Interventions used by Brazilian physiotherapists in the rehabilitation of patellofemoral pain: A web-based survey

Author(s)

Pisani, Giulia Keppe ; Carvalho, Cristiano ; Serra, Paula Regina Mendes da Silva ; Sato, Tatiana de Oliveira ; Serra, Fabio Viadanna

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MUSCULOSKELETAL SCIENCE AND PRACTICE; v. 59, p. 6-pg., 2022-06-01.

Abstract

Background: No studies have evaluated whether interventions used by Brazilian physiotherapists for the treat-ment of patellofemoral pain (PFP) are in line with the best existing scientific evidence. Objectives: Identify the interventions most commonly used by Brazilian physiotherapists for the rehabilitation of PFP and determine whether characteristics of physiotherapists and knowledge regarding evidence-based practice (EBP) influence the choice of interventions. Design: Cross-sectional web-based survey. Methods: Brazilian physiotherapists who treat patients with PFP participated in the study. Characteristics of the participants, information regarding EBP and interventions used in the treatment of PFP were collected through an online questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate associations between the interventions and both the characteristics of the physiother-apists and their knowledge regarding EBP. Results: One hundred and ninety-four physiotherapists completed the questionnaire, 97.4% of whom reported using combined hip and quadriceps strengthening exercises, whereas only 25.3% reported using foot orthoses. A significant number of physiotherapists also reported using interventions that are not recommended (such as patellar mobilization, lumbar, hip and knee mobilization/manipulation and biophysical agents). Physiotherapists with a master's or doctoral degree and those who were aware of clinical practice guidelines were respectively 2.57-fold and 3.81-fold more likely to use recommended interventions. Conclusion: Most Brazilian physiotherapists choose interventions that are in line with current scientific evidence. However, a significant number also use interventions that are not recommended for the treatment of PFP. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/03544-5 - Clinical factors that predict ultrasound alterations in Achilles tendon in professional ballet dancers: a nonlinear analysis
• Grantee: Fábio Viadanna Serrão
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants