Association between professional qualification of physical therapists and perception of knee osteoarthritis treatment: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, which requires appropriate therapeutic intervention. Physical therapy plays a central role in its management. However, little is known about the beliefs and interventions of physical therapists who treat OA in Brazil and factors related to clinical decisions. OBJECTIVE: To determinate whether there is association between the professional qualification of physical therapists in the North Region of Brazil and their perception of efficiency or inefficiency of therapeutic interventions for knee OA. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with physical therapists from five states in northern Brazil and their perception about 20 interventions was assessed through a hypothetical case of knee OA. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square test and binary logistic regression with a significance level of 5%. 370 professionals with a mean age of 32.16 ±6.89 responded the survey. There was a significant association between qualification and perceived efficiency of interventions. Graduated physiotherapists were less likely to recognize ultrasound, short waves, transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation and electrical stimulation, cryotherapy, heat, muscle strengthening, kinesio taping and rest as ineffective interventions. The same occurred for ultrasound, muscle strengthening and kinesiology tape for specialists. CONCLUSION: The lower academic degree leads a lower chance to perceive as poorly efficient or inefficient some not recommended interventions for knee OA.