Development of a clinical physical therapy research program.

Clinical physical therapy research is important for the continued growth of the physical therapy profession. Such research results in improved patient care and heightens the professional standing of the physical therapy field. One of the major barriers to clinical physical therapy research is unfamiliarity with the research process by practicing physical therapists. The purpose of this article is to present a model for developing a clinical physical therapy research program that may assist novice investigators interested in initiating clinical physical therapy research at their facility.