What are you looking for?
The physiotherapy research group's main objective is to improve people's health and quality of life through excellence in scientific research applied to physiotherapy. It works in several thematic areas, with a special focus on scientific evidence, non-pharmacological interventions, and care for different populations such as cancer patients and people with chronic or aging-related pathologies.
In addition, the group promotes innovation and the use of new technologies in rehabilitation, with the development and evaluation of technological solutions such as wearable devices, mobile applications, virtual and augmented reality, among others. These tools seek to personalize treatments, improve remote monitoring of patients, enhance adherence to treatments and encourage their active participation in the recovery process, ensuring that physiotherapy research adapts to current clinical and technological needs.
The group is also dedicated to the research and development of new teaching methodologies in physiotherapy, focusing on the integration of innovative technologies in learning. The aim is to improve the educational experience of students through the use of simulations, digital resources and interactive teaching techniques.
Group coordinator: Dr. Carles Fernández Jané
Dr. Jordi Calvo Sanz
Dr. Luz Adriana Varela Vásquez
Dr. Karima Bouallalene Jaramillo,
Dr. Juan José García Tirado
Dr. Luciana Moizé Arcone
Mr. Marc Badia Rosells
The aim of this line is to synthesize and evaluate current scientific evidence in different areas of physiotherapy in order to improve clinical practice and detect needs for future research. This line of research focuses on the collection, analysis and interpretation of existing research data, using rigorous methodologies to ensure that conclusions are
reliable and applicable in the clinical setting. This includes conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and critical appraisal of available studies.
The aim of this line is to develop and evaluate physiotherapy strategies for prevention, management and treatment, to improve the quality of life and functional outcomes of patients. These interventions may include therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and physical activity-based therapies, all designed to adapt to the specific needs of patients. In addition, it aims to identify the key factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the interventions and establish evidence-based protocols for their implementation.
The objective of this line is to develop and evaluate technologies applied to health in the field of physiotherapy in order to improve monitoring and treatment. This line of research includes the integration of portable devices, mobile applications, virtual and augmented reality, and other technological innovations to offer personalized and effective solutions in the rehabilitation of patients. In addition, it seeks to improve remote monitoring, adherence to treatments and the active participation of patients in their recovery process through interactive and accessible technologies.
The objective of this line is to research and develop new teaching and learning methodologies in the field of physiotherapy, with a focus on the integration of innovative technologies. The aim is to improve the learning experience of students through the use of simulations, digital tools and interactive resources that facilitate practical and evidence-based training. This line of research also seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of new educational methodologies and their impact on the preparation of future physiotherapy professionals, as well as on their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real clinical contexts.
1.Title: The HELPE project (Health Literacy in Physiotherapy Education), framed within the Erasmus plus projects (2014-2020) of the European Union, with code 2020-1-AT01-KA203-078086.has as its main objective the development of health literacy skills in university education in physiotherapy at European level. Health literacy refers to the ability of people to access, understand and evaluate health information and thus make decisions about healthcare, disease prevention and health promotion. It is a joint project of Universities from Spain, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands and Germany. Project website: HELP.EU.COM
2. Title: The SIENHA project (Strategic innovative educational network for healthy ageing), framed within the Erasmus plus projects of the European Union, it is a collaboration between seven universities that have the common objective of developing education for health professionals and encouraging social care to promote healthy aging among European countries through the development of social care. Project website: https://www.sienha.eu/
3. Title: HEECAP Project, This project consists of the development of a non-invasive electrostimulator to prevent diaphragmatic atrophy in ICU patients. The aim is to provide an innovative solution that improves respiratory function and reduces complications associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. Project website: https://www.heecap.com/es/equipo.html
4. Title: AURITEST - Efficacy of non-invasive atrial stimulation on the emotional state of university students during exam time: Protocol of a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial of 3 intervention arms, This project consists of evaluating whether non-invasive stimulation of the auricle can reduce stress and anxiety in university students during exam time. Using neuromodulation techniques, it aims to offer a safe and effective alternative to manage students' emotional well-being.
5.Title: Effects of Nordic Walking on the Functional Aspects of Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review
This project consists of evaluating, through a systematic review of the literature, the effects of Nordic walking on the functionality of oncology patients. The objective is to determine the impact of this physical activity on improving the quality of life and functional capacity of cancer patients.
6. Title: Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture and Related Techniques in the Management of Oncological Children and Adolescent Patients: A Systematic Review. This project consists of a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the possible effects and safety of various acupuncture techniques in the treatment of pediatric cancer. The aim is to identify evidence that supports the use of these techniques as complementary therapies in the management of symptoms and side effects of oncological treatment in children and adolescents.
7.Title: Design and Validation of the Respiratory Function Classification System for Children with Cerebral Palsy and/or Profound Intellectual Disability with Multiple Associated Disabilities. This project consists of the design and validation of a new tool to assess the respiratory function of pediatric patients with severe disabilities. The objective is to create a system that allows a better understanding and monitoring of the respiratory status of these children, thus facilitating the planning of more effective and personalized treatments.
1. Martínez García E, Nishishinya Aquino MB, Cruz Martínez O, Ren Y, Xia R, Fei Y, Fernández-Jané C. Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture and Related Techniques in the Management of Oncological Children and Adolescent Patients: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel). 2024 Sep 19;16(18):3197. doi: 10.3390/cancers16183197. PMID: 39335168; PMCID: PMC11429796.
2. Rodríguez-Monforte M, Fernández-Jané C, Bracha M, Bartoszewska A, Kozakiewicz M, Leclerc M, et al. Defining a competency framework for health and social professionals to promote healthy aging throughout the lifespan: an international Delphi study. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract. 2024 March 5;
3. Zamora-Brito M, Fernández-Jané C, Pérez-Guervós R, Solans-Oliva R, Arranz-Betegón A, Palacio M. The role of acupuncture in the present approach to labor induction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2024 Feb;6(2):101272.
4. Carrillo-Alvarez E, Rodríguez-Monforte M, Fernández-Jané C, Solà-Madurell M, Kozakiewicz M, Głowacka M, et al. Professional competencies to promote healthy aging across the lifespan: a scoping review. Eur J Aging. 2023 Nov 24;20(1):45.
5. Solis-Navarro L, Masot O, Torres-Castro R, Otto-Yáñez M, Fernández-Jané C, Solà-Madurell M, et al. Effects on Sleep Quality of Physical Exercise Programs in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clocks Sleep. 2023 Mar 23;5(2):152–66.
6. Fernández-Jané C, Vilaró J, Costa-Tutusaus L. Acupoint Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Hospitalized COPD Patients with Severe Dyspnoea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2023;28:2515690X231198308.
7. Solis-Navarro L, Gismero A, Fernández-Jané C, Torres-Castro R, Solá-Madurell M, Bergé C, et al. Effectiveness of home-based exercise delivered by digital health in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Aging. 2022 Nov 2;51(11):afac243.
8. Alvarez G, Núñez-Cortés R, Solà I, Sitjà-Rabert M, Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe A, Fernández C, et al. Sample size, study length, and inadequate controls were the most common self-acknowledged limitations in manual therapy trials: A methodological review. J Clin Epidemiol. 2021 Feb;130:96–106.
9. Rodríguez-Monforte M, Fernández-Jané C, Martin-Arribas A, Costa-Tutusaus L, Sitjà-Rabert M, Ramírez-García I, et al. Interventions across the Retirement Transition for Improving Well-Being: A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun 17;17(12):E4341.
10. Fernández-Jané C, Vilaró J, Fei Y, Wang C, Liu J, Huang N, et al. Acupuncture techniques for COPD: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 May 6;20(1):138.
11. Fernández-Jané C, Solà-Madurell M, Yu M, Liang C, Fei Y, Sitjà-Rabert M, et al. Completeness of reporting acupuncture interventions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Review of adherence to the STRICTA statement. F1000 Res. 2020;9:226.
12. Alvarez G, Solà I, Sitjà-Rabert M, Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe A, Gich I, Fernández C, et al. A methodological review revealed that reporting of trials in manual therapy has not improved over time. J Clin Epidemiol. 2020 May;121:32–44.
13. Rodríguez-Monforte M, Fernández-Jané C, Martin-Arribas A, Sitjà-Rabert M, Canet Vélez O, Sanromà-Ortiz M, et al. Interventions across the retirement transition for improving well-being: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open. 2019 Sep 17;9(9):e030484.
14. Fernández-Jané C, Vilaró J, Fei Y, Wang C, Liu J, Huang N, et al. Filiform needle acupuncture for COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Dec;47:102182.
