Clinical practice pattern of managing low back pain among physiotherapists in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Low back pain (LBP) is the top global cause of disability, and physiotherapy interventions are used to manage it. However, understanding of the practice pattern of physiotherapists dealing with LBP patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. This study aimed to explore the LBP practice pattern of LMIC’s (i. e., Bangladesh) physiotherapists by their demographic and professional factors.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional study sent a survey to randomly selected physiotherapists via email.

RESULTS:

Data of 423 illegible physiotherapist were analyzed. The majority of the physiotherapists (54.8%) were nongovernment service holders, and 87.7% worked in an urban setting. Recommended interventions were frequently used by only 12.3%, occasionally used by 66.2%, and 21.5% did not offer those interventions. Partially recommended interventions were frequently used by 33.3%, occasionally used by 43.7%, and never used by 23% of physiotherapists. For not recommended interventions, 69.3% occasionally, 13.5% frequently, and 17.3% never used such interventions.

CONCLUSION:

The study explored the practice pattern of physiotherapists of an LMIC by comparing available evidence-based practice guidelines for LBP. The findings of this study may provide an LMIC database to inform future research, clinical practice and education to ensure adherence to evidence-based LBP physiotherapy management.