Physiotherapy and Physical Activity: A cross-sectional survey exploring physical activity promotion, knowledge of physical activity guidelines and the physical activity habits of UK physiotherapists.

LOWE, Anna, LITTLEWOOD, Chris, MCLEAN, Sionnadh and KILNER, Karen (2017). Physiotherapy and Physical Activity: A cross-sectional survey exploring physical activity promotion, knowledge of physical activity guidelines and the physical activity habits of UK physiotherapists. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 3 (1).

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Abstract

Objective: Physical inactivity is a public health priority and embedding promotion of physical activity (PA) within healthcare systems is an important lever for change. Many factors influence PA promotion in routine healthcare practice, these include the PA habits of healthcare professionals and also their knowledge of the PA guidelines. Little is known about the extent to which PA is currently promoted in physiotherapy practice or the factors that influence it. Methods: Following ethical approval a cross-sectional survey of UK physiotherapists was conducted. Findings were analysed and reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines. Results: There were 522 respondents, 514 of whom were physiotherapists. Seventy seven percent of respondents routinely discussed PA with patients and 68% routinely delivered Brief Interventions. Assessment of PA status was not routine practice neither was signposting to further sources of PA support. Only 16% of respondents correctly answered questions about the content of the PA guidelines. Only 38% of respondents met current PA recommendations. Clinicians' PA levels were not associated with PA promotion activity. Conclusion: Despite the promising finding that some form of PA promotion is integrated into most respondents' practice, we report a poor understanding of Brief Interventions and poor knowledge of the PA guidelines. Additionally, the majority of respondents were not sufficiently active to meet current PA recommendations.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Health and Well-being > Department of Allied Health Professions
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000290
Depositing User:	Anna Lowe
Date Deposited:	13 Sep 2017 11:10
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 04:19
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16730

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