Perception and Promotion of Physical Activity by Clinical and Academic Physical Therapists among Patients and Students

Physiotherapists are well‑positioned to promote physically active lifestyles as primary health‑care providers, but their function and practice in this regard among patients and students have yet to be thoroughly examined. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of promoting physical activity by both clinical and academic physiotherapists among patients and students.

A cross‑sectional study was conducted from Jan to March 2020 in different tertiary care hospitals of Karachi and University of Karachi using nonprobability convenience sampling technique. A total of 100 sample data were collected. Questionnaire was based on knowledge, perception, promotion, and barriers of recommended physical activity.

A total number of 100 participants enrolled in the study; academician (n = 19), clinician physiotherapist (n = 48) and both (n = 33). Total 84.2% of academic physiotherapists, 66% clinical therapists, and 69.7% of both were aware of physical activity guidelines for adults. Brief counseling sessions were preferred as highly feasible by 36.8% of academic therapists and 35.4% by clinical physiotherapists. Clinician physiotherapists were found to be feeling more confident in suggesting specific physical activity programs among others (P = 0.02).

It was concluded that academic therapists, clinical therapists who worked at both sites had knowledge of standard physical therapist guidelines whereas clinical and both categories physical therapists were found to be promoting physical activity the most.