Identifying Factors That Influence Physical Activity Promotion in Outpatient Physical Therapist Practice Using the...

Area of Science:

• Physical therapy
• Health behavior
• Implementation science

Background:

• Physical activity promotion is not consistently integrated into physical therapy practice.
• Understanding physical therapists' beliefs is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Identifying targets for behavior change can enhance physical activity promotion rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore outpatient US physical therapists' beliefs regarding physical activity promotion.
• To identify which Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) domains can inform implementation strategies for physical activity promotion.
• To uncover specific beliefs influencing physical therapists' physical activity promotion behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative research design was employed.
• Semistructured interviews were conducted with 26 outpatient US physical therapists.
• Directed content analysis and mapping to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were used to analyze beliefs.

Main Results:

• Five TDF domains were identified as relevant to physical therapists' physical activity promotion behaviors.
• Key beliefs included conflicting views on PA guidelines, low confidence in communication skills, and time constraints.
• Suggested improvements involved baseline physical activity screening and targeted continuing education.

Conclusions:

• Key beliefs influencing physical therapists' physical activity promotion were identified.
• Targets for behavior change interventions include baseline screening and continuing education programs.
• These interventions aim to improve physical activity promotion rates among physical therapists.