Physical Therapists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Physical Activity: A Prerequisite to their Role in Physical Activity Promotion?

Background. The promotion of physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as a major component of the prevention and management of several chronic diseases. As experts in human movement, physical therapists (PTs) are logical agents for the promotion of PA. Nevertheless, to date only few studies have investigated factors that influence PA promotion. Objectives. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between physical therapist knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about PA, and their own selfreported PA promotion. Design. A sample of 185 PTs (male = 102) completed a cross-sectional survey through an online questionnaire. It included 25 multiple choice, Likert scale, and open-ended questions related to (1) personal characteristics, (2) knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about PA, and (3) self-reported PA promotion by PTs. A deductive and inductive content analysis of the openended questions was also performed. Results. The questionnaire revealed that 99% of PTs agreed (n = 30) or completely agreed (n = 154) with the fact that they have to contribute to PA promotion in their patients. Significant correlations were found between physical therapist knowledge of the definition of PA, the benefits of PA, and their self-reported PA promotion (0.251, P < .01 and 0.180, P < .05, respectively). Additional multivariate analysis of the predictors of the self-reported PA promotion exposed significant univariate effects of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about PA (P < .01). Conclusion. Although the role of PTs in PA promotion seems evident, this survey underlines important misconceptions about PA within this group of health care professionals. Significant relationships between physical therapist knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about PA and self reported promotion of PA highlight the need for physical therapist education programs to emphasize teaching the fundamentals of PA.