Majority Of Physiotherapists Research Articles

Rehabilitation in subjects with frozen shoulder: a survey of current (2023) clinical practice of Italian physiotherapists

ObjectiveFrozen Shoulder (FS) is a musculoskeletal pathology that leads to disability, functional decline, and a worsening in quality of life. Physiotherapists are the primary professionals involved in the treatment of FS, and it is essential to determine if their practice aligns with evidence-based suggestions.AimThe aim is to assess the knowledge, skills, and operational strategies of Italian physiotherapists regarding FS and compare them with the existing literature.MethodsA web-based, anonymous, and voluntary cross-sectional survey was developed and administered to Italian physiotherapists to evaluate their clinical practices.ResultsA total of 501 physiotherapists (38.5% female), completed the survey. More than half were under 35 years old (67.8%), declared working in private practice settings or being self-employed (57.1%), and were primarily engaged with musculoskeletal patients (81.8%). For subjects with FS at their first access, 21.4% identified X-rays as the most useful imaging technique to recognize pathologies beyond rehabilitation competence. In terms of general management, the majority reported working with an orthopaedic or physiatrist (47.5%) or in a multidisciplinary team (33.5%). Regarding manual therapy techniques, 63.3% of physiotherapists preferred intense degree mobilization, posterior direction, and moderate pain at the end of the range of motion for low irritable/high stiffness FS; however, there is a lack of consensus for managing very irritable/low stiffness FS. The majority of physiotherapists (57.7%) concurred that stretching improves the balance between metalloproteinase and its inhibitors. Additionally, 48.3% of physiotherapists selected mobile phone videos and messages to improve patients’ compliance with exercises at home and for motivational/educational purposes.Discussion and ConclusionThe clinical practices of Italian physiotherapists in FS subjects sometimes deviate from evidence-based recommendations. While some discrepancies may be attributed to the existing uncertainties in the literature regarding knowledge and management strategies for FS patients, the authors recommend a stronger adherence to evidence-based practice.

Job satisfaction among physiotherapists working as an academician in Gujarat-A cross-sectional study.

Job satisfaction is an integral part of an individual's Professional life. It denotes to the worker's perception of their workplace settings, relationships among fellows, salary as well as endorsement opportunities. To determine job satisfaction among physiotherapists working as academicians in Gujarat, India. A Cross-Sectional Study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was developed on Google Forms and consisted of 15 closed questions, equally distributed on job and career satisfaction, eight of which focused on job satisfaction, and seven on career satisfaction. The socio-demographic factor and work related factor questions were also added to the questionnaire. A total of 102 responses were received and recorded on an Excel spreadsheet for further data analysis. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were performed using SPSS. The respondents from different colleges working in government or private colleges, different age groups, marital status and having children or no children and different years of job experience showed non-significant differences in the job satisfaction (p value>0.05). There was a significant difference in gender and salary the respondents received (p value<0.05). The study revealed that from a total of 26 (100%) male participants, 10 (38.5%) male participants were satisfied and 16 (61.5%) male were dissatisfied, whereas from a total of 76 (100%) female participants, 58 (76.3) female were satisfied and 18 (23.7%) female were dissatisfied. Majority of physiotherapists in the current study were satisfied with their job and career, but different factors need to be considered in order to gain high satisfaction in different factors of job satisfaction. The study also concluded major dissatisfaction in salary. Recognition in the society and research opportunities in India.

Investigation of Physiotherapists’ Awareness and Opinions on Telerehabilitation in Turkey

Background: Physiotherapists (PTs)’ awareness are important factors for both the successful implementation and development of telerehabilitation (TR).&#x0D; Objective: To investigate the awareness and opinions of PTs in Turkey about TR.&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a web-based survey created by researching the literature was administered to PTs in Turkey. The survey consisted of 3 sections: demographic information, awareness, and opinions, and contained 24 questions in total.&#x0D; Results: 237 PTs with an average age of 33.37 ± 9.36 years participated in the study. 76.26% (n=151) of PTs reported that they were aware of TR. The main ways to awareness were scientific meetings (64.90%) and lessons (64.24%). The leading reasons for unaware of TR were that it wasn’t included in the curriculum (85.11%) and wasn’t used at all in the institutions where they worked and/or did their internships (80.85%). It was observed that the majority of PTs (65.7%) never used TR in their clinical practice. The factors limiting the use of TR were mainly reported as lack of knowledge about information and communication technologies (ICT) (87.88%) and patient compliance (82.32%).&#x0D; Conclusion: It was determined that most of the PTs in Turkey were aware of TR but didn’t use TR in their clinical practices. Lack of knowledge about ICT and patient compliance were found to be the main factors limiting the use of TR. We think that the findings of this study may be important for the future of TR in Turkey.

THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS ABOUT GERONTOLOGY

Introduction: Because population aging is a global issue, healthcare practitioners should be educated in gerontology and work with senior patients. People in their third decade encounter new health challenges, which must be addressed adequately. Objective: To examine the knowledge of physiotherapists about gerontology. Subjects and methods: The research was conducted in August 2023. A questionnaire on general characteristics and a Knowledge Test questionnaire on aging and old age were used to collect data. The sample of respondents consists of 80 employed physiotherapists from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data processing was performed using Google Forms and Microsoft Office Excel. Results: The average respondent correctly answered 70.31 % of the questions. They had almost the same amount of right answers regardless of whether they had difficulty working with elderly patients or were familiar with active aging programs. The majority of physiotherapists (96.30 %) agree that gerontology should be discussed more in education and that a one-day gerontology workshop would improve the quality of their work with elderly patients (90.00 %). Conclusion: Physiotherapists who participated in the research showed on average, relatively good level of konwledge in the field of gerontology, but there is room for improvement through a workshop in this field, which most respondts agree would improve their work. Keywords: geriatrics, knowledge, attitude, physical therapists

Awareness, Beliefs and Practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Strategies for Chronic Pain Management Among Physiotherapists

Purpose: To evaluate the awareness, practice and beliefs about CBT strategies for chronic pain management among Physiotherapists. Relevance: Chronic pain can be defined as pain that persists for 3 months or longer and, while not necessarily maladaptive, often leads to physical decline, limited functional ability and emotional distress. CBT has been increasingly used as an effective tool by psychologists in the management of chronic pain that is delivered through individual or group counselling sessions. Cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, activity pacing and good sleep hygiene are a few strategies of cognitive behavioral pain management therapies. There is also increasing evidence that supports the use of CBT strategies by Physiotherapists during their treatment for obtaining a positive outcome for chronic pain patients. Method and Analysis: A Google Form was formulated with relevant questions about awareness, practice and beliefs about CBT strategies for chronic pain. The questionnaire was face validated by 3 independent psychologists who practice CBT for chronic pain in their regular practice. This form was then distributed through various Physiotherapy groups in Bangalore via snowball sampling method. The data obtained from the responses were then complied, decoded and quantitatively analysed through content analysis using the SPSS-22. Result: The result showed strikingly contrasting responses from the Physiotherapists, as even though the majority of them were aware of CBT (34.1%), they applied it relatively less (15.3%). Of 63.5% Physiotherapists believed that pain perception is affected by automatic thoughts, while 52.9% agreed that negative thoughts need to be changed into positive coping thoughts. Around 49.4% of Physiotherapists believe in teaching relaxation techniques to their patients with chronic pain. Activity pacing and good sleep hygiene are important, as believed by 25.9% and 47.1% respectively. Physiotherapists (56.5%) accepted that patient needs to be mindful while exercising. Conclusion: Majority of Physiotherapists are aware and have positive beliefs about CBT strategies for chronic pain management. However, comparatively, we can see variations in the application of CBT strategies in their treatment plan. KEY WORDS: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, chronic pain, Physiotherapy.

Consideration of Psychosocial Factors in Acute Low Back Pain by Physical Therapists.

