Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of physical therapists towards conventional physical therapy-across-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Conventional physical therapy (CPT) is widely used in clinical practice and known to contribute beneficially to patient's health conditions but remains loosely defined. Research has shown inconsistency in the definition and utilization of CPT among physical therapists in clinical and research settings, limiting its generalisability and reproducibility. Therefore, this study evaluates physical therapists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward CPT.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire containing 36 questions was distributed among 238 licensed physical therapists. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to measure the physical therapists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards CPT.

Results: Physical therapists showed limited knowledge of CPT in rehabilitation (4.09±1.698, 51%). However, the knowledge scores were significantly associated with age (P=0.002), educational levels (P=0.006), and years of work experience (P=0.001). Nevertheless, physical therapists showed an overall positive attitude towards CPT and perceived it as essential to rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Most physical therapists have low knowledge about CPT but positive attitudes and perceptions. Therefore, customized medical education is necessary to incorporate CPT theories and applications into physical therapists' rehabilitation programs.

Keywords: Attitude; Saudi Arabia; control; conventional physical therapy; knowledge; perception; physical therapist; traditional physical therapy; usual therapy.