The Department of Clinical Physiotherapy actively participates in scientific, educational, and interdisciplinary projects, collaborating with units of the Medical University of Gdańsk, the University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk (UCK), and external partners.
As a newly established unit, the Department of Clinical Physiotherapy is intensively developing its research activities. Current efforts focus on initiating new research projects and obtaining scientific grants through local collaborations, interdepartmental partnerships, as well as national and international initiatives.
Among the key initiatives involving the Department’s staff are the ONKO PRO: Head and Neck project, the AMBeR (Advanced Modeling of Baltic cancer e-caRe) project, and the Postgraduate Programme in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy at GUMEDICUM.
In the near future, the Department plans to launch a research project focused on the assessment of abdominal muscle function in the geriatric population. The Department also maintains ongoing scientific and clinical collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk, conducting joint research initiatives aimed at improving diagnostics, prevention, and physiotherapy management.
The completed projects include:
- “Education and abdominal muscle exercises as an element of physioprophylaxis for diastasis rectus abdominis in postpartum women” – a project conducted in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UCK. The aim of the project was to evaluate the potential of education and appropriately selected exercises as elements of prevention and physiotherapy management in women after childbirth.
- “Multidimensional assessment of diagnostic methods for obstetric anal sphincter injuries and their impact on patients’ quality of life” – a project conducted in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UCK. The project focused on evaluating the effectiveness of diagnostic methods, particularly impedance spectroscopy, as well as assessing functional consequences and quality of life in patients following anal sphincter injuries.
- “The impact of physician assistants on improving emergency department functioning and reducing patients’ length of stay”, a project conducted in collaboration with the Emergency Department at UCK. The project focused on healthcare team organisation and optimisation of healthcare delivery processes.
Advanced Modeling of Baltic Cancer e-caRe
AMBeR is an international initiative in which the University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk (UCK) actively participates. The project is implemented in the Southern Baltic region with the support of European Union funds. As part of the project, UCK hosts partner meetings and conferences bringing together experts from across the region.
The project involves active participation of Dr Katarzyna Gierat-Haponiuk, Anna Jamrowska, MSc, and Dr Zofia Sotomska from the Department of Clinical Physiotherapy.
The project focuses on the implementation and evaluation of innovative e-health (telemedicine) solutions for patients with cancer. Participants test digital tools designed to monitor health status and support home-based rehabilitation. The main goal is to improve access to healthcare services and reduce the need for frequent hospital visits, ultimately contributing to greater treatment comfort and improved patient outcomes.The postgraduate programme Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is led by Dr Zofia Sotomska in collaboration with Dr Katarzyna Gierat-Haponiuk from the Department of Clinical Physiotherapy at the Medical University of Gdańsk. The teaching team also includes Joanna Wojtas, MSc, and Maja Nowacka-Kłos, MSc.
The postgraduate programme in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is designed for licensed physiotherapists who wish to acquire specialised knowledge and practical skills in the assessment and treatment of patients with pelvic floor dysfunctions. The curriculum is based on current international clinical guidelines and the principles of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).
The programme provides participants with comprehensive competencies in the diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of patients with pelvic floor disorders, supporting the development of modern, evidence-based physiotherapy.ONKO PRO: Head and Neck is a pilot specialist training project that combines physical training with medical expertise. The programme is designed for professionals working, or preparing to work, with cancer patients following treatment for head and neck cancers. The partner representing the Medical University of Gdańsk was Dr Katarzyna Gierat-Haponiuk.
The project aimed to develop competencies in safe physical activity support, exercise planning, and working with patients with specific health needs, taking into account functional limitations and clinical recommendations.A project evaluating the use of physiotherapy interventions as part of the treatment process for patients with cancer and obesity-related disease.