Survey on Physiotherapists’ Readiness Toward AI- Assisted Rehabilitation Tools

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted rehabilitation tools are increasingly gaining relevance in physiotherapy practice. However, the readiness of physiotherapists to adopt and integrate these technologies remains unclear. Objective: To assess the awareness, attitudes, perceived benefits, barriers, and overall readiness of physiotherapists toward AI-assisted rehabilitation tools. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing physiotherapists in India using a structured Google Forms questionnaire. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. The survey assessed demographic details, knowledge of AI tools, usage patterns, perceived advantages, barriers, and readiness for adoption using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, frequency, percentage) were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 214 physiotherapists participated. About 72.8% were aware of AI-assisted rehabilitation tools, but only 18.7% reported using them in clinical practice. The mean readiness score was 3.62 ± 0.84, indicating moderate readiness. Major perceived benefits included improved patient monitoring (82.7%) and objective outcome tracking (78.9%). Major barriers were lack of training (67.3%), cost concerns (58.4%), and uncertainty about accuracy (41.1%). Conclusion: Physiotherapists demonstrate high awareness but limited use of AI-assisted rehabilitation tools. Overall readiness is moderate, and significant barriers persist