APTA Submits Statement To Federal Committee Urging Enhanced Focus On Rehabilitation Research
August 17, 2007 – 1:23 pm | posted in RehabilitationThe federal government should place a higher priority on funding research on rehabilitation therapy, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in a statement given August 14 to the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR). The recent testimony follows a report to Congress released by ICDR earlier this year emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation research to physical therapists and patients.
“Physical therapist researchers have a substantial opportunity to improve the health and safety of Americans through scientific investigation,” G Kelley Fitzgerald, PT, PhD, OCS, told the panel. “APTA believes that, with our nation’s changing demographics and overall health status, an emphasis on effective rehabilitation interventions supported by evidence will continue to be essential.”
APTA outlined four key areas requiring focus by federal authorities:
– Increased funding for studies investigating effective dosages of physical rehabilitation therapies,
– Enhanced opportunities for training new scientists in rehabilitation and disability research,
– Collaboration with other federal agencies to reduce payment limits on clinical research, and
– Exploration of alternative research designs beyond randomized controlled trials.
Fitzgerald cited the magnitude of health problems requiring rehabilitation services in justifying the need for a greater focus on disability research.
“Disabilities, particularly musculoskeletal conditions, cost over $50 billion to society and affect more than 1 in 10 persons,” Fitzgerald said. “This cost and incidence warrant investment in research to study interventions that can improve disabled individuals’ quality of life and function at home and in the community.”
The four areas of study cited Aug 14 complement six areas APTA recommended for greater attention in testimony before ICDR on May 23, 2006. The six areas of research commented on at that time were: secondary impairments associated with disease and dysfunction, technology and interdisciplinary collaboration, enhanced concentration on longitudinal studies, research to investigate the impact of aging and disability, leadership in developing quality indicators in rehabilitation, and advancing prevention research to enhance quality of life. These issues continue to be top priorities for physical therapist researchers.
Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
The American Physical Therapy Association is a national organization representing nearly 70,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research. Consumers can access “Find a PT” to find a physical therapist in their area, as well as physical therapy news and information at http://www.apta.org/consumer.
The Interagency Committee on Disability Research facilitates the effective exchange of information on disability and rehabilitation research activities among its 70-plus member agencies.
http://www.icdr.us
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