15. Fernández-Jane C, Vilaró J. Acupoint transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in hospitalized COPD patients with severe dyspnoea: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2019 Dec 11;20(1):707.
16. García Vela R, Cabanas Valdés R, Huertas Ríos S, Donat Roca R, Monné Cuevas P, Moizé Arcone L, Calvo-Sanz J. Analysis of the adjustment of self-filtering masks in combination with surgical masks for the protection of healthcare professionals in their care of patients affected by SARS-COV-2 based on an experimental study. Arch Prev Risks Labor [Internet]. 2021 Apr 15 [cited 2024 Oct 23];24(2):154–70. Available from: https://archivosdeprevencion.eu/index.php/aprl/article/view/109
17. Cabanas-Valdés R, Calvo-Sanz J, Urrùtia G, Serra-Llobet P, Pérez-Bellmunt A, Germán-Romero A. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy to reduce lower limb spasticity in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2020 Mar;27(2):137-157. doi: 10.1080/10749357.2019.1654242. Epub 2019 Nov 11. PMID: 31710277.
18. Monné Cuevas P, Borrás Correa A, Vidal Fortuny E, Ángeles Diaz Vela M, Calvo Sanz J. Traumatic quadruple amputee rehabilitation: from amputation to prosthetic functionality: a case report. Disabled Rehabil Assist Technol. 2021 Jan;16(1):112-118. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1644675. Epub 2019 Aug 2. PMID: 31373523.
19. Cabanas-Valdés R, Serra-Llobet P, Rodriguez-Rubio PR, López-de-Celis C, Llauró-Fores M, Calvo-Sanz J. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for improving upper limb spasticity and functionality in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2020 Sep;34(9):1141-1156. doi: 10.1177/0269215520932196. Epub 2020 Jun 8. PMID: 32513019.
20. Cabanas-Valdés R, Calvo-Sanz J, Serra-Llobet P, Alcoba-Kait J, González-Rueda V, Rodríguez-Rubio PR. The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Improving Sequelae in Post-Stroke Survivors. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 21;18(9):4424. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094424. PMID: 33919371; PMCID: PMC8122530.
21. Calvo Sanz J, Guirao Cano L, Monné Cuevas P. Analysis of the effectiveness on pain and functional capacity in the therapeutic approach to chronic lateral epicondylopathy of the elbow with radial extracorporeal shock waves. LINE [Internet]. 2019 May [cited 2024 Oct 23];2(1). Available from: https://fondoscience.com/retla/vol02-fasc1-num03/fs1902007-analisis-de-la-eficacia-sobre-el-dolor
22. Cabanas-Valdés, R.; Toro-Coll, MD; Cruz-Sicilia, S.; García-Rueda, L.; Rodríguez-Rubio, PR; Calvo-Sanz, J. The Immediate Effect of Informational Manual Therapy for Improving Quiet Standing and Bodily Pain in University Population. International J. Environ. nothing Public Health (2021), 18, 4940. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094940.ç
23. Núñez-Cortés R, Alvarez G, Pérez-Bracchiglione J, Cabanas-Valdés R, Calvo-Sanz J, Bonfill X, et al. Reporting results in manual therapy clinical trials: A need for improvement. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine [Internet]. 2021 Dec 1 [cited 2024 Oct 23];42:92–9. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1746068921000572
24. Sanz JC. Semicircular Lipoatrophy of Occupational Origin (SLOO): Proposal of a Clinical History Sheet for Data Collection and Implementation of Corrective Factors. BJSTR [Internet]. 2024 Feb 15 [cited 2024 Oct 23];55(1):46486–95. Available from: https://biomedres.us/fulltexts/BJSTR.MS.ID.008648.php
25. Sanz, JC, Vela, MAD, Huete, AJ, Jaramillo, KB, González-Román, L., Garrido-Pedrosa, J., & Cuevas, PM (2024). Training in the Use of Myoelectric Prostheses Through the Combined Application of Immersive Virtual Reality, Cross-education, and Mirror Therapy. JPO: Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, 10-1097. https://journals.lww.com/jpojournal/abstract/9900/training_in_the_use_of_myoelectric_prostheses.89.aspx
26. Barrios-Franquesa AM, Bagur-Calafat C, Girabent-Farrés M, Varela-Vásquez LA, Medina-Rincón A. Validation of a laser visual feedback and core stability exercise program to improve lateropulsion reduction and pushing intensity in stroke patients with pusher syndrome: A Delphi study. Physiother Res Int. 2024 Oct;29(4):e2128. doi: 10.1002/pri.2128. PMID: 39228145.
