Review 2023/24: Innovative research for physiotherapy

18.06.2025 The Physiotherapy Research Department at BFH embarked on an eventful 2023 and 2024: new projects, significant publications, and interdisciplinary cooperations strengthened evidence-based practice and education.

Key points at a glance

Over 60 research papers and 60 articles were published.
Research and education are tightly integrated.
Numerous awards, conferences, and media appearances underscore the practical relevance of the research.

Research-Based Education & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The Physiotherapy Research Department operates seven specialized research units focused on physiotherapy-relevant topics. Their goal: develop evidence-based diagnostic and therapy concepts that can be directly applied in clinical settings. Thanks to a modern research infrastructure, numerous innovative insights were generated in 2023 and 2024, improving physiotherapeutic care.

A central pillar is the close integration of research and teaching: staff incorporate their latest findings into bachelor’s and master’s programs. Interdisciplinary collaborations with other BFH departments and the University of Bern in biomedical engineering and sports science enrich scientific exchange.

Over 60 theses were completed in 2023/24, often laying the groundwork for further research projects. Additionally, seven doctoral candidates are currently working on externally funded projects. A notable highlight was Angela Blasimann’s successful dissertation at the University of Antwerp, evaluating neuromuscular control after ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) rupture.

To the projects

Research Achievements: Projects, Conferences & Publications

The research groups carried out a variety of studies—from pilot to multi-year intervention trials. Results were presented at more than 25 national and international conferences. Many researchers and students received awards: four research awards were bestowed upon department staff, and six rewarded outstanding student theses.

Examples include:

Loredana Tschenett: Best Master’s Thesis 2024 (“Effectiveness of Leg- and Arm‑Powered Trike Training among Children with Impaired Walking Ability”), MSc in Physiotherapy, BFH.
Jonas Ruff: Best Swiss Master’s Thesis 2024 in sports physiotherapy (“The Effect of Muscle Fatigue on Tibial Translation and Muscular Reflex Response of the Hamstrings in Women”). Award from sportfisio.
Anja Raab et al.: Jury Award at Cybathlon 2024 for “Assistive Robot”—development of an innovative, user-friendly assistive robot.
Daniela Nyffenegger: Best Swiss Master’s Thesis 2023 in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (SVOMP award), topic: “Cortical activity during the first four months after ACL reconstruction while performing an active joint position sense test.”
Angela Blasimann et al.: 1st prize Sportlastic® poster award at GOTS 2023: “Bilateral neuromuscular control one year after ACL reconstruction or conservative treatment.” Presented at the 38th annual GOTS congress, June 16–17, Luxembourg.
V. Tomberge et al.: “Does self-efficacy and social support enable women to foster their pelvic floor health?”—Best abstract award, ICS Annual Meeting 2023, Toronto.
Cedric Rauber & Dominique Lüscher: 2023 Biomedical Engineering (BME) awards for best MSc theses, University of Bern & BFH.
Corinne Kehl: Highest cumulative GPA and best MSc thesis in Physiotherapy MSc program, BFH 2023.

Additionally, the department hosted 15 invited talks and five workshops to disseminate research outcomes. More than 60 peer-reviewed and specialist articles were published in 2023/24.