Physical Therapists’ Use of Psychological Skills Training in Rehabilitation Following Traumatic Knee Injury: An Online Survey Study
# Background Rehabilitation following traumatic knee injury often focuses primarily on physical aspects. Lack of knowledge of psychological factors and appropriate strategies may be a barrier to meeting treatment recommendations to address these factors. # Purpose The aim of this study was to in...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
North American Sports Medicine Institute
2024-11-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.126056 |
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| Summary: | # Background
Rehabilitation following traumatic knee injury often focuses primarily on physical aspects. Lack of knowledge of psychological factors and appropriate strategies may be a barrier to meeting treatment recommendations to address these factors.
# Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, Scandinavian physical therapists address psychological factors in treatment of physically active people with traumatic knee injury.
# Study Design
Cross-sectional online survey study.
# Methods
This 32-item study-specific online survey examined physical therapists’ use of goal-setting, imagery, and arousal regulation to address psychological factors during rehabilitation following traumatic knee injury.
# Results
Results from n=143 physical therapists indicate that they consider it very important to use goal-setting (median 4 \[IQR 1]), imagery (median 4 \[IQR 1]), and stress management (median 4 \[IQR 1]) during rehabilitation on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Goal-setting was used by n=143 (100%); imagery by n=67 (47%), and arousal regulation by 76 (53%). Lack of knowledge was the most commonly cited reason for not using imagery (n=61; 43%) and arousal regulation (n=55; 38%). Participants rated workshops, courses, or formal education as the most useful methods of learning to use psychological skills training in clinical work.
# Conclusion
Goal-setting is commonly used by Scandinavian physical therapists. However, only approximately half of participants report using imagery and/or arousal regulation in knee injury rehabilitation. This may indicate that best-evidence recommendations for treatment are not being met. Future research should explore methods for providing education and practical strategies for encouraging clinical use of psychological interventions.
# Level of Evidence
3 |
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| ISSN: | 2159-2896 |