Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2025
Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
Analysis of Commercial Instagram Content on Pediatric Neurological Physiotherapy Interventions and Products in Brazil
Mickaelly Aisha Dos Santos1, Francine Andrade1, Marinna Cruz de Souza2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Aims:
To describe the content of commercial pediatric neurological physical therapy posts on Instagram and report the main interventions and products featured.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted using five pediatric neurological physical therapy hashtags on Brazilian commercial Instagram profiles, on three different days. The initial 50 posts for each hashtag were extracted by two independent reviewers. Data included the source of the posts, content characteristics, target populations, interventions featured in the posts and on the Instagram profiles, as well as the products promoted in the posts.
Results:
A total of 449 Instagram posts from 190 profiles were analyzed. Most posts were in video format (n = 278; 61.9%), categorized as service reports (n = 203; 45.2%), and posted by autonomous physical therapists (n = 195; 43.4%). The most frequent interventions were Suit therapy (n = 60; 15.9%) and mobility training (n = 59; 15.6%). Cerebral palsy (n = 90; 20%) and Down syndrome (n = 35; 7.7%) were the most frequently represented health conditions.
Conclusions:
Instagram offers various interventions and products for pediatric neurological rehabilitation. Excess information may cause indecision and adherence to ineffective treatments by families. Future research should assess the evidence behind services on social media and their impact on parents' decision-making.
