Exploring high-priority research questions in physical therapy using the Delphi study

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this preliminary investigation was to obtain a professional consensus regarding current high-priority research questions (RQs) in the field of physical therapy. [Subjects and Methods] The Delphi method was utilized for 46 physical therapists (39 male, 7 female) who had obtained a master's degree in rehabilitation science from the University of Tsukuba. Subjects were asked to quickly list up to three current high-priority RQs in the field of physical therapy. [Results] A total of 20 questionnaires were returned, and 53 RQs were obtained in total for the study. The highest-ranking RQ was, "Is the difference between natural recovery and the effect of the treatment intervention clear?" [Conclusion] High-ranking RQs were influenced by the background of the promotion of Evidence-Based Medicine in recent years.