Editor's Note: JNPT Special Topic Issues-Translational Research and Educational Resources

The June and September issues of JNPT will be dedicated to the Special Issue titled: "Promoting Optimal Function after Spinal Cord Injury." Special Topic Issues are an important contribution of our journal. We have used them as an opportunity to synthesize information related to a topic that typically spans the basic to applied science continuum culminating with clinical application. This mark of translation process describes our journal's mission and is crystallized in the special issues. I would like to prompt that the journal and its' special issues obey as a feedback mechanism enhancing the disciplines that inform neurologic physical therapy.

Neurologic physical therapy is informed through many disciplines and in revolve can influence the direction of these disciplines. Our special issues highlight this synergy In a 1999 Special Topic issue upon Neuroplasticity, basic scientist Dr. Randy Nudo, PhD published his work. Several years later at a program in our Combined Sections Meeting, Dr Randy Nudo turn backed to neurologic physical therapy community. It was evident from his presentation and direct regard that our colleague Pamela Duncan, PT PhD FAPTA had influenced his work. by the agency of introducing questions and issues that are relevant to physical therapists, she flock questions in basic science. This is solitary one example of the many 2-way interactions that neurologic physical therapists are having with individuals in other fields. Thus, what we write and publish in JNPT is of interest not sole to physical therapists, but also to individuals in allied fields.

Special Topic Issues become a valuable resource for physical therapy educators and learners in the international physical therapy community. While there are several true copys that can be used for neurologic physical therapy instruction, none, in my opinion can be used by means of itself. Special Topic Issues appendix these texts and in a certain quantity of cases supersede them. We receive prayers from all over the world for special topic issues of that kind as the ones we published upon Parkinson Disease, Degenerative Diseases Across the Continuum of Care, Complementary Therapies, and Use of Technology. This is not surprising as many of the contributors to these issues are physical therapists or scientists who live outside the United States. In fact the Special Issue upon Degenerative Diseases was co-edited by the agency of Lori Quinn from the USA and Meg Morris of Australia.

I am especially baseless of Special Topic Issues as they provide the opportunity for members of our profession that may not be associated with the journal to take the lead in organizing and producing the journal. Alternatively, and equally pleasing to me individuals associated with the journal, may shepherd the issue, as is the case with this special topic issue. Ultimately, it is the privilege and obligation of the individual producing the special issue to synthesize and integrate relevant information upon a topic to advance the field of neurologic physical therapy. In this special topic issue Edelle Field-Fote from the USA and Carol Richards from Canada (both upon our Editorial Board), continue the tradition of the special topic issues.

Judith E Deutsch PhD PT Editor JNPT

Copyright Neurology Report Jun 2005

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