KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF PILATES IN BREAST CANCER REHABILITATION AMONG MALAYSIAN PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most dominant cancer, accounting for 33% of all cancer in Malaysia. Accordingly, there are several strategies have been implemented in the management of breast cancer. Pilates is one of the effective methods that focus on the rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors. However, there is a paucity of evidence into the insight of Pilates and its recognition. Objective: The study aims to determine the knowledge and awareness of Pilates in breast cancer rehabilitation among physiotherapists in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 113 physiotherapists located in Selangor, Malaysia. A self-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data. The questionnaire was divided into four sections namely demographic status, awareness and knowledge of Pilates on women’s health and breast cancer, perception and interest in pursuing new knowledge on women’s health and implementation of Pilates in women’s health and breast cancer. Results: The result obtained showed that the majority of the female therapists (68%) and only a small percentage of male therapists (27%) are aware of Pilates. The majority of the participants (n=51, 45.13%) are unaware that musculoskeletal complications secondary to breast cancer can be treated using Pilates. Conclusion: Low-to-moderate level of knowledge and awareness about Pilates in female breast cancer rehabilitation was identified among Malaysian physiotherapists in this study. Hence there is a need to escalate the level of awareness and knowledge of Pilates among Physiotherapists in Malaysia.