Daring to conduct randomised studies using new, and at that time somewhat controversial, treatment methods was novel among physiotherapy activities in primary care. The studies led to a new working model in behavioural medicine whereby the patient’s own highly valued goals formed the basis for training new behaviours and mindsets. Combined with individualised physical training, this proved to be an effective way to increase the capacity for activity and reduce pain in patients.
“In my clinical practice, I met many patients with chronic pain,” explains Åsenlöf. “My research idea was based on patients’ individual circumstances, goals and wishes instead of pinpointing and relieving symptoms of various issues, which was a common focus at the time. We tailored treatments early on and worked with each individual’s unique profile.”
Unique physiotherapy training
Åsenlöf's line of research has contributed to Uppsala University now running a physiotherapy programme with a focus on behavioural medicine. This is a unique approach that has attracted the interest of many universities around the world.
“Our students learn to work in an integrated manner on medicine and psychology,” says Åsenlöf. “It’s a matter of how to teach and maintain health-promoting behaviours, whether that means working on prevention or caring for the seriously ill. Students will be equipped to meet the challenges faced by physiotherapists in today’s society.”
Physiotherapy is a broad field of application. With an increasing number of doctoral students in the research team, studies have been carried out on topics such as obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity, cancer, whiplash injuries, chronic and acute pain, and pain in children and adolescents.
“We have also adapted the treatment for work-related rehabilitation,” says Åsenlöf. By going to workplaces and simultaneously training both the supervisor and the patient with pain, we want to facilitate the return to work after a period of sick leave.
“This inspires me to urgently challenge myself to make a difference to individuals affected by chronic, difficult-to-treat conditions, but also to work alongside both wise and experienced colleagues and in particular young colleagues who have so much to offer.”
Young women’s mental health
Mental ill health is on the rise in Sweden and other countries. Due to her leadership and experience in bringing together researchers from different disciplines, Åsenlöf was appointed to lead the UPIC research programme, which addresses the challenge of understanding and preventing mental ill health among young women.
“Every day we see alarming figures about young women in society who, by definition, do not suffer from serious psychiatric illness but are still feeling bad and suffering from mental ill health,” notes Åsenlöf. “This is a long-term study and an important societal challenge for us researchers to address.”
The research programme combines traditional knowledge, theories and methodologies from different disciplines. The aim is to build a national lifetime cohort to understand, among other things, what contributes to and what protects young women from mental health problems.
“These young women – as well as the men – are our future. We need to understand how we can stimulate health-promoting contexts for those who need them in good time before things become serious, and not medicalise things that require interventions in other social arenas than healthcare, for instance,” concludes Åsenlöf.
Cecilia Yates
