In theory, yes; in practice, uncertain: A qualitative study exploring physical therapists’ attitudes toward their roles in weight management for people with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background. Physical therapists are at the frontline of treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). International guidelines recommend weight loss for individuals with knee OA who are overweight, and research indicates that patients believe it is appropriate for physical therapists to address weight. Objectives. The objective was to explore physical therapists’ attitudes about their role in weight management for people with OA. Design. This was a qualitative semistructured telephone interview study. Methods. Participants included 13 purposively sampled physical therapists who had treated at least 1 patient with knee OA within the past 12 months. Each participated in a telephone interview explori..