabilitation emerged as the primary focus of interest, with 24% (n = 8) of the projects dedicated to this specific field. Following closely were neurology and orthopaedics, each accounting for 21% (n = 7) of the research activities, indicating a notable scholarly attention towards these areas. Furthermore, sports sciences and management, as well as geriatrics, were the subjects of exploration in 9% (n = 3) of the projects each, showcasing the wide range of research interests within the academic community. The table also illustrates the predominant study designs utilised by the students. Case study designs were the most commonly employed approach, with 27% (n = 9) of the projects adopting this methodology. Pre-post quasi-experimental designs closely followed with 24% (n = 8) of the projects, highlighting their extensive use in academic research. Furthermore, the use of mixed-methods study designs was significantly observed, as 21% (n = 7) of the projects employed this integrative approach, highlighting the nature of the research conducted by the postgraduate students.
| TABLE 2: Research areas, categories and study designs. |
Summary of postgraduate student’s research project categories
Figure 2 illustrates the summary of postgraduate student research projects across various categories, as depicted in the bar graph. The graph provides an overview of the distribution, revealing that rehabilitation has the highest number of research projects (24%). Geriatrics, neurology and orthopaedics closely follow with 21% of projects each. Conversely, mental health and cardio-respiratory are represented by only 3% of research projects, indicating the lowest among the categories. This distribution of research projects offers valuable insights into the specific areas of focus within postgraduate research in this field, highlighting the significance of rehabilitation and its related disciplines.
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FIGURE 2: Postgraduate student’s research project categories. |
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Summary of postgraduate student’s research project’s study designs
Figure 3 summarises the research designs used by postgraduate students. Case studies are the most common, making up 28% of designs, followed by experimental studies at 25%. Mixed-methods research accounts for 22%, while randomised controlled trials (RCTs) represent 13%. Observational studies, including cohort and cross-sectional studies, comprise 6%, making them the least common. This distribution reflects the diverse methodological approaches in modern postgraduate research.
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FIGURE 3: Postgraduate student’s research project’s study designs. |
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Student’s research publications: Academic year, journal type and published topics
Table 3 summarises research themes and their publication journals over time, highlighting 33 topics from Table 2, with 17 resulting in published works across local, African and International journals. From 2009 to 2012, research focussed on developing assessment tools like the Zambia Spina Bifida Functional Measure, with publications in local and African journals addressing issues such as hydrocephalus and ethnic distribution of spina bifida. Between 2013 and 2016, the focus shifted to clinical trials for knee osteoarthritis and low back pain, with findings published in the International Journal, alongside ethical dilemmas in physiotherapy featured in the local journal. From 2017 to 2020, research concentrated on diabetes prevalence and prevention, with significant studies published in the International Journal. In the latest period (2021–2024), research expanded to include backward walking, elderly care, mental health interventions and stroke recovery, with studies published in both international and local journals. This summary highlights the evolving nature of health-related research topics and their publication across various journal types.
| TABLE 3: Student’s research publications: Academic year, journal type and published topics. |
Discussion
Physiotherapy education and research are indispensable elements in preparing practitioners to effectively address the diverse healthcare needs of the population. Physiotherapy stands as a pivotal healthcare profession dedicated to restoring and maintaining physical function, enhancing mobility and elevating overall quality of life (Ramklass et al. 2010). Physiotherapists serve as essential agents in optimising both mental and physical health outcomes through their specialised knowledge and skill set (Probst 2017). Thus, gaining insight into the research pursuits of postgraduate physiotherapy students offers valuable foresight into the potential impact and future course of physiotherapy in Zambia. This study undertook a retrospective record review of postgraduate physiotherapy students at the University of Zambia to delve into the array of research endeavours they have undertaken. By doing so, it aimed to uncover the diverse research interests and priorities shaping the field of physiotherapy within the Zambian context (Ramklass et al. 2010). The outcomes of this investigation not only contribute to the existing body of knowledge in physiotherapy but also offer crucial insights into the research topics and methodologies favoured by postgraduate physiotherapy students, along with the potential ramifications of their research within the field (Zangata et al. 2019).
Between 2009 and 2024, an examination of enrolment data reveals interesting patterns, particularly in terms of gender distribution and programme preferences among students. Out of a total of 45 students enrolled, a significant majority chose to pursue Master of Science (MSc) degrees. Notably, female students consistently outnumbered their male counterparts throughout this period. This difference became more pronounced from 2021 to 2024, with a significant increase in enrolment, totalling 20 additional female students. Despite this increase, the gender distribution remains varied, with a clear predominance of female students, particularly in MSc programmes. The rise in enrolment in postgraduate healthcare programmes reflects a growing interest among students in pursuing advanced education to address healthcare challenges in Zambia (Smith et al. 2019). Furthermore, the higher representation of female students aligns with global trends, which show an increasing number of women entering the healthcare field (WHO 2020). However, some academics argue that the enrolment difference between sexual categories may indicate institutional barriers that hinder male participation in healthcare education, underscoring the need for targeted measures to promote gender equality in academic settings (Jones & Brown 2020).
