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Insights into physical activity promotion among Australian chiropractors: a cross-sectional survey.
- Source :
- Chiropractic & Manual Therapies; 6/14/2024, Vol. 32 Issue 1, p1-9, 9p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: Despite the well-known benefits of physical activity, physical inactivity is presently a global health pandemic. Allied healthcare providers, such as chiropractors, knowingly recognise the importance of physical activity and are prepared to routinely discuss and/or counsel patients on this topic; however, little is known about Australian chiropractors in the physical activity setting. Our aim was to explore and identify factors associated with physical activity promotion among Australian chiropractors, including their knowledge of the physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines and their own levels of physical activity. Methods: From February to May 2021, a convenience sample of Australian chiropractors completed an online survey. Items assessed by Likert scale included: physical activity promotion frequency, with the type, quantity, barriers, perceptions, and feasibility. We asked questions about their familiarity with, and knowledge of, Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines, chiropractors' own physical activity, and whether the chiropractors met activity guidelines. Survey responses were descriptively reported. Univariable logistic regression models explored factors explaining frequent physical activity promotion. Results: Of 217 respondents, 64% reported that they frequently (≥ 70%) recommended a more physically active lifestyle. Only 15% often performed pre-exercise screening, 73% frequently prescribed resistance exercise, 19% reported time as the most frequent barrier, while 37% reported being not at all familiar with the guidelines. Univariable logistic regression models found male chiropractors were more likely to promote physical activity, [odds ratio (OR) = 2.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32–4.12)], while chiropractors who frequently treat children 0–3 years (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.28–0.87), children 4–18 years (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.21–0.86), and pregnant women (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.26–0.94) were less likely. Chiropractors were more likely to promote physical activity if they were familiar with the activity guidelines (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.32–6.41), were confident promoting (OR = 11.6; 95% CI: 1.37–98.71) and prescribing physical activity programs (OR = 4.5; 95% CI: 2.03–9.99). Conclusion: Most chiropractors confidently and regularly integrate physical activity into practice. Yet, despite acknowledging its importance, one third of chiropractors reported poor knowledge of the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. Identifying barriers to the awareness, and implementation of physical activity guidelines should be further explored within chiropractic clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- MEDICAL protocols
CROSS-sectional method
SCALE analysis (Psychology)
AUSTRALIANS
HEALTH attitudes
EXERCISE
RESEARCH funding
SEDENTARY lifestyles
STATISTICAL sampling
QUESTIONNAIRES
LOGISTIC regression analysis
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
QUANTITATIVE research
PROFESSIONS
ODDS ratio
ATTITUDES of medical personnel
PHYSICAL fitness
PATIENT-professional relations
CHIROPRACTORS
HEALTH promotion
COMPARATIVE studies
DATA analysis software
CONFIDENCE intervals
PSYCHOSOCIAL factors
PHYSICAL activity
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2045709X
- Volume :
- 32
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Chiropractic & Manual Therapies
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 177897632
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-024-00543-2