Are rheumatology field professionals scientifically prepared to rehabilitate using exercise? A cross-sectional survey

Author(s)

Cavalcanti, Bruno Honorio ; Cavalcanti, Racklayne Ramos ; de Souza, Marcelo Cardoso ; Pontes-Silva, Andre

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES; v. 43, p. 6-pg., 2025-04-24.

Abstract

Objective: To assess rheumatology professionals' knowledge about the physical exercise. Methods: A cross-sectional study. We included Bachelors of Physical Education and Physical Therapists because they are professionals who use exercise as a therapeutic intervention for musculoskeletal rehabilitation. We assessed their knowledge using structured questions based on the EULAR. We used the Chi-squared test (alpha = 5 %) to compare the number of correct and incorrect answers and calculated the effect size (w value) by dividing the chi-squared value by the number of scores and taking the square root (small: w = 0.10, medium: w = 0.30, and large: w >= 0.50). Results: The sample of this study consists of 116 health professionals with a mean age of 34.43 (+/- 8.71) years. The majority are women and Physical Therapists. Regarding the health professionals' knowledge about the use of exercise in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, we observed a significant number of incorrect answers (p < 0.001) to the EULAR questions. Clinically, the large effect size (w >= 0.5) for the number of errors indicated a worrying situation for the musculoskeletal rehabilitation scenario. Conclusion: Bachelors of physical education, as well as physical therapists, are not scientifically prepared to rehabilitate people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases through physical exercise. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/08646-6 - Effects of strength training with progressive intensity on fibromyalgia impact: randomized controlled clinical trial
• Grantee: André Pontes Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate