Are Egyptian Physiotherapists Using Standardized Gait Analysis? A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, kSA- Lecturer of Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni-Suef University, Egypt

2 Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science

3 Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Pediatric Disorders and their Surgery, College of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Egypt. aml.helmy@must.edu.eg

4 Lecturer at Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, KSA- Lecturer at Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.

5 Lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia . Basic Sciences for Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt. wamin@jazanu.edu.sa

6 Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt

7 Lecturer in department of physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders and it's surgeries, faculty of physical therapy, Beni- Suef University, Egypt

8 basic science department, faculty of physical therapy. Misr University for Science and Technology‎‏

9 Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Egypt

10 Faculty of physical therapy, Beni-Suef university

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy is crucial for managing gait dysfunctions, but research on Egyptian physiotherapists' knowledge and training in gait assessment is limited.
Purpose: The study aims to evaluate the current gait assessment tools and training methods among Egyptian physiotherapists and determine the necessity for a clinically standardized approach.
Methods: A survey study in Egypt assessed physiotherapists' gait analysis training, frequency of using standardized tools, and perceived need for gait analysis tools in clinical settings.
Results: A survey of 330 physiotherapists revealed that despite 84.8% treating gait disorders, standardized gait assessment tools were not widely used. Only 46.4% had access to a gait laboratory. The survey also highlighted the need for training and national guidance in gait assessment.
Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of standardized gait analysis approaches, formal training, and the development of national guidelines to enhance gait assessment practices in Egypt's clinical settings.

Keywords