Background: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid and comprehensive response from the global healthcare community, with physiotherapists playing a crucial role in managing patients affected by the virus. Physiotherapy researchers had to navigate their research projects through an unprecedented global event. The emergence of post-COVID-19 condition has further extended the scope of challenges these professionals face, necessitating a re-evaluation of clinical practices and research methodologies. The unanticipated burden on healthcare systems worldwide highlighted a pressing need for specialised training, adaptation to unprecedented clinical demands, and the flexibility of research paradigms within physiotherapy.

Objectives: This thesis sought to: (i) elucidate the clinical management strategies employed by physiotherapists for patients with COVID-19 in hospital settings during the pandemic; (ii) uncover the personal and professional repercussions experienced by physiotherapists; (iii) investigate the impacts on physiotherapy research within Australia; (iv) suggest strategies to alleviate pandemic-related effects on research; (v) identify ongoing symptoms and physical impairments in post-COVID-19 condition sufferers; (vi) examine the correlation between various health outcomes and post-COVID-19 condition symptoms; and (vii) determine the potential improvement of post-COVID-19 condition symptoms over time without intervention. [...]