Opportunities in rehabilitation research

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development convened a group of experts (authors on this guest editorial) to identify key rehabilitation research opportunities. Our first task was to examine the important themes of rehabilitation research to serve as a guide to the identification process. Rehabilitation research encompasses a broad field of disciplines and methodologies covering the full spectrum of basic to applied science. Important themes for rehabilitation research include prevention, improvement, restoration, and replacement of underdeveloped or deteriorating function [1]. The use of the term “function” refers to the level of impairment, activity, and participation as defined by the World Health Organization [2]. An anonymous reviewer of this editorial noted that rehabilitation researchers are practitioners and investigators of the “science of recovery.” Rehabilitation research operates within three domains of investigation: (1) physiological function (molecule, cell, tissue, and organs), (2) physical and mental function, and (3) social and community integration and design and delivery of rehabilitation services [3]. In defining areas of research opportunity, we do not intend to suggest an exclusive focus on the proposed topics and we fully support other creative approaches. Within each of the three domains of investigation identified previously, this editorial provides examples and highlights areas of interest but does not fully describe each potential research area of interest, nor does it cover all areas.