The Daemen College Physical Therapy Department held its annual “Evidence Based Practice Clinical Research Symposium” on Dec. 11. 
The event showcased the work of third-year professional doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students who presented their capstone research projects. Each project consisted of a final manuscript suitable for submission to a scientific journal.
The symposium has a rich tradition at Daemen, as it is the culmination of three semesters of clinical research coursework by students with a faculty mentor.
More than 250 students, faculty, clinical instructors, and family members gathered at the event, which began with a keynote address from Laura Edsberg, director of the Natural and Health Sciences Research Center and a professor of natural sciences at Daemen.
Clinicians who attended the event earned four contact hours of continuing education credit that was approved through the New York State Board of Physical Therapy. 
“This event is extremely important for students as it allows the clinical community and colleagues, families, and friends an opportunity to see the fruits of their labor and the interesting findings they obtained,” said Michael Ross, associate professor of physical therapy at Daemen.
“Evidence based practice, known as EBP – the integration of research evidence, patient perspectives, and clinical expertise – has become a gold standard for physical therapist education and clinical practice around the world,” said Ross. “The results of these projects integrate all aspects of EBP and are imperative in informing best clinical practice patterns to optimize patient outcomes.”
Some of the topics explored this year included:
- Academic predictors for first-time success on the National Physical Therapy Examination;
- Reliability of backwards gait analysis and the standardized walking obstacle course outcome measures;
- The impact of COVID-19 on exercise behaviors of older adults with and without neuromuscular disorders;
- Effects of common childhood health conditions on children’s balance abilities;
- Screening for deep vein thrombosis during the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for the profession of physical therapy