Vusumuzi Dube
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
RENOWNED Zimbabwean physiotherapist, Precious Madzimbe, who has been on a mission to nurture Zimbabwe’s growing influence in global health, has again made a momentous impact at the ongoing World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 being held in Tokyo, Japan.
As the only physiotherapist representing Zimbabwe at the event, Madzimbe presented his pioneering research at the congress on Friday, making a remarkable impact on the international stage.
His study, titled “Involvement of Fathers and Siblings in Home Rehabilitation Programs: Insights from Rehabilitation Professionals in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe,” explores the often-overlooked roles of fathers and siblings in the home-based rehabilitation of children with neurodevelopmental delays.
Drawing from clinical experiences in Zimbabwe, Madzimbe said the research highlights the critical importance of family engagement in achieving successful therapeutic outcomes.
“The study is designing a model of physiotherapy care that is inclusive of fathers and siblings, which will give Zimbabwe a positive trajectory in quality health,” said Madzimbe.
He said the World Physiotherapy Congress, held biennially, is the premier gathering for physiotherapy professionals worldwide.
The 2025 congress is being hosted by the Japanese Physical Therapy Association and attracted thousands of delegates from over 120 countries.
This year’s congress theme, “Global Innovations in Physiotherapy: Shaping the Future Together,” underscores the event’s focus on collaborative advancements in the field.
Madzimbe’s participation not only showcases his dedication but also positions Zimbabwe as a contributor to global health discourse.
“Being part of this congress is an honour. It provides a platform to share Zimbabwe’s unique approaches to rehabilitation and to learn from
global peers,” said Madzimbe.
He said he envisions establishing a Centre of Excellence for paediatric rehabilitation in Zimbabwe.
“This centre aims to integrate traditional African healing practices with Western and Eastern methodologies, positioning Zimbabwe as a hub
for innovative physiotherapy. Our goal is to blend diverse therapeutic techniques to offer holistic care,” he said.
Madzimbe said his contributions serve as a testament to Zimbabwe’s potential in shaping the future of physiotherapy.
He is head of the paediatric department at Madzimbe and Tsiga Physiotherapy Clinic and a doctoral candidate in paediatric physiotherapy at the University of Cape Town.
He is also an alumnus of the African paediatric fellowship programme, he has received international accolades for his work and remains committed to advancing paediatric rehabilitation in Africa.
“The World Physiotherapy Congress is committed to furthering the physiotherapy profession and improving global health. An important part of our purpose is to further the global physiotherapy profession by supporting our member organisations with information, expertise, and services,” said Madzimbe.
The congress will focus on different aspects of osteoarthritis, including how individuals make sense of their condition, cultural perspectives on osteoarthritis, and how physiotherapists can support patients with osteoarthritis.
The Physiotherapy Congress – 2025 aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.
It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.
Online Reporter