Exploration of the Current State of Diagnostic Electromyography Education in Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs Throughout the United States: A Survey Study

Study Rationale: Electromyography (EMG) is an essential diagnostic and intervention tool for patients and is within the physical therapy scope of practice. Based on our research, we found a lack of literature regarding information on EMG education for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students across the United States. EMG education literature is concentrated in different medical specialties, such as neurology, physical medicine &rehab and physical therapy. But it remains relatively spares when compared to other fields within medicaleducation. This might be due to limited educational research in EMG, training duration and requirements, and technological advances and complexity. Therefore, further evaluation is necessary to acquire a more nuanced understanding of the current state of diagnostic EMG education in DPT programs. This research can shed light on and establish a baseline of needed information for EMG study within DPT programs.Purposes of the Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate DPT faculty perceptions of diagnostic EMG education and explore the current EMG curricula in Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited DPT programs across the United States (U.S.).The second purpose of this study was to explore the current EMG curriculum in CAPTE- accredited DPT programs within the United States.Research Hypothesis: Based on the lack of literature, we hypothesize that DPT instructors in the United States will report at least 20% of electromyography programs within DPT curriculums are underutilizing diagnostic clinical applications for those that do include EMG training.Null hypothesis: DPT instructors in the United States will report no significant difference amongst electromyography programs within DPT curriculums regarding underutilizing diagnostic clinical applications for those that do include EMG training.