Investigation of the evaluative methods used by physical therapists in the specificity of the functional neurology

Abstract

Neurofunctional clinical evaluation represents one of the most important activities of physical therapists. However, differences in diagnostic methods cause discrepancies between physical therapy prescription and prognosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze and discuss the evaluation methods and techniques used by physical therapists bound to popular healthcare assistance, in the specificity of the neurofunctional area. To accomplish this research, a cross-sectional design study was conducted. The sample consisted of physical therapists specialized in neurofunctional rehabilitation registered in the Regional Council for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy of Mato Grosso do Sul (Conselho Regional de Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional, CREFITO - 13), who work in hospitals, universities and clinics of the city of Campo Grande, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (χ²) statistics, under a 5% level of significance (p<0.05). Regarding the results, all physical therapists had concluded graduation five years before. Responses regarding the physical examination were similar between professors and clinical physical therapists (p=0.81), which did not happen on the anamnesis (p=0.02). Items such as cognitive functions and social determinants of health were answered by less than 15% of subjects, and about 70% of respondents said they do, but do not register, the patients' evaluation. In conclusion, there is not a standardization of the physiotherapeutic neurofunctional evaluation, making it difficult to unify the prescriptive and prognostic analysis of clinical cases. The responses indicate a dependence of professional vision in the disease aspect, with little appreciation of health social issues.