AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND PERCEIVED ROLE OF MATRIX RHYTHM THERAPY IN NEUROREHABILITATION: EVIDENCE FROM PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN KARACHI

Abstract

Background: Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MRT) is a new method of non-invasive physiotherapy that is being employed to enhance tissue metabolism and neuromuscular function. It is a method that uses mechanical vibrations of low frequency to create a physiological rhythm. Although there are increasing evidences from international literature that it plays a therapeutic role, physiotherapists in Pakistan have not explored this evidence in a great extent.

Objective: To find the awareness, knowledge and perception of physiotherapists about MRT in Karachi and the effectiveness and safety of MRT in neurological rehabilitation.

Methodology: A questionnaire based, cross-section survey was conducted among 60 licensed physiotherapists working in Karachi using a self-administered validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were obtained and chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were conducted in SPSS version 22 with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: 31.7% of physiotherapists had heard of MRT and 36.7% reported that they knew the principles and contraindications of MRT. Even though there was low awareness, the attitudes were generally positive; 51.7% thought that MRT could be used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy and the same percentage believed that it could improve patient outcomes. The number of years in clinical experience was a significant factor in awareness of contraindications (p = 0.021).

Conclusion:  The physiotherapists showed limited awareness and knowledge about Matrix Rhythm Therapy, but had a positive perception of its role in neurological rehabilitation. There is a recommendation for structured educational programs and additional clinical studies for evidence-based use of MRT in physiotherapy practice.