A survey of research publications in the SA Journal of Physiotherapy 1984 — 1988

Abstract

Following a two-year survey of current research at the eight University Physiotherapy Departments in South Africa, the major articles published in the South African Journal of Physiotherapy over the last five years were reviewed to establish authorship, research methodology and subject matter covered. It was found that of the total of 81 papers published during this time, 25 (30,9%) were produced by University Physiotherapy Departments. The first authors of the remaining 56 papers were physiotherapists employed elsewhere (41,1%); doctors/dentists (25,0%); other members of the allied medical disciplines (10,7%), other professionals (12,5%), and authors with unspecified qualifications (10,7%). Of the 25 articles written by University Physiotherapy Department authors, there were more descriptive papers (72,0%) than experimental (16,0%) or clinical reports (12,0%) or surveys (0,0%), and there were more articles on education/administration (36,0%) than on any other topic. Of the 56 papers published by non-University authors, there were again more descriptive articles (76,8%) than experimental (12,5%) or clinical reports (1,8%) or surveys (8,9%). These findings suggest a need for more scientifically orientated research, such as clinical and experimental trials, and for the publication, in the South African Journal of Physiotherapy, of more of the research projects of the University Physiotherapy Departments.