Tomasz Włochy

Dr. Tomasz Włochy is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Rehabilitation in Internal Medicine, Faculty of Motor Rehabilitation, University of Physical Education in Krakow (AWF Krakow). He maintains dual appointments at both the University of Physical Education and the Jagiellonian University Medical College, where he works at the 2nd Department of Internal Medicine in various clinical departments including the Intensive Care Unit, Clinical Department of Allergology and Immunology, and Clinical Department of Pulmonology. Since 2020, he has also been working in a ward for Covid-19 patients.

Dr. Włochy obtained his PhD in physical education in 2009 with a thesis on the 'Assessment of basic motor functional ability of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using the modified get-up-and-go test' and his master's degree in physiotherapy in 1994 from the Faculty of Physical Education at the Academy of Physical Education in Krakow.

Dr. Włochy's research focuses primarily on respiratory physiotherapy and pulmonary rehabilitation, with special emphasis on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. His work also extends to functional testing methodologies, phantom limb syndrome, and the application of non-traditional rehabilitation approaches such as subterranean therapy in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. He has developed specialized training in respiratory physiotherapy and has contributed significantly to the development of guidelines for respiratory physiotherapy for adult patients with COVID-19. His research demonstrates how rehabilitation techniques can be adapted to different clinical contexts while maintaining evidence-based practice.

Analysis of Dr. Włochy's publication record reveals a strong focus on pulmonary rehabilitation, with particular attention to innovative approaches such as speleotherapy in salt mines for respiratory conditions. His research also explores the intersection of neurology and rehabilitation, especially regarding phantom limb phenomena and mirror therapy. More recently, his work has addressed the challenges of respiratory rehabilitation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, developing specialized protocols and training materials for healthcare providers.

• Member of the European Respiratory Society (since 2007)
• Member of the Expert Group for Respiratory Rehabilitation of the National Chamber of Physiotherapy (KIF)
• Deputy editor-in-chief of Rehabilitacja Medyczna (since 2001)
• Editorial board member of the Polish Pain Research Society quarterly 'Ból' (since 2000)

Dr. Włochy has supervised numerous master's theses and diploma works, and has served as an auxiliary supervisor for two doctoral theses. He has participated in EU projects focused on improving teaching and research potential in occupational therapy. His clinical work includes conducting specialized training in respiratory physiotherapy and clinical internships across multiple departments at the Jagiellonian University Medical College. He has been instrumental in developing and conducting educational programs, including the 'School for Asthmatic Patients' and specialized courses in chronic respiratory disease rehabilitation. During the pandemic, he prepared and conducted training in the form of a webinar cycle titled 'Physiotherapy for pulmonological patients with COVID-19'.

Dr. Włochy is actively involved in multiple research teams, including the PEDro Polska (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) team as part of the Minister of Science and Higher Education's program. He collaborates with various foundations including the MATIO Foundation for Assistance to Families and Patients with Cystic Fibrosis, and has contributed to developing questionnaires for assessing phantom sensations and creating mirror therapy stations (with a patent pending). His work on the Expert Group for Respiratory Rehabilitation led to the development of guidelines for respiratory physiotherapy for adult patients with COVID-19, which have been widely implemented in Polish healthcare settings.