Awareness of Standardized Outcome Measures for Balance: A Survey among Physical Therapists in Karachi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36283/pjr.zu.14.2/009Keywords:
Balance, Core Stability, Cognition, Outcome Measures, Posture, VertigoAbstract
Background of the study: Balance impairments affect approximately 75% of individuals aged 70 and above. Due to their high prevalence and impact on function, physiotherapists prioritize balance assessments to aid diagnosis, treatment planning, and fall risk management. Standardized outcome measures help identify the type and cause of balance disorders and guide effective interventions. This study aims to assess physiotherapists' awareness of such tools.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in major hospitals across Karachi, including IPM&R, Civil Hospital Karachi, JPMC, and others. A purposive sample of 246 physiotherapists participated through a self-designed questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained (IRB No. FMRL-IRB/2025/010), and informed consent was secured before data collection.
Results: About 72.31% of physiotherapists reported sufficient awareness of outcome measures for balance assessment, while 27.69% did not. No significant association was found between gender, qualification, and work experience with knowledge of balance components. However, professional experience was significantly associated with awareness of balance assessment.
Conclusion: Most physiotherapists demonstrated good awareness of standardized balance assessment tools. Nonetheless, a considerable number would benefit from additional training and education to enhance clinical competence in this area.
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