COVID-19 and its implications for the discipline of Biokinetics: A pilot study

Abstract

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed numerous challenges on the already strained South African healthcare system. The impact of the pandemic on biokinetics services has not yet been established. Based on a descriptive and explorative design, an online survey was conducted to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on biokinetics services and its implications for practice. The online survey included a questionnaire circulated to practicing biokineticists (n=125) in South Africa over a 4-month period (which coincided with the COVID-19 lockdown) using social media platforms (personal Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts). The questionnaire was designed to explore and describe the impact of the pandemic on biokinetics practices, the use of alternative virtual servicing platforms related to operational aspects and types of patients likely to engage with the virtual platforms. The survey also included a description of the biokineticists’ engagement with the digital platform during the pandemic. Findings indicated that 10% of all biokinetics practices were closed permanently as a result of the pandemic. Many of the respondents reported that their patient base was not suited to digital exercise prescription (p=0.011). Awareness of the effects and subsequent implications of COVID-19 pandemic on the biokinetics profession is important as this could inform policy and practice. Evidence-based studies are needed to guide the changing landscape of the profession.