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International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders ®

Congress

Clinical Research Methodology Workshop

Sunday, October 4, 2026  |  13:00 - 17:00
Presented by the MDS Clinical Research Methodology Special Interest Group
Conference Room E3, Level 3

In this in-depth interactive workshop, analyze the most frequent methodological pitfalls in movement disorders research and learn practical strategies to improve study design, choose effective outcome measures, and accurately interpret results.

Schedule

Chairs: Camila Aquino, Canada; Joaquim Ferreira, Portugal 


Framing Lecture: Essentials of Movement Disorders Research 
Camila Aquino, Canada 
 

Module 1: Designing a Clinical Study
Formulating a research question using structured frameworks (PICOT, FINER criteria); choosing appropriate study designs (cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, RCTs); defining study objectives and eligibility criteria; practical considerations for study implementation including funding, team roles, participant reimbursement, and resource planning
Joaquim Ferreira, Portugal

Interactive Exercise: Design a basic research protocol for a movement disorders question
 

Module 2: Choosing Outcome Measures
Clinical scales in movement disorders; psychometric properties (validity, reliability, responsiveness); alignment of outcomes with research questions and disease stage
Anette Schrag, United Kingdom 

Interactive Exercise: Select appropriate outcome measures for a clinical scenario 
 

Module 3: Common Errors and Bias in Movement Disorders Research
Confounding and selection bias; underpowered studies and misinterpretation of p-values; endpoint switching and selective reporting; overinterpretation of exploratory analyses
Camila Aquino, Canada

Interactive Exercise: Identify bias and methodological flaws in an abstract, and rewrite a flawed research aim 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:

Framing Session 

  1. Recognize the most frequent methodological weaknesses in movement disorders research and explain why robust study design, appropriate outcome selection, and accurate interpretation of results are essential for clinical impact. 

Module 1: Designing a Clinical Study 

  1. Formulate a clear, answerable research question using structured frameworks such as PICOT and evaluate its quality against established criteria such as FINER (Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant). 
  2. Differentiate between key study designs (for example, cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, and randomized controlled trials) and identify when each is appropriate for a given movement disorder research question. 
  3. Develop a basic research protocol including study objectives, target population, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and feasibility considerations. 
  4. Identify practical considerations for study implementation, including funding strategies, team roles and responsibilities, participant reimbursement, and resource planning to ensure a protocol is not only scientifically sound but also operationally viable. 

Module 2: Choosing Outcome Measures 

  1. Identify and select appropriate clinical outcome measures and scales tailored to the specific movement disorder and research question under study. 
  2. Evaluate the psychometric properties of outcome measures, including validity, reliability, and responsiveness, to ensure accurate and meaningful assessment. 
  3. Align outcome selection with the research question, disease stage, and study design, and recognize limitations in predefined outcome strategies. 

Module 3: Common Errors and Bias in Movement Disorders Research 

  1. Recognize common sources of bias in movement disorders research, including confounding, selection bias, and information bias. 
  2. Identify methodological flaws in published research, including underpowered studies, misinterpretation of p-values, endpoint switching, and selective reporting. 
  3. Critically appraise a research abstract to detect bias and methodological weaknesses, and rewrite flawed research aims to improve clarity, feasibility, and validity. 

Synthesis 

  1. Apply a practical checklist of recommended and discouraged practices covering study design, outcome selection, bias avoidance, and interpretation of results to support both the design and critical appraisal of clinical research in movement disorders.

Register for the International Congress to attend. 
Access to this event is included. No additional fee or RSVP required. 

Register now