Purpose and Background. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) can affect 56–80% of physiotherapists. Patient handling is reported as a significant risk factor for developing WRMSD with the back most frequently injured. Physiotherapists perform therapeutic handling to manually assist and facilitate patients’ movement to aid rehabilitation, which can increase physiotherapists risk of experiencing high forces during patient handling. Methods and Results. A descriptive cross-sectional study was completed to explore and quantitatively measure the movement of ten physiotherapists during patient handling, over one working day, in a neurological setting. A wearable 3-dimensional motion analysis system, Xsens (Movella, Henderson, NV), was used to measure physiotherapist movement and postures in the ward setting during patient treatment sessions. The resulting joint angles were reported descriptively and compared against a frequently used ergonomic assessment tool, the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Physiotherapists adopted four main positions during patient handling tasks: 1) kneeling; 2) half-kneeling; 3) standing; and 4) sitting. Eight patient handling tasks were identified and described: 1) Lie-to-sit; 2) sit-to-lie; 3) sit-to-stand; facilitation of 4) upper limb; 5) lower limb; 6) trunk; and 7) standing treatments; and 8) walking facilitation. Kneeling and sitting positions demonstrated greater neck extension and greater lumbosacral flexion during treatments which scores highly with the RULA. Conclusion. This research identified that patient treatment tasks were more often performed in kneeling or sitting positions than standing. Current moving and handling guidance teaches moving and handling in a standing position; loading and stresses experienced by the physiotherapists may differ in sitting or kneeling positions. Conflicts of interest. None. Sources of funding. None. This work has been presented as a poster at the CSP conference Glasgow 2023

Purpose of study. Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a surgical emergency. With Physiotherapists increasingly taking on first-contact and spinal triage roles, screening for CES must be as thorough and effective as possible. This study explores whether Physiotherapists are asking the correct questions, in the correct way and investigates their experiences when screening for this serious condition. Background. Thirty physiotherapists working in a community musculoskeletal service were purposively invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Data was transcribed and thematically analysed. Methods and Results. All participants routinely asked bladder, bowel function and saddle anaesthesia screening questions although only 9 routinely asked about sexual function. Whether questions are asked in the correct way has never been studied. Sufficient depth of questioning was achieved by 63% of participants, 76% used lay terminology and 73% used explicit language. Only 43% framed the questions before asking them and only 16% combined all four dimensions. Whilst most participants (n = 25) felt comfortable asking general CES questions, 50% reported feeling uncomfortable when asking about sexual function. Issues around; gender, culture and language were also highlighted. Conclusion. Four main themes emerged from this study; i) Physiotherapists ask the right questions but frequently omit sexual function questions, ii) mostly, Physiotherapists ask CES questions in a way that patients understand however, there needs to be improvement in framing the context of the questions, iii) Physiotherapists generally feel comfortable with CES screening but there is some awkwardness surrounding discussion of sexual function and iv) Physiotherapists perceive there to be barriers to effective CES screening caused by culture and language. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: No funding obtained. Previously presented poster at BritSpine 2021 and VPUK 2021

Purpose and Background. Patients’ engagement with self-management strategies (SMS) is key when managing low back pain (LBP) and relies on appropriate information being delivered by the treating Clinician. However, patients have differing coping mechanisms which may affect success with SMS. This study aimed to determine Patient and Physiotherapist's perceptions of coping responses and SMS in patients with LBP. Methods. Patient completed a Pain Coping strategies questionnaire, before and after LBP treatment. Semi-structured interviews gathered data from of 10 patients (6 males; and 6 physiotherapists. Questionnaire data was described descriptively, and qualitative data was transcribed/analysed thematically. Results. 5 patients were categorized as ‘active copers’ and 5 as ‘passive copers’ before treatment. SMS success appeared to be impacted by patient coping strategies they adopted. Spiritual religious coping strategies linked to cultural beliefs was a common strategy for all patients. However, the active copers were more likely to engage with active strategies compared to passive copers. All patients felt they had not received full education/details about the home exercises. One patient became an ‘active coper’ following treatment demonstrating high self-confidence to self-manage pain and accepted exercises as a lifestyle. Physiotherapists did not use a valid method for screening purposes for coping, although they referred to ascertaining this verbally and they did tailor exercises differently for passive and active copers. Conclusion. Screening for individual coping strategies would enhance targeting treatments and all patients would benefit from full exercise programmes for self- management and pain self-efficacy approaches to change patients ‘behaviour and enhance patients’ self-confidence. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: The study is sponsored by Kuwait Government

