Abstract
Background: The rising incidence of knee osteoarthritis in Oman has increased the demand for total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries, highlighting the critical role of evidence-based postoperative physiotherapy. However, no prior study has systematically assessed physiotherapy practices post-TKR in Oman. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing current physiotherapy practices post-TKR in Oman, evaluating adherence to international guidelines, and identifying barriers to optimal care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2025 using a self-administered, structured questionnaire distributed to 189 physiotherapists in governmental hospitals. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 26. Results: High adoption rates were found for preoperative education (94.2%) and strengthening exercises (95.3%). In acute-stage rehabilitation, functional training (96.35%) and early mobilization (94.27%) were prevalent. However, utilization of standardized outcome measures (e.g., WOMAC) was low (74.47%) and variability existed in discharge criteria. Major barriers included a shortage of physiotherapists (91.66% agreement), limited resources (92.18%), and patient-related challenges (94.79%). Conclusion: While foundational rehabilitation practices are implemented effectively in Oman, significant gaps remain in standardized assessments and adherence to specific international protocols. Addressing workforce shortages, resource limitations, and implementing unified national guidelines are essential for optimizing post-TKR rehabilitation outcomes.
Keywords
Publication details
- DOI
- 10.3390/joma3020012
- Journal
- Journal of the Oman Medical Association, 3(2), 12
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Open access
- Gold open access
- License
- CC BY 4.0
Cite this article
APA 7
Al Hasani, A., Al Kharusi, A. I., & Swaminathan, N. (2026). Status of Physiotherapy Practices Following Total Knee Replacement in Oman: Adherence to Guidelines and Identification of Barriers. Journal of the Oman Medical Association, 3(2), 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/joma3020012
MLA 9
Al Hasani, Aisha, et al. "Status of Physiotherapy Practices Following Total Knee Replacement in Oman: Adherence to Guidelines and Identification of Barriers." Journal of the Oman Medical Association, vol. 3, no. 2, 2026, pp. 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/joma3020012.
Chicago (author–date)
Al Hasani, Aisha, Ahmed Ibrahim Al Kharusi, and Narasimman Swaminathan. 2026. "Status of Physiotherapy Practices Following Total Knee Replacement in Oman: Adherence to Guidelines and Identification of Barriers." Journal of the Oman Medical Association 3 (2): 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/joma3020012.
Harvard
Al Hasani, A., Al Kharusi, A. I. and Swaminathan, N. (2026) 'Status of Physiotherapy Practices Following Total Knee Replacement in Oman: Adherence to Guidelines and Identification of Barriers', Journal of the Oman Medical Association, 3(2), pp. 12. doi:10.3390/joma3020012.
Vancouver
Al Hasani A, Al Kharusi AI, Swaminathan N. Status of Physiotherapy Practices Following Total Knee Replacement in Oman: Adherence to Guidelines and Identification of Barriers. Journal of the Oman Medical Association. 2026;3(2):12. doi:10.3390/joma3020012
IEEE
A. Al Hasani, A. I. Al Kharusi, and N. Swaminathan, "Status of Physiotherapy Practices Following Total Knee Replacement in Oman: Adherence to Guidelines and Identification of Barriers," Journal of the Oman Medical Association, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 12, 2026, doi: 10.3390/joma3020012.