The UST Center for Health Research and Movement Sciences (CHRMS) conducted a symposium that focused on research methods in rehabilitation sciences. Held on February 26, 2025, at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center Auditorium, Advancing Research Methods in Rehabilitation Sciences Symposium provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, featuring insightful discussions led by researchers from the research center. The symposium addressed critical topics such as AI in critical appraisal, systematic reviews, mobile health applications, and evidence summaries.
The symposium commenced with a welcome message from the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Rev. Fr. Jannel N. Abogado, O.P., D.Th.Pat.Sc., who underscored the university’s commitment to advancing research methodologies that drive innovation in rehabilitation sciences. He emphasized that collaboration and technology are pivotal in shaping the future of healthcare research and practice.
Asst. Prof. Lyle Patrick D. Tangcuangco, MSPT, PTRP, delivered an insightful talk on “Appraising the Future: Where AI Meets Expertise.” He explored how AI can enhance the critical appraisal process in evidence-based practice, emphasizing both its potential and ethical considerations in clinical research.
“AI can assist in research, but the human element remains irreplaceable—our expertise in context, ethics, and interpretation is what makes evidence-based practice truly meaningful,” noted Tangcuangco.
Asst. Prof. Nikka Karla R. Santos, O.T.D., and Mr. Jon Timothy M. Rivero, M.Sc., led the session on “Data-Driven Decisions: Systematic Review for Evidence-Based Healthcare.” Their discussion highlighted the evolving methodologies in systematic reviews and how they shape healthcare policies and patient care.
Santos noted that evidence-based healthcare is “not only doing evidence generation” as it involves other components such as systematic review and evidence summaries. “Together with evidence transfer and evidence implementation, we would need all these components to be able to improve global health and achieve health equity,” said Santos.
Rivero also noted that systematic reviews are an essential step for us to attain quality healthcare for all Filipinos.
With the goal of redefining rehabilitation through better accessibility, engagement, and effectiveness for patients, Asst. Prof. Ma. Roxanne L. Fernandez, Ph.D., introduced the “Calf Raise iOS Mobile Application,” a research-driven innovation designed to enhance rehabilitation through digitization. The session highlighted how mobile health applications can bridge the gap between traditional rehabilitation and modern technology, empowering both clinicians and patients with tools that optimize recovery and improve long-term outcomes.
In the final session, Prof. Valentin C. Dones III, Ph.D., delivered an in-depth discussion titled “From Synthesis to Impact: Writing JBI Evidence Summaries for Effective Evidence Implementation.” He highlighted the importance of concise, well-structured evidence summaries in influencing clinical decision-making.
“The research question should be formulated based on the needs of key stakeholders, such as clinics, hospitals, or patients. A well-defined research question is crucial, as it guides the search for relevant articles that need to be synthesized. The resulting synthesized evidence becomes valuable and applicable to stakeholders, ensuring that research findings address their specific concerns and contribute to informed decision-making.” Dones stated.
The Advancing Research Methods in Rehabilitation Sciences Symposium reinforced UST’s role as a leader in rehabilitation research and innovation. By bringing together experts and students, the event contributed to building a stronger research culture, fostering collaborations, and inspiring future advancements in rehabilitation sciences.
As the symposium concluded, CHRMS Research Supervisor Dr. Ivan Neil Gomez, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of continued research engagement: “At this age of artificial intelligence, my colleagues at CHRMS are a testament that nothing can replace human intelligence… While we thank the past supervisors for paving the way, we also encourage our students to continue what CHRMS has started and take part in shaping and re-shaping the landscape of health research and movement science.”
The symposium’s success highlights the growing influence of AI, systematic reviews, and digital health in shaping the future of rehabilitation sciences. The symposium was held alongside the 2025 Research Fortnight on Artificial Intelligence in Research and Innovation under the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation.
