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.
Highlights
Physical activity (PA) promotion in healthcare is an important strategy for increasing PA levels
The aim of this study is to describe Australian physiotherapists’ knowledge of the Australian physical activity and sedentary behaviour (PASB) guidelines, and factors that are associated with greater frequency of PA promotion
To achieve a complete correct answer participants must have mentioned all four components according to the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (PASB) guidelines for Adults (18–64 years), that is, accumulate 150 to 300 min of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 min of vigorous intensity physical activity or a combination of both each week; muscle strengthening exercise at least 2 days per week; and minimise time spent in prolonged sitting [17]
Summary
Physical activity (PA) promotion in healthcare is an important strategy for increasing PA levels. The World Confederation of Physical Therapists states that physiotherapists are ideally positioned to deliver physical activity (PA) promotion for both primary and secondary prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [1]. They have training and experience in educating clients and in prescribing PA programs for a range of NCDs, such as cardiovascular conditions and diabetes [1,2,3,4,5]. Physiotherapists around the world perceive that PA promotion is part of their role, with 50–99% of physiotherapists from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Ireland and Nigeria agreeing this is part of their normal clinical work [5, 7,8,9,10,11]. Physiotherapists worldwide agree that brief education and advice is the most feasible option for PA promotion [5, 7, 9, 10, 12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
