Background: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving therapy that is increasingly used in patients with acute cardiac and respiratory failure. Although early mobilization has been found to be useful in critically ill patients, including those receiving ECMO, there is limited evidence of physical therapists' understanding of and preparedness to apply these interventions, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding early mobilization of ECMO patients among Saudi-licensed physical therapists, and to identify the demographic and professional factors contributing to knowledge gaps.

Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire study included 381 licensed physical therapists registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) at various Saudi hospitals. An online structured questionnaire was used to assess the participants' training history, early mobilization awareness, ECMO knowledge, and clinical experience. Chi-square tests, correlational analysis, and descriptive statistics were used to scrutinize the relationships between knowledge levels and demographic variables.

Results: The study involved 381 participants, mainly aged 30-39 (39.1%), with balanced gender distribution (53.5% males, 46.5% females), and most working in hospitals (61.9%). About 50.7% had high ECMO knowledge, 55.1% were aware of early mobilization benefits, and 49.9% felt very confident handling ECMO patients. Only 50.1% had received ECMO training, mainly online, while 92.2% wanted more training despite 65.6% reporting inadequate resources. Knowledge was significantly correlated with awareness (r = 0.718, p<0.001), age, education, and experience (p<0.001), but not gender (p=0.951). Age was strongly correlated with experience (r = 0.552) and education (r = 0.583).

Conclusion: This study identified significant ECMO-specific knowledge and early mobilization practice gaps among Saudi physical therapists, especially in non-hospital or less-experienced settings. These findings emphasize the critical need for specific educational programs and organizational assistance to improve ECMO patient outcomes through improved physical rehabilitation practical training.