Physical Therapists’ Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

TL;DR

This study explores physical therapists' attitudes and treatment approaches for knee osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia and how well these align with clinical guidelines.

Contribution

The study provides insights into physical therapists' treatment practices and beliefs about knee osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia.

Findings

Strengthening and flexibility exercises are commonly used interventions for knee osteoarthritis.

Most therapists provide educational advice focusing on weight loss, analgesia, and knee support.

Follow-up care is commonly offered through open appointments after discharge.

Abstract

Background/Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease. Physical therapists are essential in managing OA, improving patient outcomes, and slowing disease progression, making it vital to understand their beliefs about optimal knee OA treatment. The objective is to explore physical therapists’ beliefs and attitudes toward knee OA treatment in Saudi Arabia and their alignment with guidelines. Methods: This cross-sectional study includes physical therapists working in Saudi Arabia who had managed at least two knee OA patients in the past six months. The survey questionnaire included questions about attitude statements, clinical management, a case study of an elderly patient with knee OA, and measurements of the level of illness perceptions and treatment choices. Results: This study includes 373 physical therapists (average age: 31.25 (SD 7.17); male (52.4%)). The most commonly used interventions for knee OA were strengthening exercises (19.0%) and flexibility or range of movement exercises (14.7%). About 30.4% of therapists supervised exercises in the clinic, and 89.9% provided educational advice, often focusing on weight loss, analgesia, knee support, and the use of ice or heat. Most therapists opted for treatment programs involving four to seven sessions (45.7%), with 82.2% offering follow-up care through an open appointment after discharge. Conclusions: The results indicate good alignment between clinical practice guidelines and physical therapists’ attitudes toward knee OA management in Saudi Arabia, though some differences exist. Therapists frequently combined exercise with educational advice on weight loss and analgesia, monitored exercise adherence, and offered follow-up care.

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