Survey of the clinical practices of physiotherapists for the management of post-stroke fatigue.

Abstract

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common condition among stroke survivors. However, evidence supporting the effective clinical management of PSF is insufficient. Our objectives were to examine the clinical practices of physiotherapists for the management of PSF and evaluate their clinical knowledge and confidence in managing PSF. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey of the sociodemographic profiles of participating physiotherapists, their current clinical practices, clinical knowledge, confidence in their clinical management of PSF, and the types and intensity of the exercises used in the management of PSF. A total of 160 physiotherapists completed the survey: 86 (53.8%) were women, 148 (92.5%) were Saudi nationals, 126 (78.7%) were employed by the Ministry of Health, and 34 (21.3%) worked in the private sector. The majority (60%) of physiotherapists did not routinely assess their patients for the presence of fatigue. Likewise, 93 (58.1%) did not provide any PSF-related educational material to their patients; however, 67 (41.9%) did provide these materials. The preferred exercises of the physiotherapists for their patients were bed and chair exercises (59.5%), followed by functional training (51.4%), and resistance training (23.1%). Our results suggest that while physiotherapists practicing in Saudi Arabia have a sound theoretical understanding of PSF management, their knowledge does not necessarily translate into practice. Interventions used to treat PSF include bed and chair exercises, functional training, and resistance training.