Lived experiences of physical therapists treating traumatic knee injury using integrated psychological training (MOTIFS): a qualitative interview study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The novel Motor Imagery to Facilitate Sensorimotor Re-Learning (MOTIFS) training model, which began development in 2018, integrates psychological training into physical rehabilitation in knee-injured people. Objective This qualitative interview study aims to understand, interpret, and describe how physical therapists perceive using the MOTIFS Model. Methods One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with six physical therapists familiar with the MOTIFS model and eight with experience with care-as-usual training only, analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results Two major themes were generated in the MOTIFS group: 1) “MOTIFS increases psychological focus during rehabilitation training”; and 2) “Care-as-Usual training is mainly physical, and lacks the necessary psychological focus.” Physical therapists perceived structured methods of addressing psychological factors, such as using imagery to influence patients’ motivation, fear, and preparation for return to activity. Three major themes were generated in the Care-as-Usual group: 1) “Rehabilitation is mainly to restore physical function”; 2) “Rehabilitation training includes a biopsychosocial interaction”; and 3) “Psychological factors are important to address, but strategies are lacking.” Conclusion Physical therapists perceive MOTIFS as a method of consciously shifting perspective toward an increased focus on psychological factors in knee-injury rehabilitation. Results indicate that a training model with integrated psychological strategies to create more holistic rehabilitation may be beneficial.