Research Requirements

The ability to consume and produce research is an inherent element of graduate education. Lecture and laboratory work in this program are designed to foster the development of the necessary skills to both consume and produce research. PT6270, Research Methods I (first semester) and PT6271, Research Methods II (second semester) consist of material covering critical analysis, research design, and statistics. In addition, students will be required to complete a clinically relevant research project. The project designs will vary from year to year but will typically be one of the following: synthesis research (systematic review, scoping review, or narrative review), a secondary analysis of previously collected data, or primary research involving human subjects.

Each research project is developed by an individual faculty member or a Faculty Research Advisory Committee. If required, the research proposal will have already received approval from the Clinical Investigations Committee, Institutional Review Board, and the Commander of Brooke Army Medical Center. At the beginning of the program, the faculty research mentors will present their respective projects to the students. Students will then be assigned to one of the research projects in groups of three to four.

During the first semester, students complete literature review summary tables that summarize the literature relevant to the research project. Data collection is primarily conducted during the second semester. Analysis and interpretation of data occurs subsequently. The third semester is reserved for the preparation of multiple research dissemination products including: an abstract, a poster presentation, a platform presentation, and a final manuscript. All deliverables associated with the research curriculum are completed prior to beginning the clinical internship.

Research deliverables are graded as both an individual and a group effort. The grading is designed such that all students must demonstrate an understanding of their faculty-directed project, as well as adherence to sound scientific principles.

Class of 2025 Research Projects

1. The Use of Neurodynamic Techniques in the Treatment of Upper Extremity Neuromuscular Conditions: A Scoping Review
2. Criteria to Determine Readiness for Running in Service Members after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Scoping Review
3. The Use of Real-Time Biofeedback During Gait Retraining for Modifying Gait Mechanics and Patient Outcomes between Patients with Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury: A Narrative Literature Review
4. Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Indicators Used to Identify Femoral Neck Bone Stress Injuries: A Scoping Review
5. Ultrasound Assessment of Dry Needling Accuracy in Physical Therapy Students
6. A Pilot Questionnaire Regarding Virtual Physical Therapy Experiences in a Military Outpatient Setting
7. A protocol investigating the relationship between strength, proprioception, psychosocial factors, and asymmetries in lower extremity biomechanics post ACL reconstruction
8. Changes in self-efficacy associated with dry needling education among entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy students: a mixed methods study

Class of 2026 Research Projects

1. Surveying Military Physical Therapists’ Criteria for Assessing Running Readiness in Service Members Post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Protocol
2. A Descriptive Analysis of Military Physical Therapy Continuity of Care and Management of Patients with Low Back Pain
3. Meaning Matters: A scoping review on the role of purpose in life in musculoskeletal health and physical function
4. Determining alteration in turning tasks speed while wearing an external load using wearable sensors: A secondary analysis
5. A Wearable Assessment of Rehabilitation with Electroneurography (AWARE): Informing Quantitative Ankle Return-to-Duty Decisions
6. Physical Therapist Attitudes and Beliefs to Participating in Distal Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in Relation to Experience and Certifications: A Qualitative Study
7. Student Perspectives of Integrating a Formal Clinical Reasoning Tool During Doctor of Physical Therapy Didactic Instruction
8. Does Position Matter When Applying Mechanical Lumbar Traction? A Scoping Review

Class of 2027 Research Projects

1. Criteria Being Used to Determine Readiness for Running in Soldiers after ACLR
2. Exploring the Utilization of Advanced Clinical Privileging in DHA Physical Therapy:  Lab Studies
3. Association of Personality with Healthcare Utilization in Competitive and Recreational Athletes
4. External Validation of Gait Disorientation Test
5. Impact of Unified Didactic Curriculum on Student and Clinical Intern Satisfaction and Licensure Preparedness
6. A Scoping Review of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Among Male Military Members