Which of the following refers to interventions used in physical therapy that are based on reliable and valid research?

Evidence-based practice refers to the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise and patient values to facilitate decisions about patient care. In physical therapy, this means utilizing interventions and treatment plans that are grounded in reliable and valid research findings. This approach ensures that practitioners are not merely relying on personal experience or outdated procedures, but rather on the most current and scientifically supported evidence for effective treatment.

This practice enhances treatment outcomes and patient safety by adhering to methods that have demonstrated efficacy through rigorous scientific studies. By prioritizing interventions that are evidence-based, therapists are better equipped to deliver high-quality care.

In contrast, clinical protocols typically outline specific procedures or steps to follow in certain scenarios but may not necessarily be derived from the most current research. Best practices can refer to the most effective methods used in the field but are broader and may not always be substantiated by rigorous research. Standard procedures are guidelines meant to provide consistency in care but may lack the basis in recent evidence that evidence-based practice emphasizes.