Physical activity promotion in clinical practice: a cross-sectional survey of Brazilian physical therapists

Regular physical activity is paramount for health and sustainable development. However, the prevalence of physical inactivity worldwide is an ongoing concern.

To explore the extent to which Brazilian physical therapists work in the promotion of physical activity in clinical practice.

Cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 463 physical therapists from all regions of Brazil. Responses to an online questionnaire were analyzed with descriptive statistics as frequency (n) and proportion (%). The Wilcoxon test with pairwise comparisons and continuity correction allowed checking for differences between the frequency in which physical therapists intervened in favor of physical activity according to their own physical activity routine.

Physical therapists reported to always initiate conversations regarding physical inactivity (74.3%, n = 344) with patients/clients, propose interventions (50.3%, n = 233), indicate specific local services for physical activity (51.8%, n = 240), and formally assess a risk category for physical inactivity (34.3%, n = 159). Most (83.2%, n = 385) reported awareness of physical activity recommendations for adults and provided correct answers for days in a week recommended for strength training (90.5%, n = 419). Physical therapists provided less correct answers for the recommended number of minutes for moderate-intensity (57.5%, n = 266) and vigorous-intensity physical activity (44.7%, n = 207). Those who were more physically active tended to address the inactivity of their patients/clients (p = 0.012).

Physical activity promotion is partially integrated in the clinical practice of Brazilian physical therapists. However, there is a need for and an opportunity to strengthen educational approaches in physical therapy education platforms regarding the recommendations of physical activity across professional training.