Physiotherapy Students Showcase Impressive Research at Research Day

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Discipline of Physiotherapy recently hosted its Undergraduate Research Day at the Senate Chamber on the Westville campus. Final-year students proudly presented findings of their research projects, showcasing their ability to identify gaps in literature and contribute innovative solutions to pressing health challenges.

Working in teams, students competed for prizes in two categories: Scoping Reviews and Full Research.

Dr Nomzamo Chemane, Head of Physiotherapy, delivered the opening remarks and commended the students for their dedication and for venturing into under-researched areas. “Your research is impactful and meaningful. You have shown great initiative in exploring new topics and identifying gaps in the available literature,” she said.

Professor Bongani Nkambule, Dean of Research, urged students to remain ethical and purposeful in their research journeys during his keynote address.

“Always deliver innovative healthcare solutions to ongoing problems but steer clear of scientific misconduct. Avoid fabrication, falsification, and unethical research practices,” he emphasised. “UKZN has a moral and legal mandate to produce educated citizens who actively engage in public service activities. Students must, therefore, produce impactful research.”

Scooping first prize in the Scoping Review category was a study titled ‘Health Seeking Behaviours of Patients with Osteoarthritis in Sub-Saharan Africa’, by Mr Bongumusa Ndwandwe, Mr Laken Govender, Mr Simakahle Ntshembeni, and Mr Siyethemba Mabaso.

This study explored how patients with osteoarthritis in sub-Saharan Africa seek healthcare, highlighting the challenges of access, affordability, and cultural perceptions that influence treatment decisions.

Second prize went to the study titled ‘Self-Management in Patients with Stroke’, by Mr Mathopela Moloi, Ms Rumaisa Kara, Ms Qaqamba Nocuze and Ms Bayanda Khanyile. The team reviewed evidence on strategies that help stroke survivors manage their recovery independently, underscoring the importance of education, rehabilitation support, and patient empowerment.

In the Full Research category, first prize was awarded to the study titled ‘Stress Levels Among the Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy in a Regional Mother and Child Facility’. The research was conducted by Ms Kelebogile Dlamini, Mr Faizaan Mohamed, Ms Zanethemba Manyanga, Ms Kayla van der Merwe and Ms Pretty Zulu. The study measured the emotional and psychological stress experienced by caregivers and called for stronger support systems.

Two studies tied for second place in the Full Research category. The first, titled ‘Approaches to Teaching Community-Based Rehabilitation in Health Science at UKZN’, was conducted by Ms Husnaa Ally, Ms Zamanguni Cele, Ms Khayakazi Mafu, Ms Lusanda Zamisa and Ms Hayley Reddiar. This project investigated how community-based rehabilitation is taught across the health sciences and recommended improvements to better prepare students for real-world practice.

The second study, ‘Experiences of Students with Physical Disabilities at the UKZN Westville campus’, by Mr Sinochumo Manona, Ms Bibi Rabia Sindhi, Ms Nondumiso Zulu, Mr Wandile Cele and Ms Fathima Ismail, explored the accessibility barriers, support structures and inclusion challenges faced by students living with physical disabilities.

Commenting on the overall standard of the research, adjudicator Professor Andile Khathi praised the students for their critical thinking and scientific rigor.

“As young researchers, you showed gaps in the literature of your research and addressed those gaps. This is science and how we continue to improve the body of knowledge. Make sure you present your research to policymakers to make a change. Be curious, be vigilant, and continue to advance science.”

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photographs: Supplied