Background. Psychosocial (PS) factors have been described as the combination of the individual's cognitive, emotional and social status and they play an important role in the development and recovery from chronic low back pain (CLBP). The aims of the study where to explore/describe physiotherapists' personal beliefs and knowledge in relation to the assessment of PS factors in patients with CLBP in Italy. Methods and results. A qualitative research design with a constructivist grounded theory approach was used for semi-structured interviews and data collection/analysis. A purposive sample of eight physiotherapists practicing in Italy and having experience with patients presenting chronic musculoskeletal problems were recruited from private clinics. Three main categories were constructed:. 1). Conceptions of the biopsychosocial model and its role in CLBP;. 2). Evaluation and management of PS factors;. 3). Barriers in the assessment and treatment. The study revealed partial identification of these factors, limited understanding of the role they play in CLBP and lack of standardization in this area within the manipulative physiotherapy profession. Conclusions. Physiotherapists showed basic knowledge of the biopsychosocial model and partially recognized social, emotional, cognitive and psychological factors and their contribution in patients' pain and disability. Physiotherapists highlighted the presence of barriers in the evaluation and treatment of people with CLBP, and some participants displayed lack of skills to overcome these barriers. Physiotherapists perceived limited education and training to successfully address PS factors in the management of patients with CLBP, indicating the need to incorporate the biopsychosocial model in the daily practice and improve the training and education of the psychosocial assessment and management. Conflicts of interest: None. Source of funding: None

Purpose and Background. Patients with low back pain are increasing globally. Physical dysfunction and psychosocial factors such as stress, anxiety, and fear of movement, often referred to as yellow flags, play a role in the persistence of low back pain. What is not known is the extent to which yellow flags are screened for and treatment adjusted accordingly by Physiotherapists in India. The aim was to determine the current knowledge and awareness of physiotherapists in India regarding psychosocial factors for managing patients with low back pain. Methods. Semi-structured interviews gathered data from of six physiotherapists, The interviews were conducted online. The data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results. The main finding was that the physiotherapists in India had a limited knowledge regarding psychosocial factors for management of low back pain. They were not supportive of adding yellow flag screening into their routine treatments due to lack of t awareness of such screening tools Physical elements of low back pain were focused on during treatment by the therapists and recommended by management. The physiotherapists noted that high daily patient volume left them with limited time to alter treatment protocols. Conclusion. There appears to be limited information and education delivered to the physiotherapists in India regarding psychosocial factors for managing low back pain. The addition of these factors in the education and treatment protocols could address these important factors when managing patients with low back pain in India. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: No funding obtained

Background and purpose. Adherence to clinical guidelines produces greater improvement in disability in patients with low back pain (LBP), but a wide variation in physiotherapists' adherence has been documented repeatedly. The aim of the study was to investigate the adherence to National Clinical Guidelines for LBP among Danish physiotherapists with regard to three key guideline domains: 1) activity, 2) work, and 3) psychosocial risk factors. Additionally to investigate whether adherence differed between physiotherapists working in private clinics and physiotherapists working at public healthcare centres. Methods. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 817 Danish physiotherapists. Adherence to the three guideline domains was assessed using two vignettes. The difference in adherence between the groups was assessed using the chi-squared test. Results. Response rate was 29%. The proportions of physiotherapists giving advice that was strictly in line with the guideline domains were 32% (activity), 16% (work) and 82% (psychosocial risk factors) for Vignette 1 and 6% (activity), 53% (work) and 60% (psychosocial risk factors) for Vignette 2. Physiotherapists working at public healthcare centres were more likely to manage patients strictly in line with National Clinical Guidelines for assessing the psychosocial risk factors. Regarding the two other domains, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of adherence. Conclusion. Overall, the participating Danish physiotherapists strictly adhered to only one out of three key domains. This confirms the importance of identifying barriers to implementation of the National Clinical Guidelines in physiotherapy care for patients with LBP, including implementation of the inherent bio-psychosocial model. Conflicts of interest: None. Sources of funding: None

Statement of purpose of study and background

As the treatment of low back pain (LBP) continues to evolve, there is greater recognition of the importance of optimising the therapeutic relationship to better deliver improved patient outcomes. Contextual effects, such as communication, have been shown to influence the therapeutic relationship, but it is not known how these factors evolve over time. This study analysed interviews from two studies (one cross-sectional and one longitudinal) to explore patients’ and physiotherapists’ perspectives of treatment outcomes and experiences in episodes of LBP in the same dialogic space. The objective was to explore the alignment between these perceptions to identify factors that influence the therapeutic relationship over time.

