Ateneo - UPO

- Introduction to scientific research: definition, importance in physical therapy practice, types of research (qualitative, quantitative, mixed).
- Research methodologies: experiments, observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analysis.
- Study design: hypothesis formulation, variables, control group, sampling.
- Data collection and analysis: collection techniques, software for statistical analysis, interpretation of results.
- Ethics in research: informed consent, privacy, ethics committee approval.
- Scientific paper writing: structure of a paper, peer review, presentation of results.

- Materials provided by the lecturer
- “Evidence-Based Physiotherapy” Rob Herbert, Gro Jamtvedt
Kare Birger Hagen, Judy Mead

Provide students with the skills to understand and apply the principles of scientific research in the field of physical therapy.
- Acquire skills to analyze and evaluate the methodological quality of studies, both experimental and observational
- Develop the ability to design and conduct a research study, choosing the method best suited to the type of clinical question.
- Ability to analyze and interpret collected data critically, using appropriate statistical tools.
- Prepare students for writing scientific papers.

- Basic knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
- Familiarity with bibliographic research techniques.
- Knowledge of basic statistical principles.
- Knowledge of major treatment methodologies in physical therapy.

- Group Work and Discussions
- Formal Lesson
- Flipped Classroom
- Learning by Doing

Written test. Questions with multiple-choice answers

1. Definition of research and difference between different types of literature
o Introduction to scientific research
o Distinction between basic, applied and translational research
o Types of scientific literature: primary, secondary, gray
2. History and definition of Evidence Based Practice (EBP)
o Concept of EBP and its evolution
o The importance of EBP in modern physical therapy
o Practical applications of EBP in physical therapy
3. Construction of the research question
o PICO model (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)
o How to construct an effective research question
o Practical examples of research questions in physical therapy
4. Consultation of major biomedical databases
o Tools for literature search (PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, etc.).
o How to effectively search and select relevant articles
o Using keywords and filters to refine searches
5. Primary studies: experimental studies
o Definition and characteristics of experimental studies
o Randomized clinical trials (RCTs): design and application in physical therapy
6. Assessment of the methodological quality of experimental studies
o Evaluation criteria (internal and external validity, bias,)
o Tools for assessing the methodological quality of RCTs
7. Basic statistics for reading primary studies
o Basic statistical concepts: mean, standard deviation, p-value, confidence interval
o Common statistical tests in physical therapy (t-test, ANOVA, chi-square, etc.)
o We interpret the results of studies
8. Secondary studies: systematic reviews and meta-analyses
o Definition of systematic review and meta-analysis
o Differences between narrative review and systematic review
o Meta-analysis as a tool for combining data
9. Primary studies: observational studies
o Characteristics of observational studies: cohort, case-control, cross-sectional studies
o Applications and limitations of observational studies in physical therapy
10. Assessment of the methodological quality of observational studies
o Tools for assessing the quality of observational studies.
o Understanding limitations and bias in observational studies
11. Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews
o Tools for assessing the quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
o Critical issues and limitations in literature synthesis

1. Knowledge and Understanding
o Students will gain a solid understanding of the main methods of scientific research applied to physical therapy. They will be able to distinguish between different types of studies (experimental, observational, systematic reviews, etc.) and understand their characteristics, advantages and limitations.
o Students will be able to explain the key concepts of Evidence Based Practice (EBP) and how to apply them in clinical practice.
o They will be able to evaluate the methodological quality of primary studies (experimental and observational) and secondary studies (systematic reviews and meta-analyses), identifying potential biases and limitations.
2. Ability to Design a Research
o Students will be able to formulate a clear and precise research question, using the PICO model, and design an appropriate research study to answer the question.
3. Development of Communication and Collaborative Skills.
o Students will improve their ability to work in groups, discussing, collaborating and confronting each other on issues related to scientific research.
o They will be able to clearly and accurately present the results of their analysis, both in written and oral form, with particular attention to the quality of scientific writing.