Exploring the Quality of Physical Therapy in Patients With Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis in Germany: A Cross-Sectional, Vignette-Based Study.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Conservative, non-pharmacological interventions are the recommended first-line treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), such as those from the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), guide evidence-based care by physical therapists. However, no studies in Germany have examined physical therapists' treatment choices across patient cases and compared them with the latest evidence.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate to what extent physical therapists meet the latest evidence when treating different types of people with hip or knee OA.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional vignette-based online survey was conducted among physical therapists working in outpatient practices.

Partic

SUBMITTER: Weber F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12397969 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature