The state of neurological physiotherapy in Spain: a national survey
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62059/LatArXiv.preprints.640Keywords:
Physiotherapy, Neurology, Neurorehabilitation, SurveyAbstract
Introduction: Despite recent advances in neurorehabilitation and neurological physiotherapy, uncertainty remains regarding the practical application of different interventions. The objective was to determine the sociodemographic and professional characteristics of neurological physiotherapists in Spain and their relationship to the application of different therapeutic options.
Methods: A national survey was conducted, consisting of 14 closed-ended questions that collected sociodemographic information, academic and professional profile, and use of different interventions. Participants responded anonymously. Data from 849 respondents were analyzed, exploring the association between different professional characteristics and the use of interventions.
Results: The majority were women (75.27%), with a predominant age range of 21–40 years. Territorial representation was uneven across regions. 73.62% were exclusively dedicated to clinical practice, and the majority lacked experience or training in research (60–65%). The highest level of academic achievement was comparable among continuing education, postgraduate programs, and official master's degrees. The most frequently used intervention was therapeutic exercise/motor control (85.75%), followed by the Bobath concept (66.55%). Differences were found in the use of various interventions according to academic training, healthcare system, and work experience.
Conclusions: Neurological physiotherapists in Spain are predominantly young women dedicated exclusively to clinical practice. Differences exist in the use of therapeutic interventions between public and private healthcare systems and among different levels of postgraduate training or work experience, which likely influences the quality of care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Selma Peláez Hervás, Alfredo Lerín Calvo, Carlos Rodríguez López, Ismael Sanz Esteban, Marcos Moreno Verdú (Autor/a)
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