Exploring Barriers and Facilitators in Physiotherapy Rehabilitation for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Evidence on barriers and facilitators to physiotherapy (PT) rehabilitation for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is limited. Hence, there is a definite need to identify the barriers and facilitators to PT rehabilitation for patients with KOA by reviewing the existing literature. METHODS: Original articles on barriers and facilitators to PT rehabilitation for patients with KOA, published from 2016 to July 2025, were included. This scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Search strategies were developed using PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science and were limited to English. Data were extracted using a data extraction form and analysed thematically in NVivo 15. RESULTS: Of the 469 articles identified, 20 were included that focused on the barriers and facilitators to influencing PT. Eight sub-themes were developed for the barriers theme, and seven for the facilitators theme. Barriers to PT experienced by patients with KOA include limited education, access, and time to access and adhere to PT rehabilitation, whereas facilitators include physiotherapists' follow-up and social support. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers and facilitators were identified, highlighting the importance of involving patients in treatment decision-making and adopting a patient-centred approach to address these barriers and enhance adherence, especially in low- and middle-income countries.