Abstract
BackgroundThe physical job demands of physiotherapists require optimal level of physical fitness (PF), which is often not evaluated in practice. In this study, we assessed selected components of physical fitness of Ghanaian physiotherapists in relation to their sex, age and frequency of exercise participation.MethodsPhysiotherapists practicing in four major hospitals within the Accra Metropolis of Ghana were enrolled into this cross-sectional survey. Three major components of physical fitness (flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance and body composition) were assessed with sit and reach test, 3-min step test and BMI respectively. Unpaired sample t-test was used to determine differences in means of the three components of physical fitness betwwen males and females. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that frequency of exercise engagement and age of the participants correlated with the three components of physical fitness at p < 0.05.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 40 participants, out of which 23 (58 %) were females. The mean age was (31.5 ± 1.4) years and majority 21 (52.5 %) was within the age range of 20-29 years. Respective mean scores for cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility and BMI were (98.2 ± 12.9 beat/min), (4.03 ± 6.15 cm) and (23.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2). Female participants were significantly more flexible than their male counterparts (5.7 ± 5.3; 1.6 ± 6.6, p = 0.034). There was a positive and significant correlation between the age of the participants and BMI (r = 0.614 and p = 0.017). However, cardiorespiratory endurance was not significantly correlated with age and frequency of exercise engagement.ConclusionsThe sampled physiotherapists had relatively low physical fitness compared to the age adjusted values. Age and sex are therefore crucial determinants whilst designing programmes aimed at promoting physical fitness in this group.
Highlights
The physical job demands of physiotherapists require optimal level of physical fitness (PF), which is often not evaluated in practice
An assessment of the components of PF by Gorner et al [9] reported that low levels of physical activity among physiotherapy undergraduate students was accompanied by lower level of aerobic capacity than that obtained in their physical education counterparts
Participants Data were collected from the physiotherapy departments of Korle-bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), 37 Military Hospital (MH), Ridge General Hospital and Tema General Hospital
Summary
The physical job demands of physiotherapists require optimal level of physical fitness (PF), which is often not evaluated in practice. We assessed selected components of physical fitness of Ghanaian physiotherapists in relation to their sex, age and frequency of exercise participation. Delivery of high-quality and cost-effective healthcare services has increasingly become the focus of policymakers, clinicians, and patients’ advocacy groups. To meet such high demands, health care providers including physiotherapists need to develop optimal state of health and fitness. The demands of physiotherapy practice are diverse and require practitioners to demonstrate an optimal level of fitness to be able to deliver quality service to their clients and patients. An assessment of the components of PF by Gorner et al [9] reported that low levels of physical activity among physiotherapy undergraduate students was accompanied by lower level of aerobic capacity than that obtained in their physical education counterparts
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