Objectives This study investigates the factors influencing physical activity in overweight individuals, focusing on gender disparities. Methods The study used focus group discussions as a phenomenological qualitative method to explore physical activity factors in overweight adults (male and female). Participants were categorised based on their responses to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form (IPAQ-SF). One group was engaged in health-enhancing physical activity, and the other group was inactive or minimally active. A total of twelve discussions, with three discussions in each group, lasting for 30–50 min, involving 5–6 participants aged 25–60 years. Results Sixty participants were included, evenly split between men (32 ± 6.2) and women (30.9 ± 7), primarily from the working population. Four major themes emerged: personal, environmental, social, and digital. Facilitators included health benefits, enjoyment, weight reduction, accessibility, peer encouragement, social media challenges, and activity tracking. Barriers included time constraints, motivational deficits, climate, and lack of support. Men were influenced by sports, social events, and accountability. In contrast, women faced familial obligations, safety concerns, and societal pressures. Overweight men aimed to build strength, while women worried about judgement and self-esteem. Conclusions Gender-specific perceptions influence overweight individuals’ engagement in physical activity, highlighting differing motivations and barriers faced by men and women. Recognising unique motivations and barriers faced by each gender is essential for developing effective physical activity programs tailored to address these challenges.

Background Mobility care is essential, given that mobility is an independent predictor of various health and social outcomes. While multiple factors, including culture, influence the mobility of older adults, there is a lack of understanding of how to incorporate culture into older adults’ mobility assessment, intervention and prevention. Objective To explore the perspectives of Nigerian physiotherapists (PTs) on how culture influences mobility assessment, intervention and prevention among community-dwelling older adults in Nigeria. Methods We employed Sandelowski’s approach to descriptive qualitative method and purposively sampled 29 Nigerian PTs with at least 2 years of clinical experience working with older adults with mobility limitations. Each PT was invited to participate in a single, semi-structured interview, which was audio-recorded and conducted either in-person, via Zoom or telephone, lasting between 45–60 min. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis. Results Two overarching themes emerged: Cultural Antecedents and Socially-Informed Cultural Contributors to Mobility Care. Cultural antecedents revealed that patients preferred a PT of the same sex, emphasised the necessity of deep cultural interactions, and highlighted the role of cultural interpreters—rather than language translators—as essential for integrating culture into the mobility care of older adults. Socially-informed cultural contributors included cultural perceptions of pain, the influence of traditional attire on mobility, and stigma around assistive devices. Conclusion Findings highlight the interplay of cultural values, societal norms and clinical practices in shaping mobility care. This study underscores the importance of integrating cultural competence into physiotherapy education and clinical practice globally.

Background Stroke and persistent pain post-stroke are common, with pain post-stroke associated with poorer biopsychosocial outcomes and limited evidence-based management strategies. Mind-body therapies provide a holistic management option however, physiotherapists’ knowledge and perceptions may limit usage and current entry-level university education for physiotherapists is unknown. Purpose Our objective was to examine perceived knowledge, perceptions and use of mind-body therapies for people with persistent pain post-stroke and associated education and training among Australian physiotherapists working with people post-stroke. Methods Australian physiotherapists (n = 102) and physiotherapy educators (n = 23) completed online study-specific surveys. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were conducted. Results Physiotherapists’ perceived mind-body therapy knowledge, usefulness, frequency of use and competence were generally low to moderate. Self-practice was the most reported source of knowledge and the only significant predictor of higher knowledge. Mind-body therapies were considered beneficial for pain and pain related biopsychosocial outcomes post-stroke, with physiotherapists’ perceptions of mind-body therapies most influenced by personal experience and scientific evidence. Perceived knowledge and usefulness of these therapies predicted greater use. However, both physiotherapists and educators noted limited pain and mind-body therapy content during entry-level physiotherapy education, particularly for neurological or stroke cohorts. Conclusions Despite physiotherapists considering mind-body therapies beneficial in the management of persistent pain post-stroke, overall perceived knowledge, use, and competence were low. Self-practice, rather than formal education, influences physiotherapists’ perceptions and predicts higher knowledge, and perceived knowledge and usefulness predict greater use of mind-body therapies. More quality scientific literature and learning opportunities during entry-level university education, may be warranted.

Background This study explores the experiences of persons with stroke (PwS) in terms of continuity and satisfaction with the follow-up care provided by physiotherapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs). Methods Ten persons participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by the concepts of continuity of care and rehabilitation. Results The participants described a range of experiences regarding continuity and satisfaction with the follow-up provided by PTs and OTs, leading to the identification of three themes. The first theme, “The construction of expectations,” captures that expectations for municipal follow-up are created during their interaction with the hospital therapists. The second theme, “Patient involvement—a vital link for continuity and satisfaction,” highlights that the perceived degree of involvement affects both the experience of continuity and satisfaction with the rehabilitation process. The third theme, “Challenges in obtaining appropriate therapy,” elaborates on the challenges PwS encountered during rehabilitation, such as finding and receiving the right level of care. Conclusion The findings revealed that expectations for individualised treatment were often unmet, with younger, working-age PwS particularly facing challenges due to unrecognised cognitive impairments. These results indicate that there is still a need for increased emphasis on patient involvement to effectively manage expectations and provide adequate rehabilitation.

Purpose Physical activity adds to the effectiveness of the newly developed weight-reducing drugs and is essential for maintaining weight loss post-medication. This study explores how weight loss affects former and current users’ bodily experiences and motives for physical activity. Materials and methods We conducted phenomenological semi-structured individual interviews with ten current or former users of weight-reducing drugs, aged 24–63, of whom six were women. According to the informants’ preferences, the interviews were arranged as virtual, physical, or telephonic meetings. Data were analysed using a six-step thematic analysis. Results Three themes were identified from the analysis: a bodily journey towards being like others, possibilities and incentives for physical activity, and the process and the future. Weight loss provided positive mental and bodily experiences of physical activity that promoted a determination to maintain weight loss through a physically active lifestyle. The experience of enjoyment and managing bodily performance supported maintenance. Conclusions The users’ increased physical activity was driven by a desire to maintain the weight loss and the enjoyment of exercise, indicating a shift towards a sustainable health-promoting lifestyle. However, former and current users requested individual guidance and support to manage the new situation and maintain lifestyle changes.