Access to physical activity promotion for people with neurological conditions: Are physical therapists leading the...

People with neurological conditions (NCs) engage in physical activity (PA) at a lower rate than those without disabilities. Physical therapists (PTs) are positioned to provide PA promotion; however, less is known about the consistency of promoting PA for their patients with NC.

The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of PA promotion of PTs who treat patients with NC, the factors associated with PA promotion, and the types of PA promotion used.

An online survey that assessed the aspects of PA promotion frequency and behaviors was delivered to a sample of licensed PTs recruited in the United States between February and April of 2022. Descriptive statistics and the equality of proportions test were used to analyze the data.

Out of 76 participants who reported working with patients with NC, 34 (45%) reported always promoting PA. Of the 38 participants reporting a caseload of over 50% NC, 17 (45%) reported always promoting PA. Seven factors had a significant correlation with the frequency of PA promotion, and participants reported providing education about PA with their patients (99%).

PTs who work with patients with NC are not consistently promoting PA for their patients. There are opportunities for PTs to learn and apply PA promotion in practice for people with disabilities. The lack of PA promotion by PT may be contributing to the health disparities experienced by people with disabilities particularly those with NC.