Advancing Allied Health Professions Through Research: Celebrating AHP Day on October 14th

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) play a crucial role in healthcare, and researchers based at the Centre for Trials Research (CTR) have been at the forefront of developing and testing new treatments that AHPs provide and lead to improved functioning and health related quality of life. Over the years, our team has worked with expert AHPs from around the world to design and deliver research with impact for people living with long term conditions. On this AHP Day, we want to highlight some of our most important research contributions that AHP’s have made.

Improving Care for Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, and Osteoarthritis

Our researchers have partnered with occupational therapists to study how sensory integration therapy can help autistic children with sensory issues. We’ve also created and tested digital tools, including a web-based programme for people with progressive Multiple Sclerosis to stay physically active.

Currently, we’re working with physiotherapists to test the benefits of a wellbeing support treatment t for older adults with osteoarthritis through the TIPTOE trial. This trial is actively recruiting participants from across the UK. We’re supporting the evaluation of a samba percussion activity, designed by and for people with Parkinson’s Disease, called SParky Samba.

Mental Health and Therapy Innovations

Our team has worked with art therapists to assess the benefits of art psychotherapy for people with learning disabilities in secure care settings. We’ve also collaborated with clinical psychologists and speech and language therapists to evaluate a programme called Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) for families of young children with learning disabilities. Additionally, we’ve worked closely with autistic adults and their families to adapt anxiety therapies for people with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. This work has been essential in helping children and adults with learning disabilities and their families manage emotional and social challenges, improving their mental health.

Groundbreaking Physiotherapy Research

A major highlight of our research was collaborating with a global team to publish the first clinical guidelines for using physiotherapy to manage Huntington’s disease. This milestone came after over a decade of research by our Cardiff team, which focused on improving the quality of life for people living with this serious neurological condition. Our work in this area has won awards, including the Best Publication of 2013 in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy.

Leading Research on Long Covid

One of our most recent successes is the LISTEN Long Covid trial. This trial involved 24 healthcare sites across England and Wales and studied 554 adults. It compared a personalised self-management programme with standard NHS care. The results showed that people who participated in the LISTEN programme experienced improvements in their daily activities, emotional wellbeing, fatigue, and overall quality of life. This research highlights how personalised support can make a real difference for people living with Long Covid.

As we celebrate AHP Day, we want to thank our partners and supporters who have made these research projects possible. Together, we continue to improve healthcare for patients everywhere.