Sean, think and look around you. What are you in PT for? Is there anything in the profession you are curious about? Anything in the stuff that you have learned you want to know more about? Anything you were taught that you do not believe or trust? Anything a prof said that sounded like nonsense? A part of human function you haven't learned about? A part of human function you want to know more about?
And lastly, when you have too many ideas, talk to a prof: they will know quite well what your particular school finds sexy as a subject.
Posts: 101
From: boynton beach, fl
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Functional outcomes that are clinically valid for being a predictor of adverse events are FANTASTIC research projects. For example, a new test that has validity as a fall predictor, a dyspnea impact rating that predicts re-hospitalizations or independence in ADL, a quick fine motor test that can be done without special equipment that predicts ability to button, zipper, etc. I have a million more. This is where the focus of all therapy is these days.
The goal of research program is mostly to prepare critical thinkers and independent researchers so as to further expand the knowledge base of the physical therapy profession. Ph.D programs are often done through an integrated approach which enhances the student's capacities to critically review scientific literature, formulate questions, devise hypotheses, and test those hypotheses using valid and reliable research designs. You can choose the very controversial topic about ultrasound-'Does ultrasound really does any help'. Other topics include 'eccentric loading in tendonopathies', 'constraint induced therapy in stroke' and the very common 'use of robotics in gait training'. For choosing a research topic, you need to understand the aspects of a particular career very well. I think the site http://physicaltherapycolleges.org/ would help you in getting some details.
< Message edited by Alice Cooper -- December 23, 2011 5:54:06 AM >