Clinical guidelines consistently recommend screening psychosocial (PS) factors in patients with low back pain (LBP), regardless of its mechanical nature, as recognized contributors to pain chronicity. However, the ability of physiotherapists (PTs) in identifying these factors remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the current identification of psychosocial risk factors by physical therapists (PTs) and which characteristics of PTs are associated with the identification of the main risk for chronicity (physical or psychosocial). A cross-sectional descriptive study surveying Spanish PTs in public and private health services was conducted, including questions on PT characteristics and three low back pain (LBP) patient vignettes with different biopsychosocial (BPS) clinical presentations. From 484 respondents, the majority of PTs agreed regarding the main risk for chronicity for each vignette (PS 95.7% for vignette A, PS and physical 83.5% for vignette B and PS 66% for vignette C). Female PTs were more likely to rate psychosocial compared with males (p < 0.05). PTs with higher levels of social and emotional intelligence (both, p < 0.05) were more likely to identify the main risk for chronicity. However, only gender and social information processing for vignette A (p = 0.024) and emotional clarity for vignette B (p = 0.006) were able to predict the identification of psychosocial and physical risk, respectively. The main risk for chronicity was correctly identified by a large majority of PTs through patient vignettes. Gender, social and emotional intelligence played a relevant role in the recognition of psychosocial risk and biopsychosocial factors.

Physiotherapists’ experience with online group exercise classes: A nationwide survey

INTRODUCTION: The Covid-19 pandemic provided a research opportunity to explore online group exercise programmes in larger numbers while restrictions on group gatherings were in place. An online survey was conducted with Irish Physiotherapists to ascertain their views on online group exercise programmes and the methods they employed to conduct their online classes in order to guide Physiotherapists with future care delivery. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was employed using a cross-sectional national online survey of Physiotherapists in Ireland. The survey collected both qualitative and quantitative data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the ordinal and continuous data and free-text responses were analysed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: In total, 81 Physiotherapists completed the surveys. The majority of Physiotherapists (62%) feel a blended or hybrid model is the best option for the future. Convenience and decreased travel were cited as the main advantages of online classes. Physiotherapists cited in-person classes as being of higher teaching quality with improved safety and social interaction. Physiotherapists indicated that very little staff or technological resources were needed for their online classes and serious adverse events during the classes were extremely infrequent. CONCLUSION: Online group exercise programmes were well received by Physiotherapists, although the majority of those questioned believe a mixture of both online and in person exercise classes should be offered going forward.

Public sector physiotherapists' organisation and profile: Implications for intensive care service.

Physiotherapists are essential in the management of hospitalised patients. The way in which a physiotherapy service is offered in intensive care units (ICUs) can affect ICU patient outcomes. To provide a clear picture of the organisation and structure of physiotherapy departments, the number and types of ICUs requiring physiotherapy services and the profile of physiotherapists working in South African public-sector central, regional and tertiary hospitals that house Level I-IV ICUs. Cross-sectional survey design using SurveyMonkey, analysed descriptively. One hundred and seventy units (the majority Level I, functioning as mixed [37%, n = 58] and neonatal [22%, n = 37] units) are serviced by 66 physiotherapy departments. The majority of physiotherapists (61.5%, n = 265) were younger than 30 years, had a bachelor's degree (95.1%, n = 408) and were employed in production Level I and community service posts (51%, n = 217) with a physiotherapy-to-hospital-bed ratio of 1:69. Insight into the organisational structure of physiotherapy departments and physiotherapists working in public-sector hospitals with ICU facilities in South Africa was provided. It is evident that physiotherapists employed within this sector are young and early in their career development. The large number of ICUs functioning within these hospitals and high bed-to-physiotherapist ratio is concerning, highlighting the high burden of care within this sector and the possible effect on physiotherapy services in the ICUs. A high burden of care is placed on public-sector hospital-based physiotherapists. The number of senior-level posts within this sector raises concern. It is not clear how the current staffing levels, physiotherapist profile and structure of hospital-based physiotherapy departments affect patient outcomes.

Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs): Use during the physical therapy practice and associated factors

ObjectiveTo assess the current level of routine use of psychosocial-related patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) in physical therapy practice and which physical therapist-level factors are associated with the use of these measurement instruments. MethodsWe conducted an online survey study among Spanish physical therapists involved in the treatment of LBP patients in Public Health Service, Mutual Insurance Companies, and private practice during 2020. Descriptive analyses were conducted for reporting the number and instruments utilized. Thus, sociodemographic and professional features differences between PTs using and not using PROM were analyzed. ResultsFrom 485 physiotherapists completing the questionnaire nationwide, 484 were included. A minority of therapists routinely used psychosocial-related PROMs (13.8%) in LBP patients and only 6.8% did so through standardized measurements instruments. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (28.8%) and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (15.1%) were used most frequently. Physiotherapists working in Andalucía and País Vasco regions, in private practice environments, educated in psychosocial factors evaluation and management, considering psychosocial factors during the clinical practice and expecting patients’ collaborative attitudes demonstrated significantly greater use of PROMS (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThis study showed that the majority of physiotherapists in Spain do not use PROMs for evaluating LBP (86.2%). From those physiotherapists using PROMs, approximately the half use validated instruments such as the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia or the Pain Catastrophizing Scale while the other half limit their evaluation to anamnesis and non-validated questionnaires. Therefore, developing effective strategies to implement and facilitate the use of psychosocial-related PROMs would enhance the evaluation during the clinical practice.

Physiotherapists' Attitudes, and Barriers of Delivering Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation for Patients with Heart Failure in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundCardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) is an effective management approach for heart failure (HF) patients and is delivered by multidisciplinary teams including physiotherapists (PTs). PT attitudes about delivering CR and barriers that might affect referral have not been explored. Thus, this study is aimed to explore PT attitudes about delivering CR programs to patients with HF and identify factors and barriers that might affect referral decisions.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was disseminated to all PTs in Saudi Arabia between 19 February and 27 June, 2022. The characteristics of the respondents were described using descriptive statistics. Percentages and frequencies were used to report categorical variables.ResultsOverall, 553 PTs, 289 (52.30%) male and 264 (47.70%) females, completed the online survey. Of these, 360 (65.1%) strongly agreed that CR would improve patients’ physical fitness and 334 (60.4%) strongly agreed that CR would reduce breathlessness in patients with HF. The majority of PTs (321, 58%) strongly agreed that CR would improve HF patients’ palpitation and fatigue. Out of 553 PTs, 349 (63.1%) strongly agreed that CR would improve patients’ ability to perform daily activities. A hospital-supervised program was the preferred mode of delivering CR programs by 499 (90.20%) of the respondents. Apart from the exercise component, stress management was perceived by 455 (82.30%) as an essential component of CR programs. The most common patient-related factor that strongly influenced referral decisions was “fatigue related to disease” (42%). A lack of CR centers was reported by 59.90% as the most common referring barrier.ConclusionPTs perceived CR as a successful strategy for patients with HF. Although a supervised hospital-based program with stress management as an essential component aside from the exercise component was perceived as the preferred mode of delivery, CR was lacking, which caused a significant barrier to CR referral from the PTs’ perspective.

Physiotherapeutic evaluation of patients with post COVID-19 condition: current use of measuring instruments by physiotherapists working in Austria and South Tyrol

BackgroundThe implementation of standardized assessments in physiotherapeutic practice strongly supports diagnostic and treatment plans. Previous studies reported insufficient usage of standardized assessments due to lack of time, lack of knowledge, lack of resources and other barriers. Physiotherapy in outpatient settings became essential for the rehabilitation of patients with post COVID-19 condition but it remains unknown to what extent assessments are implemented into the evaluation of these patients. In this study, we explored the current use and barriers regarding the implementation of physiotherapeutic assessments to evaluate patients with post COVID-19 condition.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was carried out among 180 physiotherapists working in outpatient settings in Austria and South Tyrol.ResultsThe majority of physiotherapists (88%) indicated that standardized assessments are useful, though less than a fifth of participants actually implement assessments in practice. Among implementation barriers, “insufficient experience” (41.8%) and “lack of knowledge” (36.6%) were mentioned most often. Concerning specific post COVID-19 assessments, the evaluation of “physical and respiratory function”, “quality of life” and “activities of daily living” were stated to be of particular relevance.ConclusionsOur study revealed a low implementation rate and identified the main barriers regarding the non-usage of standardized assessments for post COVID-19 patients.Trial registrationThe Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology (UMIT TIROL), and the Research Committee for Scientific Ethical Questions granted approval for the survey (RCSEQ, Hall in Tirol, Austria, Number 2834).

