Program: Master in Science, Technology and Innovation Management. Universidad de Santander, Colombia
Thesis title: Current conditions of research in physiotherapy: analysis of scientific and technological capabilities at the Colombian level
Graduation year: 2021

Authors: Clemencia Pinilla Vásquez, José Ignacio Torres Hernández

Abstract

Physiotherapy in Colombia has been strengthened through evidence-based practice and has developed capacities to investigate formally, becoming an important focus in the health sciences.

This study seeks to analyze the current conditions of Physiotherapy research by evaluating scientific and technological capacities in Colombia, based on the information published by Minciencias on the ScienTi platform to measure and recognize researchers and research groups, technological development and innovation.

This analytical cross-sectional study included 421 physiotherapists linked to 91 research groups. Frequencies for categorical variables and measures of central tendency and dispersion for continuous variables were calculated. Adjusted prevalence ratios from simple and multiple Poisson regressions were utilized to determine the association between several independent variables and group classification (A, A1 vs B, C, recognized) and researcher classification (researcher vs non-researcher).

The groups and researchers’ scientific production focused on generating knowledge through articles, books and book chapters, which were not of high quality. Additionally, a low capability to generate technological products was evidenced. Factors such as group seniority, lines of research in basic sciences, and a greater number of researchers with a master’s degree increased the probability of achieving categories A and A1 (p <0.05). Physiotherapists researching physiotherapy interventions, having master’s or doctorate studies, and at least one published article were more likely to be classified as researchers (p <0.05).

Consequently, in Colombia, scientific and technological capabilities in Physiotherapy must be strengthened in order to promote research culture, development of discipline and its impact on society.

Key Words: Physical Therapy, Scientific and Technical Activities, Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators, Scientific Publication Indicators Research groups

Program: MSc. in Science, Technology and Innovation Management. Universidad de Santander, Colombia
Thesis title: Current conditions of research in physiotherapy: analysis of scientific and technological capabilities at the Colombian level
Graduation year: 2021

Authors: Clemencia Pinilla Vásquez, José Ignacio Torres Hernández

Abstract

Physiotherapy in Colombia has been strengthened through evidence-based practice and has developed capacities to investigate formally, becoming an important focus in the health sciences.

This study seeks to analyze the current conditions of Physiotherapy research by evaluating scientific and technological capacities in Colombia, based on the information published by Minciencias on the ScienTi platform to measure and recognize researchers and research groups, technological development and innovation.

This analytical cross-sectional study included 421 physiotherapists linked to 91 research groups. Frequencies for categorical variables and measures of central tendency and dispersion for continuous variables were calculated. Adjusted prevalence ratios from simple and multiple Poisson regressions were utilized to determine the association between several independent variables and group classification (A, A1 vs B, C, recognized) and researcher classification (researcher vs non-researcher).

The groups and researchers’ scientific production focused on generating knowledge through articles, books and book chapters, which were not of high quality. Additionally, a low capability to generate technological products was evidenced. Factors such as group seniority, lines of research in basic sciences, and a greater number of researchers with a master’s degree increased the probability of achieving categories A and A1 (p <0.05). Physiotherapists researching physiotherapy interventions, having master’s or doctorate studies, and at least one published article were more likely to be classified as researchers (p <0.05).

Consequently, in Colombia, scientific and technological capabilities in Physiotherapy must be strengthened in order to promote research culture, development of discipline and its impact on society.

Key Words: Physical Therapy, Scientific and Technical Activities, Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators, Scientific Publication Indicators Research groups