The research analysis emphasises the specific areas of research undertaken by the postgraduate group. Notably, community rehabilitation stands out as the primary research focus, closely followed by neurology and orthopaedics. This distribution highlights the significant interest in these fields among scholars, indicating the urgent healthcare needs in Zambia. Furthermore, the inclusion of sports sciences and management, as well as geriatrics, demonstrates the diverse range of healthcare research pursued by academic researchers. The concentration of research efforts in community rehabilitation, neurology and orthopaedics reflects the importance of addressing the prevailing healthcare challenges unique to the Zambian context. By prioritising research in these fields, it becomes possible to develop effective interventions and policies that can enhance healthcare outcomes. However, it could be contended by certain academics that a concentrated emphasis on particular healthcare disciplines may overlook emerging health concerns and marginalised communities, thereby restricting the effectiveness of research in tackling wider healthcare inequalities (Anderson & Thompson 2017).
The students’ research projects demonstrate a range of approaches through the methodological frameworks they employ. These frameworks, as described by Kothari (2023), provide structured tools for collecting and analysing data, allowing researchers to gain meaningful insights and make informed decisions. By utilising specific research methodologies, students explore various aspects of patient care, such as treatment effectiveness, the impact of interventions on patient outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions. Our findings indicate that case study designs were the most commonly used approach, followed closely by pre-post quasi-experimental designs. This trend aligns with previous studies (Harris et al. 2006), which highlight the strength of these methodologies in healthcare research. Additionally, the prevalence of mixed-methods study designs, as emphasised in the literature, underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the postgraduate students’ research efforts (Fetters & Molina-Azorin 2016). This further emphasises their dedication to addressing healthcare challenges through a comprehensive and holistic approach.
The dissemination of research findings through academic publications plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare knowledge and informing practice. Many students have successfully shared their research findings through reputable scholarly publications, showcasing the rigour and quality of research conducted within the programme (McEachern et al. 2019). Particularly, PhD graduates have made notable contributions by introducing innovative methods for assessing function in children with spina bifida in Zambia and developing preventive programmes to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus among children in the country (Himalowa et al. 2020; Mweshi et al. 2017). These publications not only enrich academic discussions but also guide evidence-based practice in the field (Jesus et al. 2019).
The varied publication of students’ research in numerous journals ensures that their work reaches a diverse audience, which in turn influences healthcare practice and policy. Notably, studies conducted between 2009 and 2024 and published in reputable journals have made significant contributions to the global discourse on healthcare. For instance, Mweshi et al. (2017) shed light on improving assessment tools for a specific medical condition through their research on the Zambia Spina Bifida Functional Measure. This research has the potential to enhance patient care by providing valuable insights into assessment techniques. In addition, the studies conducted by Chisha, Mweshi and Chiluba (2020) and Lungu, Chalwe and Chiluba (2020) focussed on clinical trials related to knee osteoarthritis and low back pain. These research findings made valuable contributions to the comprehension of effective treatment strategies and methods for managing pain. These studies not only benefit patients locally but also contribute to the broader understanding of these prevalent health issues worldwide. One intriguing aspect of recent research endeavours is the expanding scope of topics explored, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare research in Zambia. For example, Bwalya et al. (2022) investigated the health outcomes of backward walking, demonstrating a shift towards exploring unconventional yet potentially beneficial therapeutic modalities. Similarly, Phiri et al. (2024) examined the impact of physiotherapy on the elderly, addressing the urgent need for evidence-based interventions tailored to ageing populations. By addressing such diverse topics, postgraduate physiotherapy student researchers in Zambia are actively contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes on a global scale. In inference, the dissemination of research findings through academic publications serves as a vital mechanism for sharing knowledge and driving progress in healthcare. The wide range of topics covered by postgraduate students in recent years reflects the dynamic nature of healthcare research in Zambia, with studies addressing both conventional and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery and management.
Observations suggest that our students are actively publishing their research outcomes in both local and international journals, with a strong focus on topic relevance. This practice presents a mix of advantages and disadvantages in terms of visibility, credibility and networking, highlighting the need for a thoughtful evaluation of costs, language barriers, biases and relevance to maximise global and regional impact (Smith et al. 2021). Publishing in international journals allows postgraduate students to expand their audience reach and enhance their credibility through rigorous peer-review processes (Jones & Brown 2020). These journals also provide valuable networking opportunities with researchers worldwide, facilitating collaborations and potential partnerships (Johnson 2019). Additionally, they offer superior dissemination infrastructure, which improves the accessibility and visibility of research findings (Adams 2020). Publishing in international journals significantly enhances students’ academic and professional profiles, often paving the way for career advancement (Williams 2021). However, this pathway is not without challenges, particularly for students from resource-constrained environments like Zambia. One primary obstacle is the high publication fees associated with many international journals, which can be prohibitive for researchers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (Robinson & Garcia 2018). While English proficiency in Zambia somewhat mitigates language barriers, nuanced communication can still present challenges, potentially affecting the quality and impact of research dissemination (Clark 2019). Moreover, systemic biases favouring Western research paradigms may lead to the marginalisation of findings from other regions, undermining the diversity of perspectives in academic literature (Thompson 2020). This bias can result in overlooking locally significant contributions in favour of globally relevant research, potentially diminishing the impact of studies crucial to specific regional contexts.
