The Department of Physiotherapy, in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences of Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), hosted the inaugural International Physiotherapy Students' Research Forum on 23 May. The online forum showcased research by physiotherapy students from five universities in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, creating a platform for academic exchange and international collaboration.

The five participating universities were HKMU, the HESAV School of Health Sciences Vaud from Switzerland, Srinakharinwirot University from Thailand, the University of the Philippines Manila from the Philippines, and Yonsei University from South Korea. The forum brought together 80 students and academics, fostering collaborative relationships between HKMU and its international partners for transformative work in the future. Ten research presentations showcased a diverse range of topics and methodologies explored by the physiotherapy students,

Addressing the forum, Prof. Janet Wong Yuen-ha, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, stated that the event marked an important milestone as students and academics gathered virtually from various countries to celebrate their research achievements. “This forum is a testament to the power of international collaboration and reflects our shared commitment to advancing physiotherapy education and research by providing a platform for students to present their theses and capstone projects,” she said. “We hope to foster a global perspective on physiotherapy research, cultivate cross-cultural learning, and inspire innovation through the exchange of ideas.”

Two groups of HKMU physiotherapy students presented their research at the forum. The first group investigated the efficacy of multicomponent rhythmic-based exercise in decreasing fall risk among older adults with cognitive impairments. Fifteen older frail adults in residential care homes were recruited to participate in a nine-week exercise programme combining rhythmic stretching, resistance training, aerobic activities and balance exercises. The study found that implementing multicomponent rhythmic exercise in residential care homes was feasible for the target group. The results also showed a positive impact in reducing fall risk and reversing some aspects of cognitive frailty.

The second group conducted a qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological approach with thematic analysis to explore the impact of chronic neck pain on physiotherapy and nursing students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 students who experienced chronic neck pain. The findings revealed that chronic neck pain negatively influences students' academic performance and quality of life, underscoring the need to recognise and address these impacts and provide multidimensional treatment strategies.

The eight groups from the other four universities delivered a variety of presentations under three topics: geriatrics and neurorehabilitation, musculoskeletal physiotherapy and well-being, and technology, education and practice. The students were actively engaged and exchanged valuable insights during the Q&A sessions, thus enriching their learning experience.