The advance of information technology with governmental support allows researchers to utilize big data to conduct rigorous rehabilitation-related studies in both the United States and Korea. While big data research has been actively conducted in the United States, few Korean rehabilitation scientists currently conduct big data research. In this paper, we discuss the existing rehabilitation-related big data in Korea and introduce the current big data research trends in the United States. In addition, we provide potential research areas by discussing the previous big data studies in the United States, including 1) functional outcomes, 2) geographical variation, 3) linkage of a population-based cohort to hospital data, 4) cross-national comparison, and 5) scale development. We also discuss various statistical methods required in big data research and compare how these methods differ compared to the traditional research methods in rehabilitation research. Lastly, we discuss the importance of workforce development in rehabilitation-related big data research. We hope this paper will provide occupational therapy scientists and clinicians with practical and useful information about big data research and accelerate big data rehabilitation research communities in Korea.

Abstract
Ⅰ. Introduction
Ⅱ. Big Data Comparisons betweenKorea and the United States
Ⅲ. Research Areas
Ⅳ. Statistical Methods in BigData Research
Ⅴ. Applications in OccupationalTherapy
Ⅵ. Workforce Development in BigData Research
Ⅶ. Conclusion
References

• Ickpyo Hong(Dept. of Occupational Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch) Corresponding author
• Meredith F. Shields(Dept. of Occupational Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch)
• Mi Jung Lee(Dept. of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida/Veterans Rural Health Resource Center - Gainesville)
• Riqiea Kitchens(Dept. of Occupational Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch)
• Karen Ratcliff(Dept. of Occupational Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch)
• Timothy A. Reistetter(Dept. of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio)