Many physiotherapists lack preparedness to prescribe physical activity and exercise to people with musculoskeletal pain: A multi-national survey

C J Barton; M G King; B Dascombe; N F Taylor; D de Oliveira Silva; S Holden; A J Goff; K Takarangi; N Shields

doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.02.002

Many physiotherapists lack preparedness to prescribe physical activity and exercise to people with musculoskeletal pain: A multi-national survey

Phys Ther Sport. 2021 May:49:98-105. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.02.002. Epub 2021 Feb 19.

Authors

C J Barton¹, M G King², B Dascombe³, N F Taylor⁴, D de Oliveira Silva², S Holden⁵, A J Goff⁶, K Takarangi², N Shields⁷

Affiliations

¹ La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Australia; Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Australia. Electronic address: c.barton@latrobe.edu.au.
² La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Australia.
³ La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Australia; Applied Sport Science and Exercise Testing Laboratory, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, Australia.
⁴ Department of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Australia; Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Australia.
⁵ Center for General Practice at Aalborg University, Aalborg University, Denmark; SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
⁶ La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Australia; Health and Social Sciences, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore.
⁷ Department of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Australia.

PMID: 33662892
DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.02.002

Abstract

Objectives: Determine physiotherapists' (i) awareness of physical activity, and exercise prescription guidelines; (ii) perceived role, knowledge, confidence, skills and training in prescribing and progressing aerobic exercise and resistance training to people with musculoskeletal pain; (iii) professional development preferences; and (iv) perceived influences of external factors on exercise prescription for people with musculoskeletal pain.

Design: Multi-national cross-sectional survey.

Methods: An open online survey was developed specifically for this study.

Results: 1,352 physiotherapists from 56 countries participated. The majority of respondents correctly stated physical activity guidelines for adults (60%) and children (53%), but only 37% correctly stated guidelines for older adults. Eleven percent and 16% could name an accepted guideline for aerobic exercise and resistance training, respectively. Most agreed their role included prescribing aerobic exercise (75%) and resistance training (89%). Fewer reported they had the confidence, training or skills to prescribe aerobic exercise (38-50%) and resistance training (49-70%). Workshops were the most preferred (44%) professional development option. Most respondents believed appointment scheduling and access to equipment and professional development (62-79%) affected their ability to prescribe effective exercise.

Conclusion: Many physiotherapists lack knowledge and training to provide physical activity advice, and to prescribe aerobic exercise and resistance training to people with musculoskeletal pain.

Keywords: Evidence; Exercise; Knowledge; Musculoskeletal pain; Physical therapy; Physiotherapy.

MeSH terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Exercise Therapy*
Humans
Musculoskeletal Pain / rehabilitation*
Physical Therapists / education*
Prescriptions
Professional Competence*
Surveys and Questionnaires