Article

It is unclear how physical therapists in Florida currently treat people
with knee osteoarthritis and whether current best evidence is used in clinical decision making. Methods: We conducted a survey of physical therapists in
Florida. We assessed the perceived effectiveness and actual use of physical
therapy (PT) interventions and quantified the association between the actual use
of interventions and different characteristics of physical therapists. Results: A
total of 413 physical therapists completed the survey. Most respondents perceived
therapeutic exercise (94%) and education (93%) as being effective or very
effective. Interventions least perceived as effective or very effective were
electrotherapy (28%), wedged insole (20%), and ultrasound (19%). Physical
therapists who followed the principles of evidence-based practice were more
likely to use therapeutic exercise (OR 3.89; 95% CI: 1.21, 12.54) and education
(OR 3.63; 95% CI: 1.40, 9.43) and less likely to use ultrasound (OR 0.32; 95% CI:
0.16, 0.63) and electrotherapy (OR 0.32; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.58). Results also
indicated that older physical therapists were more likely to use ultrasound (OR
3.57; 95% CI: 1.60, 7.96), electrotherapy (OR 2.53; 95% CI: 1.17, 5.47),
kinesiology tape (OR 3.82; 95% CI: 1.59, 9.18), and ice (OR 1.95; 95% CI: 1.02,
3.73). Conclusions: In line with clinical guidelines, most physical therapists
use therapeutic exercise and education to treat people with knee osteoarthritis.
However, interventions that lack scientific support, such as electrotherapy and
ultrasound, are still used. A modifiable therapist characteristic, adherence to
evidence-based practice, is positively associated with the use of interventions
supported by scientific evidence.

Langue : ANGLAIS