Rahman Khan F1, Bin Mulayh E2
1King Abdulaziz University, Physical Therapy, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2King Abdulaziz University, Physical Therapy, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Background: Stroke is a serious condition that leads to disability and death, which affects around 16
million people per year worldwide. The considerable loss of function after stroke is likely to
impede walking ability.
Purpose: The current study was undertaken to address physical therapists' practices and perspectives of their treatment to improve walking capacity after stroke in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: An exploratory cross sectional survey was conducted using a 12 item semi structured
questionnaire which included demographic characteristics and physical therapy practices.
The questionnaires were distributed to physical therapists working in Saudi Arabia as
hardcopy and were asked to return it to the data collector. A total of 191 respondents from 18 institutions within Saudi Arabia completed the survey and included in the analysis.
Results: Following mixed approach for treatment, rather than a particular method was preferred by
34.6% of respondents. Evidence Based Practice showed higher rate in moderately
experienced physical therapist (2-5 years=24.2%, 5-10 years=19.3%). Comparable agreement from respondents was found regarding the use of ankle foot orthosis (84.8%), while the use of walking aids was supported more by physical therapists with higher qualifications (post-graduates=40%, doctorates=55.6%).
Conclusion(s): Variable responses from different sectors according to qualification, experience, and
institution were observed. Thereby, the development of a stroke rehabilitation guideline in
Saudi Arabia is advisable.
Implications: There is no doubt that a consensus among physical therapist practice regarding stroke rehabilitation to enable ambulation is preferable, which can be attained by addressing their perspectives and practices from different aspects, in addition to help to standardize the management protocols by further interventions.
Keywords: Stroke Rehabilitation,, Physical Therapist,, Walking
Funding acknowledgements: The authors did not receive any fundings
million people per year worldwide. The considerable loss of function after stroke is likely to
impede walking ability.
Purpose: The current study was undertaken to address physical therapists' practices and perspectives of their treatment to improve walking capacity after stroke in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: An exploratory cross sectional survey was conducted using a 12 item semi structured
questionnaire which included demographic characteristics and physical therapy practices.
The questionnaires were distributed to physical therapists working in Saudi Arabia as
hardcopy and were asked to return it to the data collector. A total of 191 respondents from 18 institutions within Saudi Arabia completed the survey and included in the analysis.
Results: Following mixed approach for treatment, rather than a particular method was preferred by
34.6% of respondents. Evidence Based Practice showed higher rate in moderately
experienced physical therapist (2-5 years=24.2%, 5-10 years=19.3%). Comparable agreement from respondents was found regarding the use of ankle foot orthosis (84.8%), while the use of walking aids was supported more by physical therapists with higher qualifications (post-graduates=40%, doctorates=55.6%).
Conclusion(s): Variable responses from different sectors according to qualification, experience, and
institution were observed. Thereby, the development of a stroke rehabilitation guideline in
Saudi Arabia is advisable.
Implications: There is no doubt that a consensus among physical therapist practice regarding stroke rehabilitation to enable ambulation is preferable, which can be attained by addressing their perspectives and practices from different aspects, in addition to help to standardize the management protocols by further interventions.
Keywords: Stroke Rehabilitation,, Physical Therapist,, Walking
Funding acknowledgements: The authors did not receive any fundings
Topic: Neurology: stroke
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Ethics committee: Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences
Ethics number: IEC/FAMS/17-23
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
