Current Practices and Perceptions of Physiotherapists on Upper Limb Rehabilitation for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease in India

A bstract Introduction: Over 65% of people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) experience upper limb impairments, which compromise independence and daily activities. Current clinical management often includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and advanced technologies. Understanding physiotherapists’ practices and perceptions in this domain is crucial for bridging gaps between planning and implementation of rehabilitation strategies in low- and middle-income countries such as India. Objective: To explore current practices and perceptions of physiotherapists regarding upper limb rehabilitation in PwPD and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing physiotherapy service delivery in India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among physiotherapists in India with at least 1 year of neurological rehabilitation experience. A 25-item validated questionnaire, developed through focus group discussions with five subject experts, was distributed via Google Forms using snowball sampling. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 130 physiotherapists participated. The primary rehabilitation goal reported was improving activities of daily living (88.5%), with functional training being the most commonly employed strategy (80%). Major barriers included symptom severity and poor patient compliance, while key facilitators were patient motivation and early intervention. Conclusion: Despite several barriers, physiotherapists in India have adopted diverse approaches for upper limb rehabilitation in PwPD. Findings highlight the need for standardized protocols and integration of novel technologies to optimize treatment outcomes.