The perception of Maltese adults towards manual therapy and electrotherapy-based protocols in the treatment of low back pain

Abstract

Physiotherapy treatments consist of an array of interventions available for the treatment of low back pain (LBP). These also include passive modalities, such as manual therapy (MT) and electrotherapy techniques. Clinicians often opt for the most appropriate treatment choice based on experience and evidence. Clinical outcomes have shown to be influenced by contextual factors, including the patient’s expectation of treatment. Currently, no research has been identified targeting patient perception in the Maltese adult population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify whether LBP patients have a higher expectation of MT or electrotherapy modalities in the treatment of their condition. 59 LBP patients between the age of 45 and 65, attending treatment sessions in the community, were recruited from five outpatient departments. Each participant was handed a sheet with an overview of the constituents of each modality, together with a modified questionnaire based on McRae and Hancock’s study (2017). Collected data found that LBP patients have a significant preference for MT than electrotherapy (p-value = 0.002). Females were noted to have a more positive attitude towards both forms of treatment than men (p-value = 0.017 MT, p-value = 0.016 electrotherapy). Additionally, the physiotherapist’s explanation was found to be significantly correlated to the patient’s expectation of an improvement in quality of life (p-value = 0.036 MT, p-value = 0.001 electrotherapy). Therefore, patients’ perception are in line with guidelines for the treatment of LBP. MT practice within a LBP management programme may enhance clinical outcomes through a twofold principle.