Educational Background, Clinical Practices, and Perspectives of Physiotherapists on Scoliosis-Specific Exercises in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the experiences and perspectives of physiotherapists trained in scoliosis-specific exercises (SSE) regarding their training processes and clinical practices.

Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted to examine the educational background, clinical practices, and professional perspectives of physiotherapists trained in SSE. The survey consisted of 30 items organized into four main sections: demographics, educational background, clinical practices, and professional perspectives. Physiotherapists who had completed formal training in at least one SSE school recognized by SOSORT, had at least one year of clinical experience in SSE and had treated 30 or more patients with scoliosis annually were included in the study.

Results: The median age of 39 physiotherapists (36 women, 3 men) was 30 years (IQR = 28-33). The median duration of general clinical experience was 7.4 years, while the median duration of SSE experience was 3.4 years. ISST (International Schroth Three Dimensional Scoliosis Therapy) (87.2%) and SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) (48.7%) were the most common training methods, and more than half (51%) had completed training in at least two SSE schools. Among all physiotherapists, 87% perceived themselves as competent in delivering SSE, 54% disagreed that certified training was sufficient to instruct 3D scoliosis exercises to patients with AIS, and 79% agreed that an observership program was necessary following certified training. Sixty-four percent of participants perceived SSE as complex for adolescents. Physiotherapists who perceived themselves as competent had longer SSE clinical experience (p = 0.046). However, no statistically significant association was found between self-perceived competence and perceived SSE complexity in adolescents (p = 0.636). Physiotherapists who did not perceive SSE as complex for adolescents had longer SSE clinical experience (p = 0.007).

Discussion: This study reflects the perspectives of physiotherapists in Turkey who have received SSE training and offers unique insights into their professional experiences. The majority of physiotherapists reported self-perceived competence in delivering SSE; however, more than half perceived SSE as complex for adolescents.