Awareness, perceptions, and practice patterns of mind mapping, as a teaching - Learning technique, among physiotherapy academicians: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Mind mapping is an active teaching–learning technique that stimulates critical thinking. Indian physiotherapy academicians’ awareness, perceptions, and practice about mind mapping are not extensively researched. These factors may have a considerable impact on its utilization in physiotherapy education. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the existing awareness, perceptions, and practice patterns of Indian Physiotherapy academicians regarding mind mapping in physiotherapy education. The secondary objective was to evaluate associations between knowledge, attitude, and practice of mind mapping with the demographic characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 369 Physiotherapy academicians from institutions affiliated with different Universities across India participated between February and September 2023 by convenience sampling. A structured, prevalidated questionnaire was shared online with the participants, and their responses were sought. RESULTS: The questionnaire was shared with 516 participants, of which 369 responded (response rate = 73.8%). About 55.01% of participants demonstrated correct knowledge, 77.83% had a positive attitude, but only 27.09% practiced mind mapping in academics. A significant association was found between knowledge ( P = 0.012) and attitude ( P = 0.010) with specialization of participants, and a very significant association was found between knowledge and practice of mind mapping ( P = 0.0001). Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy specialists had higher awareness, with a more positive attitude toward mind mapping than faculty of other specialties. CONCLUSION: The study revealed moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward mind mapping among Indian physiotherapy academicians, but limited practical application, indicating a knowledge–practice gap. Targeted training and resources are recommended to support its effective academic integration.