Compiled with the contributions of Dr. Annamma Varghese, Dr. Supriya Dhumale, Dr. Mayur Tukaram Revadkar, Dr. Mugdha Oberoi, Dr. Hitav Someshwar and Dr. Nirmal Surya .

What are the components of ‘good research’?

The answer to this question is sought after like a prized to do list, where beginners and masters alike wring hands and seek comfort. And why wouldn’t they, the word itself encompasses such a wide assay most lose sight before they start. Our advisors commend the development of a good research question, rooted well in its clinical relevance. While a thorough literature review, statistical analysis and appropriate methodology are the building blocks, a desire to go to the depth of each aspect under study is what pulls you through after all the fine print.

What inspired them to be better researchers?

Answers ranged from deep introspection to hilarious one-liners. The feeling of being part of something bigger than one self. The want of a deeper understanding of the methods used to improve patient performance and function. The educators lay firm emphasis on the role of research as an innovative tool to impart knowledge, the evergreen learners in them speak of the nagging curiosity that pushes them to keep learning- and keep growing. But the motto of, “You either publish, or perish!” is what we’ll be taking home with a smile on our faces.

Which sub-field in physiotherapy is blossoming in the field of research?

Cardio-pulmonary with designing of special intervention devices, musculoskeletal, neurorehabilitation and the role of physiotherapists to find low cost tools of implementation for India, Sports and Community.

What form of research should be encouraged, and why?

Some personal preferences to surveys and randomised control trials emerged, but it was unanimously agreed upon that methods will depend on what the research question is, but systematic reviews with meta-analysis will help to better understand the cumulative effects of research conducted on a particular topic and may open further avenues for research.

 Innovations to improve quality of life in patients, better assessment methods and devices are a call to arms. Surveys are a must to know the extent of a prevalent condition before conducting research on improving it, and play a large part in the field of community health.