Clinical trials in neurorehabilitation

Abstract

The clinical trial is essential to testing efficacy and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Neurorehabilitation presents unique challenges in the execution of clinical trials due to the complexity of both human interface with complex interventions and clinical/research staff interaction. Attention to key elements, recruitment, retention, treatment fidelity, and control intervention selection, contributes to successful conduct of a trial. Alternatives to the randomized controlled trial and outcome measure selection are important considerations contributing to the merit of the trial. While clinical trial outcomes contribute to the scientific evidence, their true value and impact comes in the next step, translation to clinical practice and the improvement of patient outcomes and qualify of life. Translation of evidence into practice may best be achieved via partnerships of scientists, clinicians, and administrators resulting in a dynamic interface between science and practice, the laboratory, and the clinic.