A practice test and selection of a core set of outcome-based quality indicators in Dutch primary care physical therapy for patients with COPD: a cohort study

AimTo estimate the comparability and discriminability of outcome-based quality indicators by performing a practice test in Dutch physical therapy primary care, and to select a core set of outcome-based quality indicators that are well accepted by physical therapists based on their perceived added value as a quality improvement tool.MethodsFirst, a list of potential quality indicators was defined, followed by determination of the comparability (case-mix adjusted multilevel analysis) and discriminability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)). Second, focus group meetings were conducted with stakeholders (physical therapists and senior researchers) to select a core set of quality indicators.ResultsOverall, 229 physical therapists from 137 practices provided 2651 treatment episodes. Comparability: in 10 of the 11 case-mix adjusted models, the ICC increased compared with the intercept-only model. Discriminability: the ICC ranged between 0.01 and 0.34, with five of the 11 ICCs being >0.10. The majority of physical therapists in each focus group preferred the inclusion of seven quality indicators in the core set, including three process and four outcome indicators based upon the 6-min walk test (6MWT), the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), and the determination of quadriceps strength using a hand-held dynamometer.ConclusionThis is the first study to describe the comparability and discriminability of the outcome-based quality indicators selected for patients with COPD treated in primary care physical therapy practices. Future research should focus on increasing data collection in daily practice and on the development of tangible methods to use as the core set of a quality improvement tool.

Knowledge, Perception, and Barriers to Telehealth Practice among Physical Therapy Practitioners of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: Physical therapists in Riyadh have traditionally used conventional methods to diagnose and treat patients; however, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to the need to implement telehealth services. The aim of the study was to investigate physical therapy practitioners’ knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to telehealth and the effects of the pandemic on physical therapy telehealth practice. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional survey study, a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which included five main sections, namely demographic characteristics, knowledge about telehealth technology, perception towards telehealth practice, COVID-19 impact on telehealth, and possible barriers to telehealth practice. The respondents completed the questionnaire on their own to ensure that their privacy was not breached and that confidentiality was maintained. Results: A total of 214 participants responded to the survey. A majority reported low or very low to questions under knowledge about telehealth practice. Many agreed or strongly agreed to the questions under perception towards telehealth practice. Similarly, a majority also agreed or strongly agreed that there was an impact of the pandemic on telehealth practice among physical therapists. Most participants were also in agreement with the questions regarding barriers to telehealth among physical therapists. Conclusion: A majority of physical therapists had little knowledge and experience with telehealth technology, though some training and administrative support are warranted to ensure that they become highly competitive in executing such a program.

Physical therapists demonstrate clinical behaviors consistent with established clinical practice guidelines in managing individuals following amputation.

Investigating physical therapy in amputation management offers insights into clinical practice. This study explores the self-reported clinical practice of physical therapists in amputation management and compares it to established clinical practice guidelines to determine whether physical therapists are delivering care that is considered recommended clinical practice. An online survey of Australian physical therapists with limited or extensive experience in managing individuals following amputation. A total of 110 responses were received. The majority of Australian physical therapists (83%) reported their skills were adequate however, reported a lack of professional development opportunities. Physical therapists reported coordinating care with other health and medical professionals across all phases of care. They report providing comprehensive care in the following areas: residual limb management, pain management, falls prevention, education, counselling, psychological and peer support, and discharge planning. The majority of physical therapists were not aware if a comprehensive care plan was in place following a transition of care from a previous health service. Overall, physical therapists displayed clinical practice meeting the guidelines across most areas of amputation management. Future research into alternate data collection of clinical practice, and the development of physical therapy-specific clinical practice guidelines is needed.

Perception of Physiotherapists of Lahore, Pakistan about the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Short and Long Term Pain Management

To determine the knowledge about TENS usage among professional physical therapists of Lahore city. Methods: In this study cross sectional survey was conducted in Physiotherapy department of UOL Teaching Hospital, CMH, Ghurki Teaching Hospital and Social Security Hospital, Lahore. The sample size of 117physical therapist participated in this study. Questionnaire was used to determine response of participants. Results: 117 questionnaires were filled by physical therapists, using electrotherapy (TENS) in their setup. Only 81.2% physical therapist found TENS effective as a sole treatment for acute pain, while 36.8% founds it effective as a sole treatment for chronic pain. Physical therapists 70% in Lahore prefer using gels/lotions with TENS about for prolonged relief. Majority of physical therapists (84.6%) were satisfied with the effectiveness of TENS applying with other modalities. Conclusion: TENS is frequently used among Physical Therapist aged more than 26 years. Most of physical therapist found it effective for both short and long term care. Physical therapist were frequently using it for the management of frozen shoulder pain.

Perception of Physiotherapists of Lahore, Pakistan about the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Short and Long Term Pain Management

To determine the knowledge about TENS usage among professional physical therapists of Lahore city. Methods: In this study cross sectional survey was conducted in Physiotherapy department of UOL Teaching Hospital, CMH, Ghurki Teaching Hospital and Social Security Hospital, Lahore. The sample size of 117physical therapist participated in this study. Questionnaire was used to determine response of participants. Results: 117 questionnaires were filled by physical therapists, using electrotherapy (TENS) in their setup. Only 81.2% physical therapist found TENS effective as a sole treatment for acute pain, while 36.8% founds it effective as a sole treatment for chronic pain. Physical therapists 70% in Lahore prefer using gels/lotions with TENS about for prolonged relief. Majority of physical therapists (84.6%) were satisfied with the effectiveness of TENS applying with other modalities. Conclusion: TENS is frequently used among Physical Therapist aged more than 26 years. Most of physical therapist found it effective for both short and long term care. Physical therapist were frequently using it for the management of frozen shoulder pain.

Physical therapy within US HTCs: A multicentre survey of utilization, practice patterns and pain management approaches.

Practice patterns and utilization of physical therapists (PTs) affiliated with Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs) in the United States (US) are not well known. Describe utilization, role responsibilities and practice patterns of US HTC PTs. Identify practice patterns specifically focusing on assessment and treatment of pain. Recognize gaps in utilization and role responsibilities of PTs as part of the multidisciplinary team and suggest guidelines for PT involvement within the HTC. Respondents were a subset of a convenience sample of healthcare providers who responded to a non-validated survey developed by a multi-disciplinary panel of haemophilia experts. A 33.0% response-rate (n=59) representing all regions of US HTCs was achieved. Those working ≥10hours per week were more likely to provide nutrition education (P=.026) and surgical options education (P<.001). Those who billed insurance for their services during comprehensive visits were more likely to provide education regarding surgical options (P=.046). The majority of PTs (95.0%) evaluated pain regardless of time spent in clinic and felt comfortable treating pain. Fifty-eight percent used a formal pain measurement tool and more likely to use a formal pain measurement tool if billing insurance (P=.004). Top five non-pharmacologic treatments recommended for pain management included splints/braces (84.8%), aquatic therapy (74.6%), orthotics (71.2%), surgical options (47.5%) and yoga (32.2%). This study demonstrated PT utilization across HTC centres varies widely. Gaps in care may be addressed through salary support, funded education, greater regional/national collaboration of PTs specializing in bleeding disorders and advocacy for insurance coverage for appropriate services.

Airway clearance techniques for patients experiencing acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Republic of Ireland

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are used by physiotherapists with the purpose of clearing sputum from bronchial airways. They are commonly prescribed for patients experiencing acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), however large variability in practice is commonly observed. This study aimed to explore current physiotherapy practice regarding ACTs for people with AECOPD in the Republic of Ireland. METHOD: An online survey was distributed to physiotherapy clinicians via direct email and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. Main survey themes, identified from previous studies using the same survey tool, included current practice in relation to use of ACTs, perception of their effectiveness, clinical reasoning and awareness of the literature and guidelines. For the purpose of this study, ACTs were defined as techniques used by a physiotherapist for the purpose of clearing sputum from patients’ airways. RESULTS: 202 surveys were distributed and seventy responses (35%) were received. The majority of respondents (n = 56, 80%) reported prescribing ACTs for more than 60% of patients with AECOPD, the most common techniques being physical activity (n = 65, 93%) and active cycle of breathing techniques (n = 53, 90%). Sputum management (n = 66, 94%) was the most commonly reported indicator for use of ACTs. The majority of physiotherapists (n = 42, 60%) reported being unsure of the literature regarding ACTs in AECOPD. CONCLUSION: The response rate to this survey was low, however results show that physiotherapists in the Republic of Ireland regularly prescribe ACTs for patients with AECOPD. Physical activity and active cycle of breathing techniques were the most commonly used ACTs and perceived to be the most effective techniques in AECOPD, with sputum management the most commonly reported indicator for use. Further research is required to explore not only physiotherapists clinical reasoning in relation to the use of ACTs for AECOPD and the perceptions of their effectiveness, but also the lack of awareness of the literature and guidelines.

