Call for Abstracts

VPTA Fall Summit – Submission Deadline: September 22, 2018

The VPTA Research Committee is currently accepting abstracts for consideration for poster presentations at the Fall Summit, November 3, 2018, in Richmond.

Presentation Categories (taken from the APTA call for abstracts)

• Research Report

Presents original scientific data collected by the author(s) using any established research format; both experimental and non-experimental designs, may be used (e.g., case studies, clinical trials, descriptive studies, single-subject designs, qualitative methods, etc.).

• Special Interest Report

Presents unique and innovative concepts, ideas, devices or products developed to meet the special needs of physical therapy; the ways in which these reports can be expressed include case reports, case studies and reports of projects. Emphasis should be on the unique and innovative nature of the concept or idea presented.

• Theory Report

Presents a theory, idea, concept or model that describes a foundation for the practice of physical therapy. For additional information on theory, see Krebs DE, Harris SR. Elements of theory presentations in physical therapy. Phys Ther. 1988;68:690-693.

Submission Guidelines

Presentation Format

• Poster Presentation: Reports are summarized on a large poster (48” x 36”) using concise and easily readable text to present the key components of the project. Posters must be able to stand on a table using a tri-fold poster board or similar structure provided by the author. Posters are set up in one area and will be on display for a set time during the conference. Authors will have an assigned time block to stand with the poster and answer questions from participants who are walking through the poster presentation area.

Abstract Format

• Research Report must include the following information/subheadings: Purpose, Background/Significance, Subjects, Methods and Materials, Analyses, Results, Conclusions, Funding Source
• Special Interest Report must include the following information/subheadings unless it is a case study/report: Purpose, Foundation (What is the underlying basis for the report?), Description (What methods, materials and principles did the project involve?), Observations, Conclusions, Funding Source
• Case Report or Series must include the following information/subheadings: Purpose, Background/Significance, Subject(s), Methods, Outcomes, Discussion, Conclusion, Funding Source
• Theory Report must include the following information/subheadings: Theory (Describe the theory, idea, concept, or model), Phenomenon (Describe the phenomenon the theory proposes to explain, predict, or describe), Purpose (What is the major reason for developing the theory presented?), Evidence (Briefly summarize the evidence or experience that supports the theory), Testable Hypotheses (Give examples of testable hypotheses or propositions derived from the theory, idea, concept, or model), Importance (What is the importance of the theory to physical therapy?), Funding Source

Abstract Submission Deadline is September 22, 2018

Submission Requirements
Submit two copies of the abstract electronically to the research chair; one with information identifying the author(s) and contact person, and one blinded (no identifying information). Please indicate if the abstract is student, professional or academic research. The abstract should be no more than 300 words. The electronic file must be compatible with Microsoft Word.

Note: The “blinded” copy of the abstract will be used for review by the committee. For all accepted presentations, the abstract with author identifying information will be posted on the VPTA website as a public acknowledgement of the presentation.

Evaluation and Selection of Abstracts

The VPTA Research Committee peer reviews all abstracts. Abstracts are selected on the basis of compliance with the content and format requirements, intelligibility of the abstract, and the importance of the information as it relates to physical therapy.

Notification

Notification of the committee’s decision will occur via email no later than October 22, 2018.

Contact Amanda Miller Avila, PT, DPT, WCS with any questions.

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