Research is a systematic process of investigation with thepurpose of contribution to the body of knowledge that helps to shape and guide an academic and/or clinical discipline. This study ir;vestigated the participation level of selected Nigerian physio­ therapists  in clinical research. Clinicphysiotherapists from one orthopaedic, 4 teaching and 2 general hospitals in south western Nigeria participated in this study. A 21-item, structured , close-ended questionnaire was used to obtain information such as: research training and publication history; beliefs and attitudes of respondents  to research. Factors hindering or facilitating their participation in research were also investigated . Data  were analysed using mean and frequency percentage. Seventy-two (72%) duly completed question­ naires were returned . Sixty-nine (95.8%) of the respondents had research training and  submitted dissertations at their undergraduate training level; 31 (43%) had never done any post-basic research work, while only 14 (19.4 %) had had one or more publications in professional journals. Lack  of research funds (83. 7%), poor library facilities (65.3%), lack of necessary equipment (62.2%), time constraints (55.I %), and  lack  of  prerequisite training to carry out research work (16.3%) were some  of thefactors  that hindered  their participation in research. The study  concluded that Nigerian physio­ therapists appreciate the relevance of research to their clinical practice, in spite of the rather low level of participation. It was recommended that clinicians should be encouraged to undergo postgraduate training , and attend seminars and workshops to sharpen their research skills. It is also important that they are well educated about the possibilities of simple non e..q. uipment-based  clinical studies.

 

Key words: Clinical research, postgraduate training, academic   physiotherapy teacher,   physiotherapy clinicians.