Physical Therapy Research: Principles and Applications ed 2.

Physical Therapy Research: Principles and Applications, ed 2

Domholdt E. Philadelphia, PA 19106, WB Saunders Co, 2000, paperback, 536 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7216-6963-8, $41.

This book covers the principles of research and their application, which physical therapists need to understand in order to be consumers and producers of research. The book is divided into 8 sections and 6 comprehensive appendixes. The length of each section varies, ranging from 2 to 6 chapters. Each chapter starts with an outline of topics covered and ends with a list of references. The author creatively uses figures and tables to emphasize points made in the concise and easy-to-understand text. The author uses the terminology in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice.

Section 1 addresses the fundamentals of research, including the history of research in physical therapy, theory, and ethical issues. The author uses current clinical issues in physical therapy to explain the abstract theory and the relationship between theory and clinical research.

Section 2 provides an overview of how the research problem is identified, hypothesis testing, basic research design, issues related to research validity, and sampling. The author presents an introduction of quantitative, qualitative, and single-subject design. Sections 3 and 4 discuss research design in detail. She uses physical therapy examples to explain internal, construct, and external validity. The chapter on sample selection, assignment, and size gives the reader an overview of issues related to sampling. However, despite the additional information regarding power analysis in chapter 22, the reader may still need to consult a more detailed source in order to estimate the actual sample size needed for a specific study.

Section 3 covers experimental designs commonly used by physical therapy researchers, including single-factor, multiple-factor, and single-subject research designs. Section 4 has been revised extensively in the second edition. The author presents information on nonexperimental research designs, including the quantitative case study, qualitative research designs, epidemiology, outcomes research, and survey research. Chapter 14 introduces the reader to epidemiology. The chapter on outcomes research presents the Nagi framework of disability, a number of measurement tools used in outcomes research, database research, and analysis issues. Considering that the physical therapy profession needs to present evidence to support current standards of practice, the information presented on outcomes research is timely.

Section 5 addresses issues related to measurement in physical therapy research, including validity and reliability, and different measurement tools. The author presents a comprehensive list of measurement tools that are organized into 11 groups based on the examination section of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. At least one test is listed in each tests and measures group, with a general description of how the test is performed and a reference. Two hundred thirty-six references are listed in the chapter on measurement tools, which should help the reader identify a specific test.

Section 6 gives an overview of basic statistical concepts and methods. The author uses a large number of figures and tables to explain statistical concepts. Although the figures were quite helpful, the author's attempts to explain mathematical formulas by words and examples listed in the tables may be difficult to follow.

Section 7 gives the reader information about critically reading professional literature. The objective of this section is for the reader to become an educated consumer of research. I found chapter 25, which discusses conducting a literature search using different sources, to be very helpful. The author takes the reader through different types of literature searches: searching a single journal, searching multiple journals, and finally using a database in a library. The author also uses an example that evaluates 7 articles related to continuous passive motion after total knee arthroplasty.

Section 8 presents the steps for preparing a research proposal, conducting a study, and preparing a manuscript for publication. The information presented is very concise and practical. The steps suggested in this section could be very helpful in producing a publishable research article. The part of chapter 27 that discusses how to obtain funding to support research is very helpful for new physical therapy researchers.

In the appendixes, the author presents a random numbers table and a table of areas for one-tailed normal curves. In addition to listing guidelines for preparing a journal article, the author also presents a sample manuscript and a sample slide presentation with notes for verbal presentation.

This book will be very helpful to physical therapist students, practicing physical therapists, and other health care professionals as a reference textbook and a source of information for becoming a consumer of research. Information presented in the appendixes will help the reader prepare a manuscript or a slide presentation. The section on statistics, however, is quite basic and general, and it may not be sufficient for physical therapists who need step-by-step instructions or more advanced techniques. Information on preparing a publishable research article and obtaining research funds will be helpful to physical therapists who wish to pursue a research career.

Wen Ling, PT, PhD
New York University
New York, NY

Dr Ling is Chairperson and Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Her research interests include movement analysis, pediatric physical therapy, and measurement of muscle function.