Attitudes and self-reported practices of New Zealand osteopaths to exercise consultation

Abstract

BackgroundExercise-based interventions are commonly utilised within many healthcare modalities, although their role in New Zealand (NZ) osteopathy is unclear. ObjectivesInvestigate osteopaths' attitudes and practices of exercise consultation, in the context of general health and wellbeing (GH) and specific medical conditions (SMC); and identify factors associated with these practices and attitudes. MethodsCross-sectional survey of NZ practicing osteopaths. ResultsResponse rate was 38% (n = 125/332). Degree of positive attitude towards advice for GH, 75 ± 9% (mean ± SD), and prescription for SMC, 73 ± 6%, were similar. The most commonly reported exercise consultation provided was advice for SMC (75 ± 24%), followed by advice for GH (63 ± 30%), prescription for SMC (63 ± 30%) and for GH (52 ± 32%). Practices of exercise consultation were associated with positive attitudes (p < 0.05 for all) and osteopathic training institution with attitudes towards exercise prescription (p = 0.03). Level of academic qualification was associated with practice of advice for SMC (p < 0.001) and osteopathic practice style with practice of prescription for SMC (p = 0.03). Increased personal exercise duration was weakly predictive of positive attitudes towards exercise advice (r2 = 0.04 for regression model) and associated with practice of advice for GH (p = 0.01). Common forms of exercise delivery by osteopaths included verbal instruction (87%), physical demonstration by the practitioner (73%), or by the patient (62%). ConclusionsThese data suggest most respondents hold positive attitudes towards exercise consultation and incorporate exercise within their clinical practice. Whereas training and practice style appear more closely associated with therapeutic exercise, personal exercise behaviours appear to be more closely associated with exercise advice for general health and wellbeing.