From theory to practice: Physiotherapists approach to shoulder proprioception

Shoulder dysfunctions are associated with proprioceptive deficits, which require thorough evaluation and targeted rehabilitation. Understanding how this topic is addressed in clinical practice is essential for evaluating the integration of current knowledge. Discrepancies between research and practice may compromise the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and limit the impact of scientific findings.

This study aimed to explore how shoulder proprioception is addressed in clinical practice by physiotherapists and to identify potential gaps between theory and practice.

Cross-sectional online survey.

An online questionnaire comprising both open- and closed-ended questions was distributed to physiotherapists via email and social media. The questionnaire addressed the concept of shoulder proprioception, assessment methods, and treatment strategies. Descriptive statistics and cluster analyses were used to examine the responses.

Differences in proprioception-related knowledge were observed according to years of clinical practice. Physiotherapists with less than ten years of experience demonstrated a greater understanding of proprioception concepts and assessment methods. Proprioceptive training (reposted by 89 % of participants) was more frequently performed than proprioception assessment (56 %). Lack of knowledge was cited as the main barrier to assessment.

The results reveal important gaps in physiotherapists' understanding and application of proprioception-related knowledge, particularly among more experienced professionals. These deficiencies may hinder effective rehabilitation in clinical settings. The findings highlight the need for enhanced education, implementation strategies, and translational research to bridge the gap between evidence and clinical practice in the context of shoulder proprioception.