Current knowledge and practice of post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect rehabilitation: A cross-sectional survey of South African neurorehabilitation physiotherapists.
Chuka I Umeonwuka, Ronel Roos, Veronica Ntsiea
PMID 35402745WHAT IT FOUND
Among 28 valid respondents, South African neurorehabilitation physiotherapists had moderate knowledge of post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect, half used standard screening tools, and inadequate time and equipment were major barriers.
Key findings
01The 28 valid respondents scored 14.11 out of 25 on USN knowledge, and 22 had moderate knowledge.
02Half reported using specific standard screening tools for USN, and constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy were each used by 14 respondents.
03Inadequate therapy time (55.56%) and lack of relevant equipment (38.89%) were identified as major barriers to USN rehabilitation.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 28 of the 277 invited members provided complete and valid responses, so the survey may not represent all South African neurorehabilitation physiotherapists. Most respondents worked in urban settings, which limits generalisation to semi-urban and rural services. The study used self-reported questionnaire answers about knowledge and practice; it did not observe treatment or test whether reported practice improves patient outcomes. The survey did not investigate why physiotherapists chose particular screening tools or interventions.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the 50% reported use of constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy as evidence that these treatments improve unilateral spatial neglect. This survey only reports what physiotherapists said they used.