Statistical inference through estimation: recommendations from the International Society of Physiotherapy Journal Editors

Abstract

Null hypothesis statistical tests are often conducted in healthcare research [1], including in the physiotherapy field [2]. Despite their widespread use, null hypothesis statistical tests have important limitations. This co-published editorial explains statistical inference using null hypothesis statistical tests and the problems inherent to this approach; examines an alternative approach for statistical inference (known as estimation); and encourages readers of physiotherapy research to become familiar with estimation methods and how the results are interpreted. It also advises researchers that some physiotherapy journals that are members of the International Society of Physiotherapy Journal Editors (ISPJE) will be expecting manuscripts to use estimation methods instead of null hypothesis statistical tests.