Purpose and background

Nearly 70% of UK physiotherapists experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) during their career, with a significant proportion occurring in the back and being attributed to patient handling tasks. Evidence suggests that manual handling training alone is ineffective and interventions among nurses indicate that a tailored approach, including targeted exercise (TE), can reduce WRMSD rates. This study aimed to explore physiotherapists’ perspectives of WRMSDs, patient handling, and the role of TE in reducing WRMSDs among physiotherapists.

Background

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) can be delivered using head mounted display (HMD) to interact with 3D virtual environment (VE). IVR has shown promising results in management of chronic pain conditions, using different mechanisms (e.g., exposure to movement and distraction). However, it has not been widely tested for CLBP. Future development of IVR intervention needs inputs from gatekeepers to determine key considerations, facilitators and barriers. This qualitative study aimed to explore views and opinions of physiotherapists about IVR intervention for adults with CLBP.

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a major problem across the globe and is the leading cause worldwide of years lost to disability. Self-management is considered an important component the treatment of people with non-specific LBP. However, it seems that the self-management support for people with non-specific LBP provided by physiotherapists can be improved. Moreover, the way exercise therapists (ET) address self-management in practice is unknown.

Purposes of the study and background

Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is a complex intervention that targets the biopsychosocial nature of low back pain (LBP). The barriers and facilitators to CFT have not previously been researched in the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS). This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of CFT in the NHS ahead of a future clinical trial.

Recent articles in the medical press highlight the potential dangers of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). CES has the highest rates of litigation due to its long-term neurological impairment, which can lead to devastating outcome on patients. The aim of this study was to assess health care professionals knowledge with regards to the urinary symptoms of CES and the timeframe in which treatment should be offered.

To assess health care professionals knowledge with regards to urinary symptoms of CES and when treatment should be offered.

A 4-part questionnaire established profession and number of cases seen per week. The participant was asked to rank 15 urinary symptoms, 7 of these symptoms were not related to CES. The participants were asked the ideal time to surgical intervention for Complete CES and Incomplete CES.

Primary and Secondary Care

60 questionnaires were complete. Participants had to successfully complete the first three parts of the questionnaire (n = 44). Any who failed to complete section four were excluded from analysis from that part only (n = 41).

A total of 44 questionnaires were analysed. Both doctors and physiotherapists ranked the CES symptoms on average significantly higher than then the non-CES symptoms. The physiotherapists rated the CES symptoms significantly higher than the doctors (P = 0.05) and on average rated the non-CES symptoms significantly lower than doctors (P < 0.05).

87.8% thought that complete CES should be treated < 24 hours and 9.76% thought that complete CES should be treated from 24-48 hours. 46.34% thought that CESI should be treated < 24 hours and 43.9% thought that CESI should be treated from 24-48 hours.

These results demonstrate that physiotherapists are better than Doctors at identifying the urinary symptoms in CES. The majority of health care professional who took part in this study stated that they would offer surgical intervention for both Complete and Incomplete CES within 24 hours. The gap in knowledge highlights the need for education to all medical professionals in the symptoms of CES and also the timing of treatment.

Objectives

To assess health care professional's knowledge with regards to the urinary symptoms of CES and when treatment should be offered.

Background

Low back pain is a common condition amongst Armed Services personnel and can have significant impact upon their ability to undertake military duties, including being deployed into austere environments.

Purpose of the study and background

Physical activity and exercise therapy are among the guideline recommendations for the rehabilitation of people with chronic low back pain (CLBP ≥ 3 months); however, patient adherence is often poor. CONNECT is a theory-based communication skills training programme designed to enhance physiotherapists' support of their CLBP patients' psychological needs in order to increase adherence to their home-based rehabilitation programme.

Purpose

This pilot study tested the feasibility of a self-determination theory-based communication skills training programme designed to increase physiotherapists' psychological needs supportive behaviour when treating patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP>12 weeks).

Purpose

To evaluate the competencies of spinal extended scope physiotherapists (ESP) following the introduction of requesting rights for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) one year later.

