Healthcare Professionals Promotion of Physical Activity with Older Adults: A Survey of Knowledge and Routine Practice

Healthcare professionals have a key role in promoting physical activity, particularly among populations at greatest risk of poor health due to physical inactivity. This research aimed to develop our understanding of healthcare professionals knowledge, decision making and routine practice of physical activity promotion with older adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with practicing healthcare professionals in general practice, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing in Ireland and Northern Ireland. We received 347 eligible responses, with 70.3% of all respondents agreeing that discussing physical activity is their job and 30.0% agreeing that they have received suitable training to initiate conversations with patients about physical activity. Awareness of the content and objectives of national guidelines for physical activity varied considerably across the health professions surveyed. Less than a third of respondents had a clear plan on how to initiate discussions about physical activity in routine practice with older adults. Assessment of physical activity was not routine, neither was signposting to physical activity supports. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications, 81.6% of all respondents agreed that healthcare professionals can play an increased role in promoting physical activity to older adults as part of routine practice. Appropriate education, training and access to resources are essential for supporting healthcare professionals promotion of physical activity in routine practice. Effective physical activity promotion in healthcare settings has the potential for health benefits at a population level, particularly in older adult populations.

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Are we missing opportunities? Physiotherapy and physical activity promotion: a cross-sectional survey

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-017-0084-y ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Nicole Freene ◽

Sophie Cools ◽

Bernie Bissett

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Activity Promotion

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Physiotherapy and physical activity: a cross-sectional survey exploring physical activity promotion, knowledge of physical activity guidelines and the physical activity habits of UK physiotherapists

BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine ◽

10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000290 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. e000290 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Anna Lowe ◽

Chris Littlewood ◽

Sionnadh McLean ◽

Karen Kilner

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Activity Promotion

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Personal Determinants for Physical Activity Behavior of Urban-Dwelling Older Adults in Sri Lanka

Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine ◽

10.1177/23337214211023684 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 233372142110236

Author(s):

Bimba I. Wickramarachchi ◽

Sidiah J. Siop ◽

Bilesha Perera

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Personal Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Activity Promotion

Physical inactivity is a vital risk factor for the development and maintenance of chronic ill-health conditions among older adults. This study examined personal factors associated with physical activity (PA) behavior of urban-dwelling older adults in Sri Lanka, a middle-income country in South Asia. A total of 880 older adults (aged ≥60 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. They responded to anthropometrical, health, and socio-demographic data pertaining to their current physical and behavioral status. The mean age of the participants was 70.1 years ( SD ±6.0), and the majority (75%) were women. Increasing age, male gender, middle income, having cardiovascular diseases or arthritis, deficiencies in muscle strength and balance, pain, and lower self-rated health were associated with insufficient PA behavior among the participants. Old-age physical activity promotion programs should target older adults in advanced ages and men in particularly, as they are highly vulnerable to sedentary lifestyles. Muscle strength and balance, a neglected area in PA promotion in older adults, seem to play an important role in older adults’ participation in physical activities. Incorporation of pain management, and muscle strength and balance techniques into older adults’ PA promotion programs would probably increase adherence rates of the participants in such programs.

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How prepared are healthcare professionals for delivering physical activity guidance to those with diabetes? A formative evaluation

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-019-4852-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

N. Kime ◽

A. Pringle ◽

S. Zwolinsky ◽

D. Vishnubala

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Formative Evaluation ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Diabetes Management ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Two Phase ◽

Long Term Conditions ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Promotion Of Physical Activity

Abstract Background Physical activity is recognised as important for diabetes management and improved overall health of individuals with diabetes, yet many adults with diabetes are inactive. Healthcare professionals have been identified as key to promoting physical activity, including individuals with diabetes, but are ill-prepared to deliver this. Our paper evaluates the barriers/facilitators of healthcare professionals’ delivery of physical activity guidance to adults with diabetes and aims to inform efforts to investigate and enhance their preparedness to promote physical activity. Methods A sequential mixed method, two-phase design was adopted involving a purposeful sample of healthcare professionals. Phase one was an online pilot survey designed to test assumptions around healthcare professionals’ knowledge, training and preparedness to deliver physical activity guidance. Phase two comprised eighteen semi-structured interviews, thematically analysed to provide an in-depth exploration of healthcare professionals’ experiences of delivering physical activity guidance to adults with diabetes. Results Healthcare professionals are committed to promoting physical activity to adults with diabetes and are reasonably confident in giving basic, generic guidance. Yet, significant challenges prevent them from achieving this in their practice, including: lack of education and training around physical activity, diabetes and health; ignorance of recommended physical activity and diabetes guidelines; lack of awareness of referral options; limited time and accessibility to appropriate resources. Nevertheless, healthcare professionals believed discussions around physical activity needed to be an integral part of consultations, incorporating improved communication strategies for conveying key physical activity messages. Conclusions HCPs have a key role in the promotion of physical activity to people with long-term conditions such as diabetes and they are identified within both the strategic policy context and national interventions for physical activity. Yet, this study indicated that HCPs face multiple and at times complex barriers to physical activity promotion generally and with diabetes patients. Conversely HCPs also reported what works, why and how, when promoting physical activity. Rich information derived from the day-to-day, working healthcare professional is integral to shaping future practices going forward. The bottom up, iterative design adopted in this study provides an approach to tap into this information.

