Exercise Practices and Awareness of Physiotherapy among Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Attending a Dermatology Clinic: A Cross-sectional Study: Physiotherapy among Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Attending a Dermatology Clinic

Maheen Gul; Samia Sarmad; Sana Tauqeer; Sadia Sukhera; Taimoor Ahmed

doi:10.54393/tt.v6i1.259

Authors

Maheen Gul University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Samia Sarmad University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Sana Tauqeer University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Sadia Sukhera University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Taimoor Ahmed University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/tt.v6i1.259

Keywords:

Psoriatic Arthritis, Physiotherapy, Dermatology Clinic, Awareness

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness, and while physical therapy can help manage symptoms, awareness of its benefits is limited among patients. Objectives: To explore the frequency of physiotherapy utilization and exercise practices among individuals diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis attending a dermatology clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 patients with psoriatic arthritis using a convenience sampling technique at a dermatology and dental clinic in Bahria Town, Lahore, over 4 months. Participants aged 18–50 years, diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and attending dermatology consultations at the study site, were included. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to psoriatic arthritis and physical therapy. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously validated Indian study and administered in English and Urdu during dermatology clinic visits after obtaining informed consent. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: A total of 153 participants with a mean age of 40.61 ± 6.73 years were included, with a slightly higher proportion of female (53.6%). Most were single (58.2%) and had an education ranging from primary to postgraduate. While 69.9% had heard of psoriasis, only 49% were aware of psoriatic arthritis. Nearly half had symptoms for more than a year, yet 26.1% were unaware of their current diagnosis. Rheumatologist visits were infrequent, and only 35.3% reported full compliance with therapy. Conclusions: Most participants knew about psoriasis and had long-term symptoms, but had limited awareness of psoriatic arthritis and poor engagement with physiotherapy practices.

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