How Do Physiotherapists Treat People with Knee Osteoarthritis and their evidence awareness: A cross-sectional survey among Indian Physiotherapists

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based practice in the field of physiotherapy is of utmost importance and is the way ahead. Physiotherapists' knowledge of evidence in terms of assessment and management of knee OA may influence the implementation of evidence-based practice. However, physiotherapist’s practice patterns are usually based on their professional experience or expert opinions. The present study aimed to explore the evidence awareness among Indian physiotherapists and identify their practice patterns in patients with knee OA. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Indian physiotherapists. The survey was designed using current clinical practice guidelines and previously published similar studies. The survey consisted of three sections: (1) demographic details, (2) questions related to evidence awareness, (3) questions related to the practice patterns of Indian physiotherapists. The evidence awareness and practice patterns of physiotherapists were explored. Results: A total of 165 responses were received and analyzed. Most participants perceived footwear modifications (21.2%) and resistance exercises (44.2%) as having very strong evidence. Range of motion assessment and functional assessment was regarded as a must during the patient's initial visit. In terms of management strategies majority of the participants considered patient education (n=122), strengthening exercises (n=81), and therapeutic ultrasound (n=79) as their treatment of choice. Conclusion: Most physiotherapist assessment strategies were aimed at identifying impairments in patients. In line with the clinical practice guidelines, most physiotherapists use patient education and strengthening exercises to treat patients with knee OA. However, treatment modalities like ultrasound, TENS, and dry needling, which lack scientific support, are still being used by the physiotherapist. There is a lack of coherence between physiotherapists' evidence awareness and their choice of management strategies. KEY WORDS: Knee, Osteoarthritis, Survey, Resistance exercises.