Knowledge and use of extrinsic feedback characteristics: A survey of current practice among Brazilian physical therapists

ABSTRACT

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the knowledge about the different characteristics of and the use of extrinsic feedback (EF) by Brazilian physical therapists.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, and we used an internet-based survey with questions about knowledge and application of extrinsic feedback in clinical practice. We analyzed the responses in relation to the best available evidence on motor control and learning. We recruited Brazilian registered physical therapists from different regions in Brazil. Participants’ demographics and survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Two hundred and forty-six Brazilian physical therapists participated in the study. Most participants affirmed not knowing the definition of EF (55.69%), confirmed using some form of EF in their clinical practice (86.59%), and reported using it in 50% to 90% of their patients (26.42%). Brazilian physical therapists reported using mainly summary feedback (69.10%) with external focus of attention (63.41%). Participants reported using concurrent feedback (82.83%) and delivered it after every exercise repetition (63.82%). Most participants (43.09%) did not assess learning retention. Answers were similar regardless of education level or time from graduation.

Conclusions

The results of this survey suggest that Brazilian physical therapists do not have sufficient knowledge about the different characteristics of EF; however, they do consider EF useful and use it for most of their patients. Brazilian physical therapists adopted adequate content characteristics of EF but not adequate use of timing characteristics of EF.

KEYWORDS:

• Feedback
• exercise therapy
• motor learning
• therapeutic exercise
• survey

Acknowledgments

We thank all the Regional Physical Therapy Registration Boards that supported our research and all participants who participated in the study. This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brazil (Coordination of Higher Education Personal Improvement) - Finance Code 001. D.C. Ribeiro is funded by the Sir Charles Hercus Health Research Fellowship (18/111) – Health Research Council of New Zealand.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was conducted during tenure of The Sir Charles Hercus Health Research Fellowship of the Health Research Council of New Zealand (Grant number: 18/111) awarded to DCR .