Musculoskeletal pain post-COVID-19 in patients undergoing physical therapy in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has posed a challenge to the physical therapy service. In addition to pandemic-associated treatment interference, many recovered COVID-19 patients developed new or worsening musculoskeletal pain as a sequela of COVID-19, which has been shown to affect the musculoskeletal system. The objective of the study was to examine musculoskeletal pain post-COVID-19 in patients undergoing physical therapy in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The design of the study was a cross-sectional study. We approached patients attending physical therapy clinics who had COVID-19. Data were collected through an electronic survey consisting of multiple-choice questions related to sociodemographic data and pain. Pain severity was rated on a 10-point numerical rating scale. RESULTS: A total of 85 recovered COVID-19 patients participated in this study, 30 had musculoskeletal pain prior to getting COVID-19, while 55 acquired it after. The most affected sites for musculoskeletal pain were the lower back and shoulder. Mean pain levels reported increased from 4.48 ± 2.54 pre-COVID-19 to 6.92 ± 8.06 post-COVID-19 (mean difference, 1.61 ± 2.61; t = 5.68; p < 0.0001). Mean pain scores did not associate significantly with demographic or clinical factors. Patient responses skewed toward increased pain as well as decreased activity levels after being infected with COVID-19 versus pre-COVID-19 (all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Recovered COVID-19 patients reported increased pain intensity and frequency, together with reduced activity levels, relative to pre-COVID-19 levels, without effects of sociodemographic or clinical characteristics.

Knowledge and use of the International Classification of Functioning, disability and health (ICF) and ICF Core Sets for musculoskeletal conditions among saudi physical therapists.

BACKGROUND: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides a coherent biopsychosocial view of health states. The ICF Core Sets were developed to facilitate and encourage the use of the ICF in clinical practice and research. OBJECTIVE: To examine the level of knowledge and use of the ICF and ICF Core Sets for musculoskeletal conditions among Saudi physical therapists. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHOD: We approached Saudi physical therapists (PTs) involved in managing patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Data were collected through an electronic survey consisting of multiple-choice questions related to the knowledge of the ICF, general ICF Core Sets and ICF Core Sets for musculoskeletal conditions. RESULTS: A total of 203 PTs participated in this study. Seventy percent of PTs knew about the meaning of ICF, but only 33% recognized aspects of the ICF. For the osteoarthritis (OA) ICF Core Set, 71.9% had poor knowledge, and for the low back pain (LBP) ICF Core Set, 61.8% had poor knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The Saudi PTs surveyed in this study had a good level of knowledge about the meaning of the ICF; however, this knowledge appeared to be limited when they were asked about aspects of the ICF. They had poor knowledge of musculoskeletal ICF Core Sets but seemed to be more familiar with the LBP ICF Core Set compared to the OA ICF Core Set.

Adherence to low back pain clinical practice guidelines by Saudi physical therapists: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) have been developed to assist physical therapists (PTs) in managing individuals with low back pain (LBP). Early adherence to the recommendations of CPG for LBP may improve quality of care, lessen the number of hospital visits, and enhance treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To examine: 1) Saudi PTs' adherence to CPG for LBP; and 2) their ability to recognize red and yellow flags. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. We approached 583 Saudi PTs who are licensed to work in Saudi Arabia, and involved in managing patients with LBP. Data were collected through an electronic survey; it consisted of 6 clinical vignettes presenting patients with LBP. Each vignette was followed by 25 treatment options. The PTs were allowed to select up to 5 treatment options needed during the first week of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 133 PTs completed the survey. PTs overall adherence ranged from 5.3% to 57.4%. The highest adherence rate was for LBP associated with red flags, which ranged between 29.1%, and 57.4%. The lowest adherence rate was for acute LBP with mobility deficit (5.3%). Logistic regression showed that adherence rates are independent from factors such as, years of experience, caseload, and highest degree attained. CONCLUSION: The study showed an overall low adherence to the CPG. Adherence was best when LBP is associated with red flags. Education and training programs may be needed to improve PTs' adherence to CPG for LBP.