Physical Therapy Integration in Primary Care for Noncommunicable Diseases: A Scoping Review of Evidence, Barriers, and Implementation Pathways for Saudi Arabia

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) impact a substantial proportion of adults in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for innovative preventive care models. Integrating physical therapy (PT) into primary care is a potentially promising strategy to enhance early intervention, reduce disability, and improve healthcare efficiency. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to examine global evidence on the integration of PT into primary care for NCD management, identify barriers and facilitators for implementation, and evaluate its applicability in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Using the Joanna Briggs Institute and Arksey and O’Malley frameworks, and following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted comprehensive literature searches in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2010 and August 2024. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data from studies involving adults with NCDs receiving PT in primary care. Results: A total of 24 studies ( N = 22,830) met inclusion criteria: 17 randomized controlled trials, 5 prospective cohorts, 1 non-randomized trial, and 1 meta-analysis. Most studies showed improvements in pain, function, and quality of life, with early PT and direct-access models proving cost-effective. However, 96% of the studies were from Western, high-income settings, highlighting a critical evidence gap for Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: Despite strong international evidence, specific data for Saudi Arabia are lacking. Therefore, there is a need for local studies to determine the usefulness of integrating physical therapy into noncommunicable disease prevention and management, in alignment with Vision 2030.