Background and objectives. Numerous approaches are recommended for the management of non-specific neck pain (NS-NP). However, the extent to which approaches are used is unclear. This survey investigated current UK physiotherapists' measurement and management of patients with NS-NP. Methods and results. Physiotherapists were invited to participate in an online survey if they were practicing in the UK and had experience of managing NS-NP. 2101 responses were received. Analysis of the results indicated the overall popularity of active treatment approaches with 84% and 61% of respondents employing exercise and patient education respectively. 48% of respondents reported using a multimodal approach (that is, combination of exercise and manual therapy with/without patient education). Over a third of respondents reported not using outcome measures (OMs) for NS-NP. Of the two-thirds who reported using OMs, the majority reported using pain and range of motion measures. Physical and functional limitations, psychological distress, and quality of life constructs, which are frequently associated with NS-NP, were rarely measured. Conclusion. The active interventions most frequently used in the management of NS-NP were supported by moderate to strong evidence but a variety of other commonly used approaches have limited, unclear or no evidence of efficacy. Multimodal treatment approaches that are supported by strong evidence of efficacy are less commonly used. Physiotherapists in the UK are inadequately evaluating NS-NP. Research and guidelines are needed to reduce the use of ineffective interventions, promote the use of multimodal care and develop high quality outcome measures that are relevant and feasible for use in clinical practice. Keywords. Health, survey, neck pain, non-specific, rehabilitation. Conflicts of interest: None. Sources of funding: None

Background. There is a paucity of prognosis research in patients with neuropathic low back-related leg pain (LBLP) in primary care. Purpose. To investigate the clinical course and prognostic factors in primary care LBLP patients consulting with neuropathic pain (NP). Methods. LBLP patients in a primary-care cohort study (n=606) completed the self-report version of Leeds Assessment for Neurological Symptoms and Signs (s-LANSS, score of ≥12 indicates possible NP) at baseline and 4-months. Mixed effects models compared pain-intensity (highest of mean leg or mean back pain - 0–10 NRS at baseline, 4-months, 12-months and 3-years) between those with persistent NP (s-LANSS ≥12 at baseline and 4-months) and those without (s-LANSS ≥12 at baseline and <12 at 4-months). Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression examined association between potential prognostic factors (chosen from baseline self-report questionnaires, clinical examination, MRI scan findings) and persistent NP. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. Results. 44% (72/164) of patients with NP at baseline had persistent NP at 4-months. Mean pain intensity of patients with persistent NP was higher at 4-months, 12-months and 3-years compared to those without. In univariable analysis, only pain self-efficacy was significantly associated with persistent NP (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.998). In multivariable analysis, none of the 7 investigated factors were significantly associated with persistent NP. Conclusion. Patients with persistent NP were consistently worse-off up to 3-years follow-up compared to those without. It was difficult to identify those patients with NP at baseline who would have persistent NP at 4-months. No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: Sarah Harrisson is a Clinical Doctoral Fellow funded through a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Professorship for Nadine Foster (NIHR-RP-011-015). Nadine Foster is a NIHR Senior Investigator. Kika Konstantinou is supported by a Higher Education Funding Council for England/ National Institute for Health Research Senior Clinical Lectureship. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s), not necessarily those of the NHS, NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. This work relates to an Education and Continued Professional Development (level 2) award by the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists to Sarah Harrisson (June 2016)

Background. Medication prescribing patterns for patients with neuropathic low back-related leg pain (LBLP) in primary care are unknown. Purpose. To estimate the proportion of patients prescribed pain medications, describe baseline characteristics of patients prescribed neuropathic pain (NP) medication and estimate the proportion of LBLP patients with refractory NP. Methods. General practice electronic medical and prescribing records of a large (n=609), prospective, primary-care cohort of LBLP patients were analysed. Cases of NP were identified using the self-report version of the NP scale, Leeds Assessment for Neurological Symptoms and Signs (score of ≥12 indicates possible NP) (n=293). Patients with leg pain intensity ≥ 5 (mean of three 0–10 NRSs) or <30% reduction in disability (RMDQ 0–23) at 4-months compared to baseline and who were prescribed ≥ 2 NP medications were considered to have refractory NP. Results. 82% (223/273) of patients with NP were prescribed at least one pain medication; 29% (80/273) of patients were prescribed one first-line NP medication (for example Amitriptyline). Patients who were prescribed NP medication(s) had higher leg pain intensity and disability. There was evidence that patients improved with (61%, 41/67) and without (75%, 76/102) having been prescribed NP medication. Few patients (4%, 7/169) met the criteria for refractory NP suggesting that the scale of the problem in primary care is limited. Conclusion. Patients with NP were commonly prescribed pain medication, under a third were prescribed NP medication and many patients improved without such medication. Future research is needed to determine the effectiveness of NP medication. No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: Sarah Harrisson is a Clinical Doctoral Fellow funded through a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Professorship awarded to Nadine Foster (NIHR-RP-011-015). Nadine Foster is a NIHR Senior Investigator. Kika Konstantinou is supported by a Higher Education Funding Council for England/ National Institute for Health Research Senior Clinical Lectureship. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s), not necessarily those of the NHS, NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. This work relates to an Education and Continued Professional Development (level 2) award by the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists to Sarah Harrisson (June 2016)