Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Clinical educators' perspectives on physical activity and exercise prescription in clinical education for
Shamila Gamiet1, Farhana Karachi2, Joliana Phillips3
1Interprofessional Education Unit, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
Background:
Physical activity (PA) promotion and exercise prescription (EP) are crucial core competencies in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. However, the extent to which these competencies are taught and implemented in clinical education for physiotherapy remains unclear within the South African context.
Objectives:
To explore clinical educators' perceptions regarding PA and EP in clinical education for physiotherapy at a local university in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Method:
A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed. Eleven clinical educators participated in two focus group discussions.
Results:
Participants had an average of 15 years of clinical experience. More women (73%, n = 8/11) participated. Thematic analysis revealed three principal themes: (1) Professional identity and patient empowerment, (2) knowledge translation challenges: bridging theory and practice and (3) time and resource constraints - identifying practical constraints that impact teaching and implementation. Participants expressed their profession's responsibility in promoting PA and prescribing exercises across all clinical settings. They identified challenges in clinical practice, knowledge translation gaps and the need for strengthened professional development.
Conclusion:
The complex interplay between educational theory, clinical practice constraints and the evolving role of physiotherapists in public health are highlighted. A multi-faceted approach that considers educational reform and healthcare system constraints, while maintaining a focus on improving patient outcomes through promoting PA and exercise, is recommended.
Clinical Implications:
Emphasis on preparing physiotherapy students to effectively educate and empower patients for independent health management is recommended and could impact population health outcomes in resource-limited settings in which the ongoing professional supervision of exercise programmes is often not feasible.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention I
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
01:18Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:24Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care