Statistical inference through estimation: recommendations from the International Society of Physiotherapy Journal Editors

Abstract

Null hypothesis statistical tests are often conducted in healthcare research [1], including in the physiotherapy field [2]. Despite their widespread use, null hypothesis statistical tests have important limitations. This co-published editorial explains statistical inference using null hypothesis statistical tests and the problems inherent to this approach; examines an alternative approach for statistical inference (known as estimation); and encourages readers of physiotherapy research to become familiar with estimation methods and how the results are interpreted.