Full Breakdown
High Rates of Noncompliance in Physical Therapy Homework Impact Recovery
2/18/2026, 2:00:15 AM
Overview of the Survey Findings
A recent survey conducted by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that a significant majority of patients assigned physical therapy exercises to perform at home are not completing them. The survey, which polled 1,006 Americans between September 18-21, 2025, found that 76% of respondents skipped some or all of their physical therapy homework, potentially hindering their recovery process. Only 24% of participants reported completing their entire exercise regimen.
Demographic Insights
The survey highlighted notable differences in compliance based on age. Seniors aged 65 and older were more likely to complete their physical therapy homework, with 30% reporting full compliance compared to only 12% of those under 30. Additionally, only 5% of seniors did less than a quarter of their assigned exercises, while 15% of younger respondents fell into the same category.
Reasons for Noncompliance
Participants cited various reasons for not completing their physical therapy exercises. The most common reasons included forgetting to do the exercises (40%), running out of time or having scheduling conflicts (33%), and finding the exercises boring or repetitive (22%). Other factors included not seeing quick results (19%), experiencing pain (18%), and lacking accountability between therapy visits (15%).
Importance of Home Exercises
Kyle Smith, a physical therapist at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, emphasized the critical role of home exercises in recovery. He stated, “The one to three hours per week a patient spends in physical therapy pales in comparison to the 168 hours we have in a given week.” Smith noted that simple daily activities, such as parking farther away or doing stretches while watching television, can significantly contribute to recovery.
Official Statements & Recommendations
In light of the findings, Smith urged physical therapists to better educate patients on the importance of completing their homework. He suggested that therapists should be responsive to patients' concerns and help them incorporate exercises into their daily routines. Additionally, he recommended that patients set realistic goals and maintain motivation by remembering the reasons for their therapy, such as recovering from an injury or improving mobility.
Criticism & Opposition
While the survey highlights a concerning trend in physical therapy compliance, some experts argue that the healthcare system must also take responsibility. They suggest that more structured follow-ups and reminders could help improve adherence to prescribed exercises.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The survey's margin of error is reported at plus or minus 3.7 percentage points, indicating potential variability in the findings. Further research may be needed to explore the underlying causes of noncompliance and to develop effective strategies to enhance patient engagement in their recovery processes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The one to three hours per week a patient spends in physical therapy pales in comparison to the 168 hours we have in a given week,” — Kyle Smith, Physical Therapist, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
- “As physical therapists, we need to educate patients that it is going to take some work on their end to reach the goals they have to ultimately build strength and mobility and decrease the body's pain sensitivity,” — Kyle Smith, Physical Therapist, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
