Metabolic syndrome is prevalent and undiagnosed in clients attending private practice physiotherapy: a cross-sectional study.

MASTWYK, Sally, TAYLOR, Nicholas F, LOWE, Anna, DALTON, Caroline and PEIRIS, Casey L (2024). Metabolic syndrome is prevalent and undiagnosed in clients attending private practice physiotherapy: a cross-sectional study. Physiotherapy, 124, 116-125.

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Abstract

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in clients presenting for primary care physiotherapy within private practice settings, and the factors that may be associated with metabolic syndrome. The secondary aim was to determine client's attitudes towards lifestyle change.

Design

A cross-sectional study in which self-report and biometric data were collected. The study was conducted in physiotherapy private practices across metropolitan and regional areas, Australia.

Participants

230 clients (mean age 54 (SD18) years, 64% women) presenting for physiotherapy participated.

Main outcome measures

Participant socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected. Metabolic syndrome presence was determined by the existence of three or more risk factors on physical examination and capillary blood sample: abdominal obesity, hypertension, elevated random blood glucose, elevated triglycerides and/or reduced HDL cholesterol.

Results

Thirty-seven percent of participants had metabolic syndrome, but none knew they had it. Metabolic syndrome was associated with older age and poorer socio-economic status and may have been associated with lower levels of physical activity but not diet. Of those identified as having hypertension and elevated triglycerides, many were undiagnosed (56% and 29% respectively).

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome is prevalent and undiagnosed in clients attending private practice physiotherapy. Clients felt lifestyle change was important and they were willing to make changes. This study highlights the need for greater screening of metabolic risk factors in primary care and presents an opportunity for physiotherapists in private practice to identify risk and intervene to improve the overall health of their clients and contribute to chronic disease prevention.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Health promotion; Metabolic syndrome; Physical therapy specialty; Primary health care; 1103 Clinical Sciences; 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences; 1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences; Rehabilitation; 3202 Clinical sciences; 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2024.03.003
Page Range:	116-125
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Elements
Depositing User:	Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited:	24 Jun 2024 11:12
Last Modified:	24 Jun 2024 11:15
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/33872

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