Aim of this blog

Understanding Physiotherapy Research

By Chris Littlewood

'The requirement for physiotherapists to engage with evidence-based practice has never been more apparent and the benefits of such an approach are clear. Evidence derived from research is a cornerstone of evidence-based practice but before such evidence can be incorporated into an evidence-based paradigm is should be appraised and its trustworthiness and applicability considered. This means that evidence-based physiotherapy practitioners need to be aware of the inherent strengths and limitations of research studies and what this means for their practice.'

(From Littlewood & May 2013; Understanding Physiotherapy Research)

The aim of this blog

Understanding, appraising and accessing physiotherapy research is not always a straightforward process and it is not uncommon for physiotherapists to become lost in the language and world of research. Building on the book Understanding Physiotherapy Research, this blog aims to be an accessible learning resource that, over time, will present learning materials relating to research and research methods, critical appraisals of published research, and sign-post to other resources, including clinical academic career development. The intention is to offer a platform upon which readers can bridge the gap between clinical practice and research.

'It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.' 

(Mark Twain)

Biography

About me

I am employed as a senior lecturer in clinical trials at Keele University. I qualified as a physiotherapist in 1998 from the University of Leeds and worked clinically in the UK NHS and private sector for a number of years. In 2007 I entered academia as a senior lecturer in physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University before moving to the University of Sheffield in 2011 to take up a research post.

In 2014 I completed a PhD relating to the assessment and management of rotator cuff tendinopathy. In addition to this I have  also undertaken further post-graduate clinical training as well as a Master’s Degree in Health Services Research and a Postgraduate certificate in Learning & Teaching in Higher Education.

I have, and continue to, lecture and facilitate courses across the UK, Europe and Australia. 

I have published widely in the field of musculoskeletal disorders and research methods, examples  include:

Littlewood C, Bateman M, Brown K, Bury J, Mawson S, May S, Walters S (2016). A self-managed single exercise programme versus usual physiotherapytreatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial (the SELF study). Clinical Rehabilitation, 30(7), 686-696.

Littlewood C, Malliaras P, Chance-Larsen K (2015). Therapeutic exercise for rotator cuff tendinopathy;a systematic review of contextual factors and prescription parameters. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 38(2), 95-106.

Littlewood C, Bateman M, Clark D, Selfe J, Watkinson D, Walton M, Funk L (2015). Rehabilitationfollowing repair of the rotator cuff: a systematic review. Shoulder & Elbow, 7, 115-124.

Littlewood C & Bateman M (2015). Rehabilitation following repair of the rotator cuff: a surveyof current UK practice. Shoulder & Elbow, 7, 193-204.

Littlewood C, Malliaras P, Mawson S, May S, Walters S (2014). Self-managed exercise versus usualphysiotherapy treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a pilot randomisedcontrolled trial. Physiotherapy, 100, 54-60.

Littlewood C, Malliaras P, Mawson S, May S, Walters S (2014). Patients with rotator cuff tendinopathycan self-manage, but with certain caveats: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy, 100, 80-85.

Littlewood C, May S, Walters S (2013). A review of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of conservative interventions for rotator cuff disorders. Shoulder & Elbow, 5(3), 151-167.

Littlewood C, Malliaras P, Bateman M, Stace R, May S, Walters S (2013). The central nervous system - an additional consideration in 'rotatorcuff tendinopathy' and a potential basis for understanding response to loadedtherapeutic exercise. Manual Therapy, 18, 468-472.