Clinical research requires unique methodological considerations for individuals seeking care for a given condition.  Factors such as health related information privacy, perceived confidence in treatment approaches, cultural beliefs and background as well as ethical considerations in developing treatment plans for symptomatic individuals are all unique factors clinical research must understand.  This lab acts as a site where researchers with different experiences and expertise discuss, develop, strategize optimal research designs for this unique subject population.  

Clinical research requires that data collection take place at locations where symptomatic patients present for care.  Therefore, it is essential that equipment and training to utilize this equipment takes place in a location which provides for consistent training applications. The SAM provides standardization in training for improved consistency when data collection does take place on location.  

Data analysis and interpretation is dependent upon the manner and context in which variables are collected.  In a clinical research laboratory, variables are often identified based on examination procedures that are commonly employed in clinical practice.  Therefore, this space acts as a location for researchers to evaluate possible clinical variables, discuss and describe analytical considerations for these variables which are unique to the clinician and clinical patient. 

Research study protocols can often entail very specific steps that must be carried out in a coordinated sequence.  Multiple factors may be considered, including whether a patient can assume a position necessary for a given assessment or if an alternate position is possible.  The SAM acts as a location to discuss, consent process, explanation of the intervention as well as patient concerns. 

Undergraduate and graduate students both seek opportunities for research.  Moreover, many of the students seeking research experiences have plans to go on to professional medical programs such as physical therapy, medicine, etc.  Therefore, the SAM provides research experiences that are clinically relevant.  Students mentored in this lab will better understand the clinical implications associated with clinical research as well as the impact that clinical research can have on patient care.  

Data collection can take place both in the lab as well as local clinic offices, hospitals etc.  However, the equipment associated with clinical research much reside in a singular location where training and protocol development takes place.  Therefore, the SAM lab acts as a space to organize and prioritize utilization of equipment for research studies.