Physiotherapist’s approach and treatment preference in the patients of rheumatoid arthritis in Karachi, Pakistan: A cross sectional survey

Objective: To assess the treatment approach of physiotherapists towards patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Material &amp; methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2016 among the 116 selected participants who were working in different physical therapy setups of Karachi Pakistan. A self-constructed questionnaire was used among the participants which consist of demographic Characteristics (age, gender, Qualification, and experience). While the Knowledge and utilization related close-ended questions were the 1. Type of exercise (isometrics and isotonic exercise), utilization of manual techniques (use of Maitland peripheral joint mobilization techniques, Cyrix mobilization techniques, Mulligan mobilization techniques &amp; Manual joint distraction). 2. The use of electrotherapy modalities (use of TENS, Ultrasound, Cryotherapy &amp; Heating) &amp; 3. Treatment preference includes (results of manual therapy, electrotherapy or electrotherapy &amp; manual therapy both in combination). Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results: The majority of physiotherapists (n=71, 61.2%) belong to the age group of 31 to 45 years, and (n=71, 61.2%) were male. After checking the Qualification the majority (n=65, 56%) were Post-graduate and (n=62, 53.2%) were having 7 to 15 years of experience. Among all (n=94, 81%) of physiotherapists were using an isometric type of exercises in the patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. Most of (n=101, 87%) the Physiotherapist was using peripheral joint distraction in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. The majority (n=109, 93.9%) of physiotherapists were using manual therapy and electrophysical agents in combination among the patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion: The physiotherapists who are working in different setups of Karachi were treating the patients of RA by using different techniques of manual therapy along with the combination of electrophysical agents. In electrophysical agents, they were using the tens and heating combination for pain management.

Physiotherapists\u2019 use and perceptions of digital remote physiotherapy during COVID-19 lockdown in Switzerland: an online cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe Swiss containment strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic during the first wave in spring 2020 resulted in a moratorium on non-urgent physiotherapy via regular direct patient contact. Consequently, such physiotherapy sessions declined by 84%. This study investigates the impact of this moratorium on the use of digital remote physiotherapy in Switzerland during this period and the perceptions of its use by Swiss physiotherapists (PTs).MethodsA cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed between June and August of 2020 via the Swiss Physiotherapy Association (physioswiss) and various associations of physiotherapy specialists (e.g., sport, pediatric) working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The questionnaire was designed to capture the demographics of participants and the perceptions of PTs using 33 questions in the following domains: Demography; Attitudes towards digital technology; Private and professional use of digital technology; Use of digital technology during therapy; and, Support requirements. Closed and open-ended questions were included and the frequency of answers was analyzed. Non-parametric inferential statistics were used to identify differences, where appropriate. The Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) was adopted.ResultsParticipants in the survey were 742 PTs (23.5% male, mean age of 43 years, mean working experience of 18 years) from the German-speaking (75.5%), French-speaking (15.1%), and Italian-speaking (9.4%) regions of Switzerland. The percentage of PTs using digital remote therapy increased from 4.9% prior to the lockdown to 44.6% during the lockdown period. The majority of PTs did not consider that digital remote therapy could complement usual physiotherapy practice and did not plan to continue with digital remote therapy after the pandemic.ConclusionsDuring the lockdown, Swiss PTs adopted various low-cost and easily accessible digital technologies. However, several barriers hampered further implementation of this modality. Specific education and training programs need to be provided among PTs, appropriate digital technologies should be introduced, and a correct reimbursement scheme should be developed.Trial registrationCOVIDPhysio Registry of World Physiotherapy, registered 15th June 2020 (https://world.physio/covid-19-information-hub/covid-19-covidphysio-registry).