The peer-review process, while essential for maintaining academic rigour, can be lengthy, delaying the timely dissemination of research findings (Brown & Miller 2017). In rapidly evolving fields, such delays can significantly impact the relevance and applicability of research outcomes. Despite these challenges, publishing in international journals remains a valuable endeavour for researchers worldwide. To maximise the benefits while mitigating the drawbacks, it is crucial to address these issues systematically. This may involve developing more inclusive publication models, providing financial support for researchers from low-resource settings and implementing faster review processes without compromising quality (Garcia et al. 2021). Furthermore, by acknowledging and actively working to overcome these barriers, the academic community can foster a more equitable, diverse and efficient global research ecosystem. This approach would not only benefit individual researchers but also enrich the collective body of knowledge by incorporating a wider range of perspectives and findings.
Study limitations
The record review study faced several limitations that merit consideration. The primary constraint lies in the variability of data quality and completeness. Inconsistencies, inaccuracies or missing information in the records could have impacted the depth and reliability of the analysis. This challenge underscores the importance of standardised record-keeping practices in research settings. By focussing on a specific set of records from a single setting, the study’s generalisability was inherently limited. This narrow scope may restrict the applicability of findings to broader populations or diverse contexts, highlighting the need for multi-centre studies in future research endeavours. Additionally, the review may have overlooked crucial factors because of a potentially limited array of variables examined. This constraint could affect the comprehensiveness of the findings, emphasising the importance of a thorough variable selection process in future studies. Time limitations also potentially compromise data completeness and the ability to track long-term trends. Changes in documentation practices and technological advancements over time may have introduced inconsistencies, affecting longitudinal analysis.
Despite these limitations, the study offers valuable insights for enhancing physiotherapy education curriculum development. Understanding the research landscape and postgraduate student preferences enables the creation of more tailored educational programmes. The findings provide a foundation for refining physiotherapy education to better address evolving healthcare challenges in Zambia. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting curriculum improvements in physiotherapy education. Moreover, the study helps identify areas where further research or educational focus is needed, guiding future academic efforts. By highlighting the importance of research in physiotherapy, the study may encourage a stronger research culture among students and practitioners. To build upon this foundation, future research should consider expanding the scope to multiple institutions or regions for improved generalisability. Incorporating a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data with qualitative insights from stakeholders, could provide richer insights. Implementing longitudinal studies to track changes in research trends and educational outcomes over time would offer valuable perspectives. Additionally, collaborating with international partners to benchmark findings against global standards and practices could enhance the relevance and impact of future studies. By addressing these limitations and leveraging the study’s implications, physiotherapy education in Zambia can be strategically enhanced to produce graduates well equipped to meet the country’s healthcare challenges and contribute to the global physiotherapy knowledge base.
Conclusion
This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of postgraduate physiotherapy research trends in Zambia over the past 15 years, revealing a steady increase in enrolment, particularly among female students. Community rehabilitation emerged as the dominant research area, reflecting evolving healthcare needs. The prevalence of case study methodologies highlights several key areas for improvement, including the need for enhanced methodological rigour, continued promotion of diversity and inclusivity and sustained focus on critical healthcare priorities. To advance the field, several recommendations are proposed, such as enhancing research dissemination through academic channels, implementing stricter data collection standards, expanding sample populations, conducting longitudinal studies and aligning postgraduate curricula with emerging trends and needs. By addressing these areas for improvement and leveraging existing strengths, physiotherapy research in Zambia can make significant progress, contributing to advancements in both local and global healthcare. These findings provide valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers and offer a roadmap for emerging researchers, guiding them towards critical physiotherapy topics that address pressing societal issues.
Acknowledgements
The content of this publication revolves around the quarterly assessment of the postgraduate studies unit within the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Zambia. Our sincere appreciation goes out to the faculty and staff members of the School of Health Sciences and the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Zambia for their invaluable support in overseeing the progress of this research.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.
Authors’ contributions
All the authors were instrumental in the effective implementation of this project. The initial draft of the article was prepared by L.A.N. The conceptualisation and strategic planning of the research were conducted jointly by L.A.N. and M.M.M., The final version of the document underwent a thorough evaluation and received the approval of all the authors.
Funding information
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Data availability
Data are available from the corresponding author, L.A.N., upon reasonable request.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and are the product of professional research. It does not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated institution, funder, agency or that of the publisher. The authors are responsible for this article’s results, findings and content.
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