The Evidence-Based Application of Spinal-Hip Biomechanics Research Among Saudi Physiotherapists: A Cross-Sectional...

Background and objective Evidence-based practice (EBP) in Saudi Arabia remains underexplored, particularly in physiotherapy. While recent studies have acknowledged its significance, limited attention has been paid to the integration of contemporary spinal biomechanics research into clinical practice. It also remains unclear whether physiotherapy practitioners in Saudi Arabia are effectively applying emerging insights on spinal-hip biomechanics, despite their potential to improve rehabilitation outcomes. This study, therefore, sought to assess physiotherapists' perceptions of spinal-hip biomechanics research, evaluate its use in clinical settings, and identify barriers to its adoption in Saudi Arabia. Methods A self-administered, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The instrument consisted of 23 items organized across seven sections and was distributed to physiotherapy practitioners across 13 regions in Saudi Arabia. A total of 64 physiotherapists participated. Recruitment and survey promotion were facilitated through social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter) and WhatsApp. Results Male physiotherapists constituted the majority of participants, with the Asir region showing the highest participation rate (17.2%) and four regions reporting the lowest (3%). Female respondents provided higher affirmative responses than males on all items except their ability to read, critique, and summarize research, where their scores were 7% lower. Regarding spinal motion assessment and measurement methods, underestimated responses were common among both genders, except for one item in which 59.5% of male participants responded affirmatively. Conclusions Saudi physiotherapists largely support EBP principles, yet fewer than one-third of institutions provide free access to research databases. This institutional shortfall restricts the translation of evidence into practice, impedes the adoption of EBP, and may adversely impact professional development and patient care.