Implementation science methods can bridge the 17 year research-practice gap in infant neuromotor developmentClosing the 17 year gap in infant physical therapy care

This perspective piece addresses the significant research-practice gap in pediatric rehabilitation, specifically noting an average delay of 17 years between the discovery of evidence and its integration into clinical care for infants with neuromotor development delays. The authors argue that this gap hinders the timely delivery of effective interventions.

To address this, the authors propose using implementation science methods to operationalize clinical-research concepts. Proposed strategies include flexible dosage delivery, adaptation of existing resources, structured stakeholder review, standardized training protocols, and systematic fidelity monitoring. These methods are intended to create a scalable framework for translating evidence into routine practice.

While the piece does not provide primary clinical outcome data, it highlights a specific methodology to improve the reach of evidence-based practices. The practical relevance lies in the potential to improve the consistency and reach of physical therapy for infants. However, as a perspective piece, the findings are conceptual rather than based on a primary trial or systematic review of clinical outcomes.