Physical Therapists' Attitudes and Beliefs on Treating Knee Osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia

Researchers at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology - RMIT University have conducted a study on the attitudes and beliefs of physical therapists in Saudi Arabia regarding the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, aimed to explore the physical therapists' views on optimal knee osteoarthritis treatment and their alignment with clinical guidelines. The study surveyed 373 physical therapists, with a mean age of 31.25 years, who had managed at least two knee osteoarthritis patients in the past six months. The results showed that physical therapists in Saudi Arabia frequently combined exercise with educational advice on weight loss and analgesia, monitored exercise adherence, and offered follow-up care.

Key Takeaways:

• Physical therapists in Saudi Arabia believe that physical exercise, education, and follow-up care are essential components of knee osteoarthritis treatment.
• The most commonly used interventions for knee osteoarthritis among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia were strengthening exercises (19.0%) and flexibility or range of movement exercises (14.7%).
• About 30.4% of physical therapists supervised exercises in the clinic, and 89.9% provided educational advice, often focusing on weight loss, analgesia, knee support, and the use of ice or heat.
• Most therapists opted for treatment programs involving four to seven sessions (45.7%), with 82.2% offering follow-up care through an open appointment after discharge.
• The study found a good alignment between clinical practice guidelines and physical therapists' attitudes toward knee osteoarthritis management in Saudi Arabia, although some differences exist.
• Physical therapists' attitudes and beliefs on knee osteoarthritis treatment in Saudi Arabia align with clinical guidelines, highlighting the importance of collaborative care between healthcare professionals.
• This study contributes to the understanding of physical therapists' attitudes and beliefs on knee osteoarthritis treatment and can inform the development of treatment programs and guidelines in Saudi Arabia.

Statistics:

• 373 physical therapists participated in the study, with a mean age of 31.25 years.
• 52.4% of physical therapists surveyed were males.
• 19.0% of physical therapists used strengthening exercises as the most common intervention for knee osteoarthritis.
• 14.7% of physical therapists used flexibility or range of movement exercises as the most common intervention.
• 30.4% of physical therapists supervised exercises in the clinic.
• 89.9% of physical therapists provided educational advice, often focusing on weight loss, analgesia, knee support, and the use of ice or heat.

Sources:

• Physical Therapists' Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025;14(19):7095.
• NewsRx. Findings on Knee Osteoarthritis Reported by Researchers at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology - RMIT University (Physical Therapists' Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 1746.