27. Rierola-Fochs S, Terradas-Monllor M, Varela-Vasquez LA, Ochandorena-Acha M, Minobes-Molina E, Merchán Baeza JA. Feasibility study of a home-based graded motor imagery intervention (GraMI protocol) for amputees with phantom limb pain. Physiother Theory Pract. 2024 May 6:1-11. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2024.2349759. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38708842.
28. Varela-Vásquez LA, Girabent-Farrés M, Medina-Rincón A, Rierola-Fochs S, Jerez-Roig J, Minobes-Molina E. Validation of a dual-task exercise program to improve balance and gait speed in older people (DualPro): a Delphi study. PeerJ. 2022 Apr 5;10:e13204. doi: 10.7717/peerj.13204. PMID: 35402108; PMCID: PMC8992645.
29. Rierola-Fochs S, Varela-Vásquez LA, Merchán-Baeza JA, Minobes-Molina E. Development and Validation of a Graded Motor Imagery Intervention for Phantom Limb Pain in Patients with Amputations (GraMI Protocol): A Delphi Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 22;18(22):12240. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182212240. PMID: 34831997; PMCID: PMC8623973.
30. Molina-Torres G, Ochandorena-Acha M, Echazarreta-Aparicio Y, Sánchez-Labraca N, González-Sánchez M, Terradas-Monllor M, Varela-Vásquez LA, Merchán-Baeza JA, Minobes-Molina E. Is Cycling Practice Related to Men's Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions? A Hypothesis-Generating Observational Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 17;18(4):1923. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041923. PMID: 33671183; PMCID: PMC7922672.
31. Varela-Vásquez LA, Minobes-Molina E, Jerez-Roig J. Dual-task exercises in older adults: A structured review of current literature. J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls. 2020 Jun 1;5(2):31-37. doi: 10.22540/JFSF-05-031. PMID: 32510028; PMCID: PMC7272776.
32. Herrero-Alonso C, López-Lifante VM, Costa-Garrido A, Pera G, Alzamora M, Forés R, Martínez-Ruíz EJ, López-Palencia J, Moizé-Arcone L, Mateo-Aguilar E, Rodríguez-Sales V, Alventosa M, Heras A, Valverde M, Violán C, Torán-Monserrat P. Adherence to Supervised and Unsupervised Exercise Programs in the Aging Population with Intermittent Claudication: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med. 2024 Jun 25;13(13):3690. doi: 10.3390/jcm13133690. PMID: 38999256; PMCID: PMC11242028.
33. Serra-Payá N, Garnacho-Castaño MV, Sánchez-Nuño S, Albesa-Albiol L, Girabent-Farrés M, Moizé Arcone L, Fernández AP, García-Fresneda A, Castizo-Olier J, Viñals X, Molina-Raya L, Gomis Bataller M. The Relationship between Resistance Exercise Performance and Ventilatory Efficiency after Beetroot Juice Intake in Well-Trained Athletes. nutrients 2021 Mar 27;13(4):1094. doi: 10.3390/nu13041094. PMID: 33801665; PMCID: PMC8065812.
34. Bouallalene-Jaramillo K, Calvo-Sanz J. Parameterization of electrotherapy interventions in physiotherapy for pelvic floor dysfunctions: a systematic review. Actas Urol Esp (Engl Ed). 2023 Nov;47(9):546-559. English, Spanish. doi: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2023.04.013. Epub 2023 Apr 24. PMID: 37100224.
35. Rochera MB, Andreu CS, Madrid YC, Bouallalene K, Pau EM. Physiotherapy as a Way to Maintain Vaginal Health during Menopause. Advances in Sexual Medicine [Internet]. 2017 Mar 31 [cited 2024 Jul 18];7(2):97–104. Available from: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=75458
36. Badia M, Santafé MM. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: Systematic review. Revista Fisioterapia Invasiva / Journal of Invasive Techniques in Physical Therapy [Internet]. 2020 May 26 [cited 2024 Nov 14];03:013–25. Available from: https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0040-1701432