ORIGINAL PAPER
Unveiling perspectives: exploring knowledge, beliefs, and influences of complementary and alternative medicine among future physiotherapists
1
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Engineering and Management, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
2
Swasthya Kalyan College of Physiotherapy, Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Submission date: 2025-04-16
Acceptance date: 2025-12-11
Online publication date: 2026-08-06
Corresponding author
Ashutosh Singh
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Engineering and Management, Gurukul, Sikar Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Engineering and Management, Gurukul, Sikar Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is gaining recognition for its potential benefits in various therapeutic settings. Understanding physiotherapy students’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs towards CAM is essential for promoting evidence-based, patient-centred care. This study assesses the readiness of physiotherapy students to incorporate CAM practices into clinical settings.
Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 760 physiotherapy students from various institutions in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. The survey included a validated CAM Health Belief Questionnaire to measure students’ self-reported knowledge of CAM modalities, their attitudes towards CAM integration, and the factors influencing their perspectives.
Results:
The majority of students were most familiar with CAM modalities such as massage, yoga, and meditation, which are consistent with physiotherapy’s holistic approach. While students generally supported evidence-based treatments, they exhibited scepticism towards practices lacking scientific validation. A favourable view of CAM’s potential for natural healing was prevalent, and factors such as scientific evidence, media influence, and professional opinions were identified as significant determinants of students’ attitudes.
Conclusions:
Physiotherapy students are well-informed about certain CAM practices and are open to integrating them into clinical care, provided the practices are evidence-based. The findings highlight the importance of developing educational programs incorporating CAM’s evidence-based applications in physiotherapy practice.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is gaining recognition for its potential benefits in various therapeutic settings. Understanding physiotherapy students’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs towards CAM is essential for promoting evidence-based, patient-centred care. This study assesses the readiness of physiotherapy students to incorporate CAM practices into clinical settings.
Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 760 physiotherapy students from various institutions in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. The survey included a validated CAM Health Belief Questionnaire to measure students’ self-reported knowledge of CAM modalities, their attitudes towards CAM integration, and the factors influencing their perspectives.
Results:
The majority of students were most familiar with CAM modalities such as massage, yoga, and meditation, which are consistent with physiotherapy’s holistic approach. While students generally supported evidence-based treatments, they exhibited scepticism towards practices lacking scientific validation. A favourable view of CAM’s potential for natural healing was prevalent, and factors such as scientific evidence, media influence, and professional opinions were identified as significant determinants of students’ attitudes.
Conclusions:
Physiotherapy students are well-informed about certain CAM practices and are open to integrating them into clinical care, provided the practices are evidence-based. The findings highlight the importance of developing educational programs incorporating CAM’s evidence-based applications in physiotherapy practice.
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