Moving balance and mobility evidence in to action: a primer in knowledge translation

Abstract

Knowledge generated by research into the control of posture and gait has many implications for individuals with balance and mobility impairments. Communicating such knowledge through conference presentations and peer-reviewed manuscripts is appropriate for some audiences, but does not effectively reach all potential knowledge users (for example: clinicians, policy-makers, and the public). Expanding interest in promoting evidence-based decision-making and practice to ensure that research results reach the target end-user has lead to the emergence of the field of knowledge translation (KT). The focus of KT is to improve the dissemination and uptake of knowledge in decision-making, and is grounded in a number of theoretical frameworks and its own rapidly expanding literature base. As many general principles of KT can be applied to the optimization of balance and mobility, the purpose of this review is to serve as a primer for gait and posture researchers. Two major models of KT are summarized: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Roadmap and Knowledge-to-Action Framework. The principles outlined in these frameworks are applied to guidelines to assist researchers with developing their own evidence-based KT strategies. Examples of balance and mobility-specific KT activities are provided when appropriate, but there is a need for more studies that attempt to use evidence-based KT strategies to change practice in this particular field.