Physical therapist beliefs and practice of vestibular rehabilitation in Egypt: a cross-sectional survey study.

Abstract

Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is an important area of physical therapy (PT) practice globally. Information about the practice of VR among physical therapists (PTs) in Egypt and the MENA region is unknown. This study investigated the current beliefs and practices related to VR among licensed PTs in Egypt. A 28-question online survey was distributed to PTs practicing throughout Egypt. Questions addressed background, opinions about VR practice, and specifics concerning VR practice. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze results. The majority of respondents (85%) believed that PTs in Egypt are able to practice VR, with nearly 40% reporting to practice VR. Those practicing VR did not use or were unaware of typical assessment and treatment tests for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), such as Dix-Hallpike test (73.3%) and the Epley maneuver (53.3%). This survey offers an initial understanding of VR beliefs and practice among PTs in Egypt. PTs in Egypt, though aware of VR, are not practicing it in the same way as their global peers.