This is my next-to-last editorial. I had such a difficult time trying to figure out what I wanted to write. There were too many choices and I realized, sadly, that the privilege of writing JNPT editorials was coming to a close. I wanted to write about so many things. I have been thinking of conflict-of-interest challenges that are posed to Section leaders, the threats of brain imaging when applied commercially, and carbon footprints. All of these heady topics will be set aside for a positive look at the journal.
The journal continues to renew itself. After many years of service as a founding member of the Editorial Board, Dr. Margaret Schenkman has stepped down as an Associate Editor. We cannot thank her enough for her essential contributions to the growth and health of JNPT. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Lee Dibble will fill the empty position as Associate Editor. The smooth transition represents the continuity and growth of the journal. Please see the separate announcement with Dr. Dibble's credentials (see page 146).
The journal continues to grow. For the first time in our history, we have color images in one of our articles. It is also the first time that we are publishing an article that contains fMRI images. Of course, color and brain images do go together well! Please see the article by Dr. Theresa Jacobson Kimberley and colleagues to enjoy the color along with the findings.
The journal has another first. For the first time in our history, we are publishing an article that originated with researchers in South Africa. Consistent with our strategic plan to be the international journal of neurologic physical therapy, this issue contains an article on language motor and cognitive delays in HIV-positive South African infants.
The journal continues to supplement text with what we hope are useful videos. The report on torso-weighting for an individual with multiple sclerosis and ataxia is accompanied by five videos that richly illustrate Cynthia Horn-Gibson's clinical observations. Please find these videos on http://JNPTextra.org.
The journal continues to describe and enhance practice. The article by Andrews and colleagues documents the tests and measures used by expert physical therapists as they examine individuals post-stroke. The article by Bowden and colleagues applies the ICF model to examine an individual post-SCI. The emphasis on participation-level measures is an important evolution in the examination and intervention in neurologic physical therapy. Use of the ICF was modeled at III Step and JNPT has continued to serve as a vehicle to translate the ideas from III Step to a broader audience and in turn influence practice.
The journal is always improving its dissemination capabilities. We also now have the capability of online publication ahead of print. Look for e-mail alerts of upcoming publications.
In the five years that we have had our new name the journal has maintained continuity of the quality of Neurology Report and continued to grow as JNPT.