What do Finnish physiotherapists and physiotherapy students know about the neurophysiology of pain? The Finnish version of the revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Understanding the concept of pain and its underlying biological mechanisms is an essential part of physiotherapists’ professional knowledge. Objectives The first aim of the study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire into Finnish (RNPQ-FI) and to evaluate its reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability) in a sample of Finnish physiotherapists and physiotherapy students. The second aim was to compare the knowledge of pain neurophysiology between these two groups. Methods Translation and cross-cultural adaptation followed the COSMIN Study Design checklist. Participants (202 physiotherapists and 97 physiotherapy students) completed an online survey containing RNPQ-FI. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability using Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1). Results Cronbach’s alpha was 0.44 and ICC was 0.70 (p < .001). The mean percentage of correct responses was 61.4% for physiotherapists and 62.1% for students. Forty-seven percent of the physiotherapists and 35.1% of the students reported difficulties in understanding the items. A higher amount of pain education was associated with higher RNPQ-FI scores. Conclusions The RNPQ-FI showed low internal consistency and moderate test-retest reliability among Finnish physiotherapists and physiotherapy students. Physiotherapists and students had equal amount of pain neurophysiology knowledge. Pain education is encouraged.