earticle

영어

Single-subject experimental design (SSED) is one of the most suitable research methods to fill the gap of experimental research in the field of neurorehabilitation. The biggest difference between the SSED and other research designs is that each research subject serves as their own control during the experimental process, allowing for the verification of treatment effects. Originally, in the SSED, the term 'single subject' means that each research subject acts as 'their own control.' In the SSED experiments, data are repeatedly recorded for each subject in two or three phases (baseline phase and intervention phase), and the intervention effect for each subject is verified by comparing data patterns between these phases. A replication strategy through repeated measurements is suggested in the SSED to address potential threats to internal and external validity. The SSED is considered an important and powerful method for demonstrating treatment effects and improving treatment content in the field of neurorehabilitation. In particular, the SSED is suitable for clarifying intervention effects for rare neurological diseases and provides evidence-based results necessary to develope neurorehabilitation interventions. Because it can be easily applied to various situations in neurorehabilitation settings, the SSED is considered a cost-effective research design. The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of the SSED research methodology among all professionals in the field of neurorehabilitation and to provide practical advice for designing and implementing SSEDs in clinical practice.