Physical Therapy Department Holds Virtual Evidence Based Practice Clinical Research Symposium

By | December 18, 2020

Zoom screenshot of symposium participantsOn Saturday, Dec.12, the Physical Therapy Department held its annual Evidence Based Practice Clinical Research Symposium event. This year, a virtual format was utilized showcasing the department’s third professional year doctor of physical therapy students as they presented their capstone narrative literature review and research projects.

Some of the topics explored this year include:

  • Yoga as a Complementary Intervention for Motor and Self‐Regulation Impairments in Preschool Aged Children with Developmental Challenges: a Review of the Literature
  • A Literature Review of the Effect of Exercise on Restless Leg Syndrome in Adults
  • Perception of Leadership Attributes, Skills, and Behaviors in Third‐Year Daemen College Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

The Evidence Based Clinical Practice Research Symposium has a rich tradition at Daemen College, as it is the culmination of three semesters of clinical research coursework with a faculty mentor.

For the narrative literature review projects, students’ work included formulating a clinical question; developing an appropriate method to investigate their clinical question; completing a comprehensive review and analysis of the clinical literature; preparing a manuscript suitable for submission to a scientific journal; and presenting at the research symposium event.

For research projects, students’ work included formulating a research question; developing an appropriate method to investigate the question; completing a comprehensive analysis of the clinical literature; developing an appropriate method to investigate their question; writing a human subjects review proposal; data collection and analyses; and preparation of a manuscript suitable for submission to a scientific journal and presenting at the research symposium event.

When asked why this event is important, Michael D. Ross, PT, DHSc, associate professor noted,

“This learning experience is important for students as they have worked very hard on their projects, allowing the clinical community and colleagues, families, and friends an opportunity to see the fruits of their labor and the interesting findings they obtained. Evidence based practice (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. The results of these projects integrate all aspects of EBP and are imperative in informing best clinical practice patterns for recent graduates in their clinical work.”

To explore the Physical Therapy Department on social media, make sure to check out Twitter @DaemenDPT.