PERCEPTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AMONG PHYSICAL THERAPISTS OF PAKISTAN ALONG WITH ITS ETHICAL IMPLICATION

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming rehabilitation practices by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, optimizing treatment planning, and reducing the workload of physiotherapists (PTs). In Pakistan, limited research has explored PTs’ awareness and perceptions of AI applications in rehabilitation. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for guiding integration strategies and addressing educational gaps in this evolving field. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of physiotherapists in Pakistan regarding the use of AI in rehabilitation, and to identify associated factors influencing awareness and acceptance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2023 using a validated four-part questionnaire (content validity index: 0.8) distributed via Google Forms and in paper format. The minimum sample size of 213 was calculated using G*Power (version 3.1.9.7), with a logistic regression model assuming an odds ratio of 1.5, α = 0.05, and 80% power. Inclusion criteria were licensed physiotherapists with ≥6 months of clinical or academic experience in Pakistan. Chiropractors, other healthcare professionals, and those unwilling to participate were excluded. Purposive sampling yielded 259 respondents. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, applying descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean ± SD) with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Results: Among respondents, 65% were female and 35% male, with a mean age of 26.61 ± 3.56 years. Awareness of AI in rehabilitation was reported by 62.2%, with higher knowledge in those with <5 years of experience (72%) compared to >5 years (58%). Only 22% had used AI tools in clinical practice, while 78% had only heard of them. Most agreed AI could reduce workload (64%) and improve patient care (70%), yet 29% cited difficulty understanding its complexity. Importantly, 89.6% expressed willingness to learn more about AI, and 64% supported its inclusion in rehabilitation curricula. Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Pakistan generally demonstrated positive perceptions toward AI in rehabilitation, though practical exposure and understanding remain limited. Targeted training and curriculum integration are recommended to enhance readiness for AI adoption.

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