Asghar Khan.
Importance of Research in Physical Therapy Rehabilitation.
J Riphah Coll Rehab Sci Jan ;01(01):01-01.

Physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals are the important health care team members and have their significant role to play in the rehabilitation of patients. 20 years back in Pakistan, it was impossible for a bilateral below or above knee amputee to live an independent and productive life but it is possible now. Similarly with other multiple conditions and disabilities people can live a decent life. The progress and inn ovation in the rehabilitation sciences was made possible because of the scientific research in the field. The purpose of the Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences (JRCRS) is to provide opportunity for the rehabilitation professionals to share their ideas and research work with their colleagues and other members of the health care team to provide better health care for their patients. All the rehabilitation disciplines are not fully established yet in Pakistan but proceeding gradually towards professionalism. It was a paradigm shift in the physical therapy profession in Pakistan to move towards the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2007 which will produce graduates who will be competent enough to assess, evaluate and diagnose movement dysfunctions due to injuries or diseases. The direct access also increases the responsibilities of the physical therapists that their care should be evidence based, so it is now compulsory to introduce a research culture in the country for the rehabilitation disciplines. The universities always play significant role in the development of different professions. In Pakistan the credit goes to Riphah international University Islamabad. It not only has started the innovative programs in the rehabilitation sciences bu t also supports the research work in the field. Many studies have been conducted in different parts of the globe on various topics but there are many factors which could affect the outcome of the studies e.g. environment, cultural norms and religious belie fs. The research work here in the country could be more beneficial for a better care and the professional team of JRCRS is committed to conduct studies on various topics in the local communities and share their research findings with their colleagues, other health care professionals and the general public to create awareness about the effectiveness of the physical intervention for various conditions. I hope that the JRCRS will provide a platform to all the rehabilitation professionals to share their work and research findings with their colleagues, other health care professionals and the general public.

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