Randomized controlled trials in kinesiotherapy

The randomized controlled trial is the most widely accepted research design to test the efficacy (effects) of a clinical intervention. Part I of this paper describes the various design considerations of a Phase III randomized controlled trial: selection and screening of subjects, randomization, control groups, blinding, outcome measurements before and after standardized intervention, and determination of effects. Part II describes and discusses a study on the effects of kinesiotherapy intervention on functional independence. The study's design is compared and contrasted to the ideal design as a learning experience for future clinical researchers. Several recommendations are listed for future researchers.