Research topics
We select the topics we research from everyday physiotherapy practice. Physiotherapy services must be effective, appropriate and economical: the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic measures, in particular, must be scientifically proven. For this reason, we analyse past therapeutic approaches and help develop new evidence-based concepts for findings and treatments.
Neuromuscular Control
Group head: Heiner Baur, PhD
We focus on the influence of internal (age, gender, etc.) and external factors like training parameters, orthotic devices or pathology on dynamic movement patterns. The general methodological paradigm combines the pure biomechanical view with a focus on the organization and adaptation of the neuromuscular system.
Spinal Movement Biomechanics
Group head: Stefan Schmid, PT, PhD
The «Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group» uses state-of-the-art motion capturing and musculoskeletal modeling approaches to better understand spinal disorders and to evaluate existing and/or new treatment approaches
Pelvic Floor Health
Group head: Helena Luginbühl, PT, PhD
In the «Pelvic Floor Health Group» we want to further improve and optimize physiotherapy related to stress urinary incontinence. We investigate diagnostic techniques, interventions and therapy plans regarding patient information, perception and movement as well as strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in isolated contractions and complex whole-body movements. Specifically, we focus on the neuromechanical aspects of PFMs, i.e., the activation and contraction behavior during voluntary and involuntary, reflexive contractions, which are essentially important to guarantee continence.
Foot Biomechanics and Technology
Group head: Patric Eichelberger, PhD
The «Foot Biomechanics and Technology Group» concerns oneself with gaining a better understanding of foot biomechanics and related complaints and evaluating or developing therapy options with a focus on applying current technology to the assessment and therapy of the locomotor system and orthotics.
Public Health & Physiotherapy Related Health Economics
Group head: Jan Taeymans, PhD
Using state-of-the-art health economic (modeling) approaches, we conduct research aiming at a better understanding of the Cost-of-Illness of different disorders and to evaluate Cost-Effectiveness or Cost-Utility of public-health interventions and (new) physiotherapy-related treatment approaches.
Higher Education Research in Health Professions Group
Group head: Slavko Rogan, PT, PhD & Irene König, PT, PhD
In the «Higher Education Research in Health Professions Group» we conduct research in the educational field of higher education. The main question is how learning processes can be guided. We also explore relevant questions of personnel development and departmental development.
Work disability prevention
Group head: Maurizio Trippolini, PT, PhD
Our research focuses on disability prevention strategies, enhancing recovery in musculoskeletal disorders, health care effectiveness, work disability, and methods to achieve safe and sustained return to work. Specific topics include health care for workers with musculoskeletal injury in compensable settings, development and evaluation of self-reported assessments and performance-based tests which measure physical functioning and psychosocial factors. Research methods include quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods of observational studies in primary care or rehabilitation. Implementation of findings from clinical research into practice and continuing professional education are at the core of our motivation.
Nociceptive Sensitization Group
Group head: Kay Hanusch, PT, PhD
Peripheral and central sensitization of nociceptive neurons are the basis for the development of primary (stress-related) and secondary (stress-independent) chronic pain. In the "Nociceptive Sensitization Group" measurement methods for the differentiation of this sensitization are investigated, quality of measurements (validity, objectivity, reliability and responsiveness) to different pain diseases are tested and protocols for clinical practice in the context of a mechanism-based pain therapy are developed.
