A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY COMPARING PHYSIOTHERAPISTS' PREFERENCES FOR ELECTROTHERAPY AND EXERCISE THERAPY

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the treatment preference of professional physiotherapists for patients, specifically focusing on electrotherapy and exercise therapy. A total of 80 physiotherapists were chosen via convenience sampling. This cross-sectional study involved physiotherapists who have successfully completed both the BPT and MPT courses and are currently practicing in clinics and hospitals. The participants completed a Google self-designed, close-ended questionnaire that was distributed over social platforms in several physiotherapy groups. The data was analysed descriptively using Microsoft Excel. Electrotherapy combined with exercise therapy is utilised by 51% of physiotherapists for treating patients, while 28% of physiotherapists solely rely on exercise therapy. 24% of physiotherapists employ electrotherapy during the initial stages of new cases, while 17% utilise exercise therapy. Approximately 58% of physiotherapists employ exercise therapy to achieve lasting outcomes. 36% of those surveyed express a preference for electrotherapy to have long term effects. A survey also reveals that 77% of Physiotherapists exhibit a greater preference for employing Electrotherapy as opposed to Exercise therapy when it comes to treating patients. Physiotherapists believe that both electrotherapy techniques and exercise therapy can be used to reduce pain. Electrotherapy is thought to have an immediate effect, while exercise therapy is believed to have a sustained effect.