Background: The self-determination theory (SDT) is a theory on motivation proposing to support needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness to improve autonomous motivation, which leads to adherence and compliance. Little is known about how SDT-driven physiotherapy interventions are implemented. Purpose: The objectives of this rapid review were to identify the type of physiotherapy contexts in which SDT is being used and describe how SDT-based physiotherapy interventions are being measured. Methods: The Cochrane Rapid Review Methods was followed to synthesize evidence from systematic reviews (SR) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of SDT-related research in physiotherapy. We conducted a search on four databases between 1990 and September 17th, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, one reviewer completed the full-text screening while another screened all excluded full-text to ensure consensus. Findings were synthesized narratively following the review objectives. Results: Of 184 identified SR or RCT, we included 8 RCTs (n=457) and 1 SR (n=712) targeting various health conditions for children and adults (i.e., cerebral palsy, adults with chronic health conditions). Physiotherapy interventions included strength and aerobic exercises, therapeutic modalities, yoga or tai chi, virtual therapy, coaching, and equine-assisted therapy. SDT techniques included communication training, autonomy supportive feedback, education and goal-setting, provision of choices, and intrinsic motivation with the use of virtual reality, robotics, circus-themed games, music, and behaviour change strategies. A positive impact of SDT-driven physiotherapy interventions was seen for adherence, engagement, acceptance, physical activity, and intrinsic motivation. Conclusion: Our rapid review suggests that SDT-driven physiotherapy is being used across a broad range of health conditions, using various physiotherapy and SDT principles derived from the theory.
O'Neil et al. (Fri,) studied this question.