South African Journal of Physiotherapy

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Ideas, Inspiring Excellence in Physiotherapy

Introduction

Welcome to the South African Journal of Physiotherapy information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of South African Journal of Physiotherapy, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0379-6175
PublisherAOSIS
Support Open AccessYes
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1987 to 1989, from 1991 to 1998, from 2019 to 2024
AbbreviationSOUTH AFR J PHYSIOTH / South Afr. J. Physiother.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPostnet Suite 110, Private Bag x 19, Durbanville 7550, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The South African Journal of Physiotherapy aims to disseminate research that advances the field of physiotherapy, particularly within the South African context. It focuses on a variety of clinical and educational aspects, promoting evidence-based practice and addressing health challenges prevalent in the region.
  1. Clinical Rehabilitation:
    The journal emphasizes clinical rehabilitation practices, including interventions for a range of conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and musculoskeletal disorders, demonstrating the application of physiotherapy techniques in improving patient outcomes.
  2. Public Health and Community Engagement:
    Research that addresses public health issues, such as HIV-related disabilities and community-based rehabilitation, highlights the journal's commitment to promoting health equity and understanding the role of physiotherapy in community health.
  3. Educational Research in Physiotherapy:
    The journal publishes studies related to physiotherapy education, focusing on curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and the competencies required for effective practice in various settings.
  4. Innovative Therapies and Technologies:
    There is a consistent focus on novel therapeutic approaches, including the use of technology in rehabilitation (e.g., virtual reality therapy), and the exploration of new techniques such as inspiratory muscle training and posturography.
  5. Psychosocial Aspects of Health:
    The journal includes research that investigates the psychosocial factors affecting rehabilitation outcomes, such as the role of social support in physical activity and the mental health of physiotherapists.
Recent publications in the South African Journal of Physiotherapy have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect the evolving landscape of physiotherapy practice and research. These trends indicate a strong focus on innovative practices, interdisciplinary approaches, and addressing community health needs.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Physiotherapy Practice:
    Several studies have emerged focusing on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on physiotherapy practices, including the adaptation of services and the mental health of practitioners, underscoring the profession's resilience and adaptability.
  2. Community-Based Rehabilitation Initiatives:
    There is an increasing emphasis on community-based rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of integrating physiotherapy into public health frameworks and addressing the needs of underserved populations.
  3. Telehealth and Remote Interventions:
    Research exploring telehealth and remote physiotherapy services has gained traction, particularly in the context of resource-constrained environments, showcasing the need for flexible service delivery models.
  4. Holistic and Biopsychosocial Approaches:
    An emerging trend is the adoption of holistic and biopsychosocial models in physiotherapy, examining how social, psychological, and physical factors interact in rehabilitation processes.
  5. Focus on Health Equity and Social Determinants:
    Recent publications have increasingly addressed health equity and the social determinants of health, particularly in relation to underserved communities, reflecting a growing awareness of the broader context in which physiotherapy operates.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has a strong focus on various aspects of physiotherapy, some themes appear to be declining in frequency of publication. This may indicate a shift in research priorities or a saturation of certain topics within the field.
  1. Scoliosis Management:
    Research on scoliosis management techniques, while still relevant, has seen a decrease in new contributions, suggesting that established practices may be reaching a plateau in terms of novel findings or that researchers are moving towards more pressing issues.
  2. Traditional Rehabilitation Techniques:
    There appears to be a waning interest in traditional rehabilitation methods that do not incorporate modern technologies or evidence-based approaches, as newer, innovative methods gain prominence in research.
  3. General Musculoskeletal Disorders:
    While still an important area, the volume of studies specifically targeting general musculoskeletal disorders has decreased, perhaps as researchers focus on more specialized conditions or the integration of multidisciplinary approaches.
  4. Palliative Care in Physiotherapy:
    Research focusing on palliative care practices within physiotherapy has diminished, possibly reflecting a broader trend where the integration of physiotherapy into palliative care contexts is becoming less emphasized in favor of other pressing health issues.

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