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Survey Paper | Physiotherapy | Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026 | Pages: 1068 - 1075 | India
What do Physiotherapy Undergraduate Students Feel about Research? A Survey of Perception, Attitude, Intention, and Engagement
Abstract: Research is an essential part of modern physiotherapy and plays a major role in shaping the clinical, academic, and professional identity of physiotherapists (PT). In India, physiotherapy education has undergone significant changes in recent years, with universities updating their curriculum to include research methodology, biostatistics, project work, and scientific writing. This study is intend to understand what undergraduate PT students feel about doing research in their third and final year, what challenges they think they might encounter and what benefits they feel they may achieve in doing their research project. Methods: The Qualitative study population comprised of 3rd and 4th year BPT students enrolled in recognized physiotherapy colleges who met the eligibility criteria and consented to participate in the study. A total of 111 undergraduate physiotherapy students participated in the study. The samplecomprised60% female (n=67) and 40% male (n=44) respondents. Interns of age, 36% of students were between 18-20 years, 45% were aged 21-23, and 19% were 24 years or older. Each item was measured using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Agree to 5 = Strongly Disagree), with lower mean scores indicating stronger agreement or more favorable responses. Results: The results highlight a commendable level of awareness and a positive mindset towards the role of research in professional growth and evidence-based practice. Students are not only open to engaging with research but also show genuine interest in contributing to it- given the right support and environment. However, emotional barriers such as uncertainty and a lack of confidence continue to impact their readiness to participate fully. While the intention to engage in research is strong, actual hands-on involvement remains limited.
Keywords: Perception, Attitude, Intention, and Engagement, Research, BPT students
How to Cite?: Arthi T, S. Rajachitra. , Rahul Mondal, Dr. B. S. Santhosh Kanna, V. B. Jayakumar, "What do Physiotherapy Undergraduate Students Feel about Research? A Survey of Perception, Attitude, Intention, and Engagement", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1068-1075, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26917150054, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26917150054