KT Strategies Database - Search Results

The objectives of the study were to understand physical therapists' methods of assessing walking ability in stroke patients, their rationale for selecting methods, and how assessment results are utilized in clinical practice. Use of standardized assessment techniques is a key component of evidence-based rehabilitation. Previous research in this area suggests physical therapists often do not utilize standardized assessments of walking with their stroke patients. Pattison, K. et al. hoped to gain a deeper understanding of physical therapists' approaches to walking assessment in order to support the translation of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies to clinical practice in the future. The study gathered qualitative data through semi-structured phone interviews with physical therapists in Ontario, Canada. The findings suggest physical therapists consider a range of factors to varying degrees when choosing an assessment of walking in stroke patients. Physical therapists' self-reports indicated that familiarity with an assessment method was the most common factor participants considered when choosing a walking assessment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25929532