Uso de recursos eletrofísicos no tratamento de disfunções do sistema nervoso: um e-survey com fisioterapeutas brasileiros

Abstract

Neurological dysfunctions impair the functioning of affected individuals, leading to restricted social participation and limitations in work and daily life activities. Electrophysical agents (EAs) are widely used in several areas of Physical Therapy, proving to be tools that enhance functional recovery. This study evaluated the use of EAs by Brazilian physical therapists working in the Neurological Physical Therapy area. Physical therapists who provided care to patients with dysfunctions resulting from central or peripheral nervous system injuries, from any region of Brazil, were eligible to participate in this study. Participants who chose not to answer the entire questionnaire or who did not use EAs in their clinical practice were excluded. Data collection was performed using a self-administered online questionnaire on Google Forms website, containing 20 questions that addressed sociodemographic data, use and availability of EAs at the physical therapists' workplaces. The questionnaire was made available to participants via email and social media platforms. The data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010® software. Among the 283 participants included in the study, 77% reported using EAs in their clinical practice. Low-frequency current, therapeutic ultrasound and LASER/LED were the most commonly found EAs at the workplaces, and were also the most frequently used by professionals. Scientific articles were cited by 57.8% of the participants as the main source of information about EAs in Neurological Physical Therapy, and 47.7% reported being fully confident in using EAs in patients with nervous system injuries. Among the 23% of participants who did not use EAs, more than half did not have any EA devices available in their workplaces. In summary, EAs were used by the majority of Brazilian physiotherapists working in Neurological Physical Therapy who participated in this study.