Master's theses at UKBB

Title of the Master's thesis
Does wearing foot orthoses improve gait stability and quality of life in children with Down syndrome?

Project management
Prof. Dr med. Dr sci. Heide Elke Viehweger, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB)

Support
Dr Anne-Constance Franz, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB)

Background
Children with Down syndrome often have foot deformities (especially flat feet) and general joint hypermobility. This leads to instability when walking, increased muscular strain and can impair everyday mobility and quality of life. Orthopaedic foot orthoses (insoles, foot or ankle orthoses) are used to improve stability. However, little research has been carried out into their actual influence on gait and quality of life.

Objectives of the Master's thesis
As part of a clinical study at the UKBB, the aim is to investigate whether and how wearing orthopaedic foot orthoses:

• influences the stability of the gait of children with Down syndrome
• is associated with the children's quality of life

Methodology

• Performance and evaluation of instrumental gait analyses (with and without orthoses)
• Collection of questionnaire data on quality of life and motor function
• Statistical analysis and interpretation of the collected data

Expected tasks of the Master's thesis

• Literature research on orthotic treatment for trisomy 21
• Support with data collection (clinical examination, gait analysis, questionnaires)
• Data preparation and analysis (e.g. with SPSS, R or comparable statistical software)
• Interpretation of the results in a clinical and scientific context
• Writing up the results as part of the Master's thesis

Requirements for students

• Interest in clinical research and working with children
• Knowledge of statistics and willingness to familiarise yourself with gait analysis
• Ability to work in a team and careful working methods

General conditions

• Location: University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), Centre for Movement Analysis
• Start: by arrangement

Contact:
Prof Elke Viehweger:
Secretariat:

Topic
Exhaled breath analysis in hospitalised children with obstructive bronchitis and bronchiolitis

There is the opportunity to work on the study at UKBB for six months as a Master's student or doctoral candidate.

The study should start in September / October 2025. During the study, children with obstructive bronchitis and bronchiolitis who are hospitalised at UKBB will be measured using a special measurement method (mass spectrometry). The aim of the study is to use metabolic profiles in exhaled air to predict the duration of hospitalisation.

The tasks of the person sought include

• Recruitment of children on the paediatric ward
• Filling out the questionnaire with the parents
• Entering certain data into the database
• Collaboration in analysing the data and writing a manuscript

The possibilities and skills learnt therefore include

• Insights into the UKBB, clinic and research
• Database structure and management
• Further cooperation, which can be extended to a dissertation

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Fabienne Decrue report.

Master's thesis: Patient-centred design of paediatric research

• Department: Paediatric Research Centre (PFZ), University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB)
• Period: Q2/2026 - Q3/2027
• Type of work: Patient-oriented Master's thesis
• Goal: To orientate research processes in paediatrics and adolescent medicine towards the patient

About the Master's thesis:
This Master's thesis is embedded in an ongoing project on the user-friendliness of the digital consent process (e-consent) in paediatric research. The student will be actively involved in recruitment, information sessions, digital consultations (telephone/video) and data collection. He/she will work closely with clinicians, researchers, study nurses and the data science team. Through participation in recruitment, education and digital consultations, there is intensive contact with children, adolescents and their guardians. Within the project there is the opportunity to work independently on a scientific question. Supervision is provided by PD Dr Tatjana Welzel and Prof Dr Julia Bielicki.

What we offer:

• Close scientific supervision
• Structured introduction to clinical research with practical research experience
• Direct patient contact with adolescents and parents - integration into an interdisciplinary team Paediatric Research Centre (PFZ) | UKBB
• Possibility to formulate and work on your own questions

Prerequisites:

• Enrolment in the Master's programme in Human Medicine Basel
• Good knowledge of German
• Interest in patient-centred research and digital medicine
• Ability to work in a team and communication skills

Application:
If you are interested, please send a short CV and a motivation statement to: