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Do physical therapists follow evidence-based practices for treatment of inflammatory arthritis? Results from an
Debbie Ehrmann Feldman1,2,3, Tatiana Orozco1, Sasha Bernatsky4
1Physiotherapy Program, Université de Montréal École de Readaptation, Pavillon 7077 Avenue du Parc, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, H3C 3J7, Montreal, Qc, Canada.
Background:
Physical therapists (PTs) should know how to best treat patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Objective:
To document interventions chosen by PTs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and whether choices follow evidence-based practice.
Methods:
Licensed musculoskeletal PTs in Quebec, Canada responded to an online survey. Descriptive statistics illustrated proportions for each treatment choice and inferential statistics explored associations with demographic and practice-related factors.
Results:
There were 298 PTs who responded to the survey. For both RA and AS respectively, most common interventions were mobility exercises (91.0%; 98.3%) and patient education (90.1%; 92.8%). For both cases, slightly >60% selected strengthening exercises. Passive forms of therapy were chosen by 36% of PTs for RA and 58% for AS. Aerobic exercise was rarely selected. PTs working in the public sector were less likely to use manual therapy for both RA (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22,0.86) and AS (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22,0.97).
Conclusions:
Most PTs chose mobility exercises and patient education, representing evidence-based approaches. Despite current recommendations, strengthening and especially aerobic exercises were not used as much. There is a need to increase awareness regarding the benefits of strengthening and aerobic exercise for these patients.
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