Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy

Course Type:
Master’s Programme

Programme Introduction

The programme aims to provide physiotherapy graduates with specialized professional skills that allow them to work inpediatric physiotherapy or physiotherapy exercise prescription in different neuromusculoskeletal andcardiorespiratory conditions and also in the promotion and protection of the health of clients and specific populationgroups.
This master offers the opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge and understanding, clinical skills, anddevelop a critical understanding of the scientific basis of physical therapy intervention and the possibility to implementevidence-based practice, considering its effectiveness and benefit.
It also provides the opportunity for students to develop their clinical skills in Pediatric Physiotherapy orPhysiotherapeutic Exercise Prescription in various clinical conditions, critically assess existing knowledge, andcontribute to the research carried out in these clinical areas.

Programme Coordinator

Maria António Ferreira de Castro
coord.mf.ess@ipleiria.pt

School

Health Sciences

City

Leiria

Language

Portuguese

Type

Evening

Length

4 Semesters

Vacancies

General and International student contingent: 40

  • Branch Pediatric Physiotherapy: 20
  • Branch Physiotherapy Exercise Prescription: 20

Notice

Edital 2026 (PT Doc-Ret)

DGES certification

Objectives

Programme

The general objective of the Master’s in Physiotherapy is to in-depth qualify students for the assessment and intervention in Pediatric Physiotherapy or the Physiotherapeutic Exercise Prescription to promote the autonomous, responsible and independent professional practice of Physiotherapy at all levels of intervention in care with a broad,global view based on the best available evidence. The skills and abilities to plan, evaluate and implement the intervention in Physiotherapy are enhanced, as well as the communication of the conclusions, knowledge and reasoning underlying them, clearly and unambiguously.
The training falls within level 7 of the European qualifications framework, allowing the international movement of graduates.

1. Year | 1. Semester – Branch: Pediatric Physiotherapy
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
1 S 6 30 h

Conceptual evaluation supports and analysis of posture, movement, the balance, gait and function .
Instrumentation on the evaluation and analysis of posture, movement, the balance and gait.
Analysis and evaluation of posture, movement, the balance, gait and function
1 S 6 30 h

Principles and fundamentals of physical therapy practice based on evidence
The practice of evidence -based physiotherapy
Levels and types of evidence
The formulation of the clinical question for the research
Elements of Evidence
Questions, theories, and hypotheses
Research design and its relationship with questions about testing and diagnostic measures, prognosis, interventions,and outcomes qualitative studies
Critical appraisal of evidence
Critical appraisal of the quality of evidence on testing and diagnostic measures, prognosis, interventions andoutcomes
Critical appraisal of systematic reviews, clinical trials and clinical guidelines (guidelines)
Implementation of evidence in clinical practice.
1 S 6 30 h

Various topics will be addressed within the scope of assessment and intervention in Physiotherapy, to encouragelifelong learning and critical analysis of evidence, such as (but not limited to):
Epilepsy
Treatment of Neuromuscular Diseases TNMD
Neurological Injury Imaging
Regenerative Medicine
Palliative care; Family and caregivers;
Games and Digital Platforms.
1 S 6 30 h

Know, use and implement the most advanced assessment measures in Pediatric Physiotherapy
Selection and implementation of age-appropriate assessment and diagnostic measures related to:
Sensory functions and pain and measures of movement-related neuromusculoskeletal functions
• Development and motor function
• Integumentary system
• Cardiorespiratory system
Mobility, self-care and home life
• Functional training
• Other areas – global development
Personal and environmental factors that interact with roles, activities and participation
Advanced clinical reasoning in differential diagnosis
1 S 5 25 h

Rethinking Physiotherapy: evolution of pediatric health models
Neurodevelopment and the neural systems underlying Motor Control
Traditional and contemporary neurophysiological approaches and
Relationship between neurodevelopment and functional outcomes
Neural plasticity: applications for Motor Control
Musculoskeletal Considerations in the production and control of movement
Case studies
1 S 4 20 h

Structural and functional characteristics in childhood
Development of cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Prenatal and Postnatal Developmental Disorders
Normal and critical values of clinical parameters at different ages
Evaluation and interpretation of results in pediatric cardiopulmonary physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic intervention in pediatric cardiorespiratory conditions
Promoting healthy lifestyles
1. Year | 1. Semester – Branch: Physiotherapy Exercise Prescription
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
1 S 6 30 h

Conceptual evaluation supports and analysis of posture, movement, the balance, gait and function .
Instrumentation on the evaluation and analysis of posture, movement, the balance and gait.
Analysis and evaluation of posture, movement, the balance, gait and function
1 S 3 15 h

Principles and fundamentals of physical therapy practice based on evidence
The practice of evidence -based physiotherapy
Levels and types of evidence
The formulation of the clinical question for the research
Elements of Evidence
Questions, theories, and hypotheses
Research design and its relationship with questions about testing and diagnostic measures, prognosis, interventions,and outcomes qualitative studies
Critical appraisal of evidence
Critical appraisal of the quality of evidence on testing and diagnostic measures, prognosis, interventions andoutcomes
Critical appraisal of systematic reviews, clinical trials and clinical guidelines (guidelines)
Implementation of evidence in clinical practice.
1 S 6 30 h

Various topics will be addressed within the scope of assessment and intervention in Physiotherapy, to encouragelifelong learning and critical analysis of evidence, such as (but not limited to):
Epilepsy
Treatment of Neuromuscular Diseases TNMD
Neurological Injury Imaging
Regenerative Medicine
Palliative care; Family and caregivers;
Games and Digital Platforms.
1 S 7 35 h

Physiotherapy in health promotion and reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD)
The neuroscience of movement and different theoretical models
Motor control, motor learning and motor development
Physiology and central control of movement and recovery of function
Conceptual model for clinical practice
Motivational factors and adherence to long-term physical activity/exercise programmes
Strategies for Developing Effective Group and Individual Exercise Programs
Components and Levels of Physical Activity/Exercise Prescription
Individual and group teaching techniques for behavior change programs
Adaptation of exercise to individuals with sensory, communication and motor impairments.
1 S 8 40 h

Specificities related to the life cycle in the field of geriatrics, neurology and mental health
The role of physiotherapy in geriatrics, neurology and mental health
Selection and application of assessment instruments and interpretation of results
Therapeutic exercise in the field of geriatrics, neurology and mental health: indications, principles and evidence
Components of physiotherapy intervention programs
Definition of individualised intervention plans – clinical reasoning and decision-making in health promotion and inreducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD)
Interdisciplinary team in patient and family-centered care
Promoting healthy lifestyles and changing behavior.
1. Year | 2. Semester – Branch: Pediatric Physiotherapy
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
2 S 6 30 h

Structure of a research paper
Definition and classification of research methods and designs
Types of sampling, sample size and study power
Types and selection criteria of data collection instruments
Ethical aspects in health research
Analysis and treatment of quantitative data
Qualitative Data Analysis
Written and oral communication of research results
Development of a research project
2 S 6 30 h

Various topics will be addressed within the scope of assessment and intervention in Physiotherapy, in order toencourage lifelong learning and critical analysis of evidence, such as (but not limited to):
Assessment and intervention of preterm infants in the NICU;
Changes in the child’s vision;
Support products: orthoses and prostheses
Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality;
Hydrotherapy;
Regenerative Medicine and Animal Experimentation.
2 S 8 40 h

Structural and functional characteristics in childhood
Development of neuromusculoskeletal, mental genetic metabolic systems
Prenatal and Postnatal Developmental Disorders
Normal and critical values of clinical parameters at different ages
Evaluation and interpretation of results in pediatric neurology, mental health, genetic and metabolic diseases
Physiotherapeutic intervention in pediatric neurology, mental health, genetic and metabolic diseases
Promoting healthy lifestyles
2 S 7 35 h

Structural and functional characteristics in childhood
Development of musculoskeletal systems
Normal and critical values of clinical parameters at different ages
Evaluation and interpretation of results in pediatric musculoskeletal physiotherapy, including amputees
Physiotherapeutic evaluation in pediatric oncology
Physical therapy assessment in sport
Physiotherapeutic intervention in musculoskeletal, oncological and sport conditions
Promoting healthy lifestyles
2 S 3 15 h

Assistive Devices (AD) and Portuguese legislation
• AD in promoting accessibility, functionality, autonomy and communication
• Support Product Allocation System (SPAS)
Professional practice using Support Products.
• AD and the International Functioning, Disability and Health model.
• AD selection, counseling and follow-up
• Insertion in interdisciplinary AD counseling and prescription teams
Support Products – Different Classes and Typologies
• ISO 9999 classification: different AD classes
• Compensation and replacement of deficient functions using AD
• Orthoses: different types
• Biomanufacturing
Affordable computer-based communication and learning support products, software and hardware.
• Computer accessibility and digital contexts
• Augmentative and alternative communication systems (AACS)
• Resource Centers for Inclusion and ICT Resource Centers
1. Year | 2. Semester – Branch: Physiotherapy Exercise Prescription
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
2 S 6 30 h

Structure of a research paper
Definition and classification of research methods and designs
Types of sampling, sample size and study power
Types and selection criteria of data collection instruments
Ethical aspects in health research
Analysis and treatment of quantitative data
Qualitative Data Analysis
Written and oral communication of research results
Development of a research project
2 S 6 30 h

Various topics will be addressed within the scope of assessment and intervention in Physiotherapy, in order toencourage lifelong learning and critical analysis of evidence, such as (but not limited to):
Assessment and intervention of preterm infants in the NICU;
Changes in the child’s vision;
Support products: orthoses and prostheses
Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality;
Hydrotherapy;
Regenerative Medicine and Animal Experimentation.
2 S 9 45 h

Specificities of cardiorespiratory, oncological and metabolic conditions
The role of physiotherapy in cardiorespiratory, oncological and metabolic conditions
Selection and application of assessment instruments and interpretation of results
Therapeutic exercise in cardiorespiratory, oncological and metabolic conditions: indications, principles and evidence
Components of physical therapy intervention programs
Definition of individualized physiotherapy intervention programmes – clinical reasoning and decision making
Interdisciplinary team in patient and family centered care
Promoting healthy lifestyles and changing behavior
2 S 9 45 h

Assessment applied to musculoskeletal, sports and health conditions of women and exercise (body composition,cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and endurance and flexibility)
Principles and objectives of exercise applied to musculoskeletal, sports and women’s health conditions.
General and personalized exercise prescription for musculoskeletal, sports and women’s health conditions:
• Exercise selection
• Heating/cooling
• Frequency
• Intensity
• Time/duration
• Type
• Volume
• Facilitators/barriers
Exercise training programs applied to musculoskeletal, sports and women’s health conditions:
• Individuality
• Reversibility
• Progression
• Overload
• Periodization
• Specificity
Supervision of exercise training programs applied to musculoskeletal, sports and women’s health conditions.
2. Year – Branch: Pediatric Physiotherapy
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
Annual 60 60 h

Original applied investigation dissertation or project work, within Physiotherapy
2. Year – Branch: Physiotherapy Exercise Prescription
ID Name Semester ECTS Length
Annual 60 60 h

Original applied investigation dissertation or project work, within Physiotherapy

Entry Requirements

People who can apply to the Master’s Degree:

  1. Holders of an undergraduate degree or a legal equivalent in Physiotherapy;
  2. Holders of a foreign higher education diploma, granted after a first cycle of studies, under the principles of the Bologna Process, by a State, which has subscribed this Process, in Physiotherapy;
  3. Holders of a foreign higher education diploma that is recognized as meeting the objectives of an undergraduate degree by the Technical and Scientific Council of the School;
  4. Holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum in Physiotherapy, that is recognized as certifying the skills to attend this cycle of studies by the Technical and Scientific Council of the School
  5. Students who are in the process of completing a degree course in physiotherapy and who state this fact in their application).

Accreditation

State: Accredited
Number of years of accreditation: 6
Publication date: 19/05/2022

A3ES Acceditation

More Information

Contacts:
E-mail: studywithus@ipleiria.pt

Online Application

Use the button bellow to start your application.

How to apply

Application Fee

60€

Enrolment Fee

General contingent: 50 €
International student contingent: 100€

Tuition Fee

General contingent: 1140€
International student contingen: 3000€