Special Issue Guest Editorial: Basic and Applied Physiology Research

Abstract

In this issue, the Journal brings readers a special issue in Basic Science and Applied Physiology Research with 4 original research reports. This is the beginning of a new section in our journal dedicated to physical therapists performing research in Basic Sciences and Applied Physiology. Producing high-level basic and applied physiological research is an important way to move the physical therapy profession forward.1 Although there are several physical therapists producing high-level research in this area, they often publish findings in Basic Science or Applied Physiology journals that are normally beyond clinical areas. With this special issue and the new section in the journal, the journal is closing the gap of knowledge by bringing high-level basic and applied physiological research to clinicians so that together we can advance the profession to improve the health of society. In this issue, Wooten et al consider carbon dioxide expiration and respiratory buffering as 2 potential important factors for performance fatigability. As hypothesized, both carbon dioxide expiration and respiratory buffering, measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, are good predictors of the changes that aerobic exercise training produces in performance fatigability.2,3 In addition, Rogers-Bosh et al bring an interesting feasibility study to introduce High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in stroke survivors. In this study, the authors used treadmill HIIT, twice weekly in 17 adults with chronic stroke. They found that participants had a great attendance and that an exercise training program of such characteristics is feasible.3 Finally, Gurovich et al5 provide a novel methodology to measure carotid and brachial artery blood flow during exercise in vivo using vascular ultrasound. The methods they describe are important because most studies investigating exercise-induced endothelial sheer stress (ESS) are conducted in vitro or using in vivo models that do not account for the normal pulsatile nature of blood flow. Their findings help add to our understanding of exercise-induced ESS that forms the basis for some of the physiological benefits of exercise on vascular and endothelial function. In addition, this issue features the launch of the official CPTJ video methods library. This online resource will provide brief video descriptions of techniques included in the methods section of accepted publications. This was created to help remove the “black box” of intervention studies and improve translation to clinical practice. More specific to the current issue and section, this library also provides readers with a clearer understanding of research methods that may be novel to them. It may also help readers gain an understanding of how data were produced and collected for a given study. Our hope is that this exposure may encourage readers to consider using techniques and methods featured in these videos for future scientific inquiries. The first 3 videos are on Pulse Wave Analysis, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests, which are featured in the publications for this issue. Future video resources will be submitted as supplements by authors of accepted publication following the review process described on the forthcoming CPTJ Video Methods Library webpage. The journal is very excited about this new special issue and section, especially because the reception from multiple institutions was very well received. There are several more original research reports in the pipeline to continue offering high-level Basic Sciences and Applied Physiology research to our readers.