Raee S. Alqhtani, Faisal A. Alqahtani, Mohamed S. Sirajudeen, Yasser I. Seada
Abstract- In Saudi Arabia, stroke is a major public health concern. Home-based rehabilitation is a crucial element of post-stroke care. This study takes the perspectives of physical therapists regarding the provision of home-based exercise program (HBEP) education. The aim is to uncover opportunities for improving this critical aspect of stroke care. A cross-sectional E-survey, employing a validated questionnaire, was distributed to a diverse group of physical therapists across Saudi Arabia. The results from 216 respondents revealed that 93.01% provided HBEP education, with more than half educating 7 out of 10 stroke patients. Main barriers included a perceived lack of suitable programs (82.41%) and limited awareness of local HBEPs (47.22%). The percentage of physical therapists providing HBEP education varied significantly between inpatient and outpatient settings. This research offers insights to enhance home-based stroke rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia by addressing identified challenges, improving therapist training, and tailoring resources to patients’ needs.
