PHYSICAL THERAPISTS ATTITUDES AND DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH ON ASSESSING CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN PATIENTS: A MULTICENTER CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY IN KARACHI.

Abstract

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Globally, the chronic low back pain is a highly prevalent condition that
affects about 80% of the population at some point in their life. OBJECTIVE: To explore the
Physical therapists current attitudes and diagnostic approach on assessing chronic low back pain
patients. METHODS: The study was a Cross-sectional survey conducted in Karachi from
November 2019 to February 2020. The sampling technique used was non probability,
purposive sampling technique, and the sample size was determined using OPEN EPI
Version 3.0 software, which estimated a sample size of 126 based on a margin of error of 5%
and a confidence level of 95%. Participants were recruited from Dow institute of physical
medicine and rehabilitation, Dow University and hospital ojha campus, Jinnah postgraduate
medical center and Dr. Ziauddin hospital. Data collection was carried out through a selfStructured questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall 126 physical therapists were included in this
study. Their mean age was 26.91 ± 5.5 years. The Majority (61.9%) were females with a male to
female ratio of 1:1.6.The Greater numbers of the subjects (55.6%) were having only one year of
experience whereas 22.2% in each group has two and three years of experience. The large
number of PTs (82.6%) believes that physical therapy assessment should include the screening of
red flags; similarly, 81.7% of PTs were of the opinion that diagnosing a condition is part of the
physical therapy practice. 79.4% of PTs allow their patients to talk freely without interruption
about their problem. However, 76.9% and 74.3% focus on the physician’s diagnosis and their
referral card. CONCLUSION: The study explored physical therapists' attitudes and diagnostic
practices in assessing chronic low back pain patients. While many acknowledged the importance
of biopsychosocial factors, mechanical aspects still received significant attention. The study
suggests the need for more holistic assessment skills, reduced reliance on lab investigations, and
interdisciplinary collaboration.