Are we missing opportunities? Physiotherapy and physical activity promotion: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) promotion in healthcare is an important strategy for increasing PA levels. Physiotherapists are well-positioned to promote PA, however no studies have investigated PA promotion by physiotherapists Australia-wide.MethodsAn online survey of practicing Australian physiotherapists was conducted to investigate knowledge of the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (PASB) guidelines and factors associated with increased promotion frequency. Participants were asked to state the PASB guidelines and a 4-component scoring system was used to measure knowledge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with frequency of promotion.Results257 Australian physiotherapists completed the survey. Only 10% were able to accurately state the PASB guidelines and 54% reported promoting PA to 10 or more patients per month. Males were nearly three times more likely than females to promote PA to 10 or more patients per month (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.25–5.74). Those who lacked counselling skills and felt PA promotion wouldn’t change their patients’ behaviour were much less likely to promote PA.ConclusionAustralian physiotherapists have poor knowledge of the Australian PASB guidelines and infrequently promote PA. Education and training in PA counselling and behaviour change strategies is indicated to enhance PA promotion by Australian physiotherapists.

Physical activity promotion in daily exercise therapy: The perspectives of exercise therapists in German rehabilitation settings

“…Similar to the results of Lowe et al [18] and Freene et al [51], the topic of one's own behaviour as a therapist is only addressed as a promoting factor; lack of self-confidence, a low level of knowledge, or a lack of methodical-didactic skills (e.g. conversation skills) mentioned in other studies [16,48,52,53] were not mentioned by the therapists in our study. This is somewhat surprising given that PAP is difficult to implement and the capability and skills required among therapists are complex [12] but rarely addressed in their current training.…”

“…The respondents indicated their use of 29 different behavioural change techniques to either promote nontreatment PA or encourage adherence to rehabilitation exercise [15]. In contrast, Freene et al [16] report that only half of Australian physiotherapists regularly use interventions for PAP. In this context, several critical findings regarding the dissemination and implementation of PAP have been discussed.…”

Physical activity promotion in daily exercise therapy: The perspectives of exercise therapists in German rehabilitation settings

“…Similar to the results of Lowe et al [18] and Freene et al [50], the topic of one's own behaviour as a therapist is only addressed as a promoting factor; lack of self-confidence, a low level of knowledge, or a lack of methodical-didactic skills (e.g. conversation skills) mentioned in other studies [16,47,51,52] were not mentioned by the therapists in our study. This is somewhat surprising given that PAP is difficult to implement and the capability and skills required among therapists are complex [12] but rarely addressed in their current training.…”

Physical Activity of Physiotherapy Students and the Role of Device-Based Monitoring in Their Future Clinical Practice: A Cohort Study

“…Consequently, experiencing the assessment of PA themselves is crucial for pre-professional students' preparation, to enable them to reappraise their attitudes toward PA, and to improve their knowledge about its benefits and applications. Importantly, students' own behavior is associated with their attitudes towards health promotion, such that a lack of regular PA on their part may be a barrier to counseling and encouraging others to be physically active [8,10]. This assertion is supported by Ranasinghe et al [38], who stated that encouragement and support for engagement in sporting activities, obtained from family and educators during childhood, is crucial in physiotherapy students as it may have an impact on their exercise behavior in adulthood.…”

“…Surprisingly, there is a dearth of quality research describing PA levels among physiotherapists [9]. The deficiency of satisfactory support for physiotherapists to be physically active has also being criticized, likewise the lack of knowledge regarding Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior guidelines [10,11].…”