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Developing Physical Activity Promotion Plans for Older Adults Who Live Alone with Low-income Based on Socio-ecological Model: A Mixed Method Study

Korean Journal of Sport Studies ◽

10.23949/kjpe.2019.03.58.2.15 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 58 (02) ◽

pp. 15-34 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kyung-O Kim

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Low Income ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Ecological Model ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Mixed Method Study ◽

Activity Promotion

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Pedestrian Activity Among California Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.6.1.15 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 15-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Anna E. Mathews ◽

Natalie Colabianchi ◽

Brent Hutto ◽

Delores M. Pluto ◽

Steve P. Hooker

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Public Health Agencies ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Health Agencies ◽

Random Digit Dial

Background:The objectives of this study were to assess (1) pedestrian activity levels among adults, (2) where and why adults engage in pedestrian activity, and (3) what adults consider when deciding where to engage in pedestrian activity.Methods:Pedestrian activity was assessed in 12,036 California adults, ≥18 years, using a random digit-dial telephone survey.Results:Significant differences were identified by race, sex, age, and physical activity level in the type, location, and purpose of pedestrian activities. Men engage in pedestrian activity at work, and women engage in pedestrian activity while escorting children to school and running errands. Whites primarily engage in leisure-time pedestrian activity, and non-whites are more likely to engage in pedestrian activity for transportation. Older adults were less active than their younger counterparts.Conclusions:These findings should be considered by public health agencies and their partners as they continue to increase and promote opportunities for pedestrian activity. Additional research is needed to assess older adults’ physical activity patterns and preferences, barriers, and facilitators to effectively tailor physical activity promotion efforts to this at-risk group.

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Physical Activity and Its Relationship With Perceived Environment Among Adults Living in a Region of Low Socioeconomic Level

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.10.4.563 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 563-571 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Alex Antonio Florindo ◽

Emanuel Péricles Salvador ◽

Rodrigo Siqueira Reis

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Environmental Pollution ◽

Great Influence ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Population Based ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Environment ◽

Environment Variables ◽

Activity Promotion

Background:The environment has a great influence on people’s lifestyles and their capacity to choose healthy habits. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between perceived environment and physical activity among adults living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.Methods:This was a cross-sectional population-based study conducted with 890 people age 18 years or over. Physical activity was measured through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ; long version) and perceived environment was evaluated using the Neighborhood Walkability Scale (NEWS) adapted. Poisson’s regression was used for statistical analyses and prevalence ratios were calculated. The outcome variable was the attainment of at least 150 minutes per week of physical activities. The independent variables consisted of perceived environment variables and control variables (sex, age, schooling, time living in the home, and number of cars per household).Results:The perceived environment variables that explained physical activity were: receiving invitations from friends for activities (P = .012), low environmental pollution scores (p trend = 0.030) and high general safety scores (P-trend = 0.039).Conclusions:These results suggest that physical activity promotion in regions like this should be envisaged as a complex phenomenon and investments in public safety, prevention and combating of environmental pollution and social support networks are needed.

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A Review of Health Promotion Practices Among Physiotherapists In Africa

Journal of Preventive and Rehabilitative Medicine ◽

10.21617/jprm2021.315 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 14-19

Author(s):

Nepha Musonda ◽

◽

Micah Mutuna Simpamba ◽

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

South Africa ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

African Countries ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Health Promoting

Background:Physiotherapists are better placed to spearhead health promoting activities by encouraging health enhancing lifestyles as part of their practice. This study reviews health promotion practices of Physiotherapists in African countries in order to identify gaps and make recommendations to improve the health promotion practices. Methods:This narrative review was developed from a literature review of previous studies on health promotion practices among physiotherapists in Africa, which were published in English from the years 2010-2020, retrieved from Google Scholar and PubMed. Only articles that focused on health promotion, physical activity, practices, Physiotherapy and Africa were included.Results:Nine (9) studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Five (5) studies were from Nigeria while one study each from Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia. Most studies reviewed used quantitative cross-sectional surveys. The focus of these studies were mainly exploring Physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitude and practices towards health promotion and physical activity promotion. Others looked at Physiotherapy practices with regards to counseling, risk factor assessment and interventions as well as perceived barriers and educational needs. Conclusion: It is evident that there is little research done on health promotion practices among Physiotherapists in African countries. There is need to conduct more studies in this area in order to identify the challenges and improve the health promotion practices among Physiotherapy practitioners in the region.

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Moving Through COVID-19: Perspectives of Older Adults in the Getting Older Adults Outdoors Study

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2021-0098 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Kristina Marie Kokorelias ◽

Jacquie Ripat ◽

C. Allyson Jones ◽

Nancy E. Mayo ◽

Nancy M. Salbach ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Qualitative Descriptive ◽

Descriptive Approach ◽

Safety Guidelines

Safety guidelines resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic may reduce physical activity participation of older adults, particularly prefrail and frail individuals. The objective was to explore older adults’ experiences with physical activity during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, interviews were conducted with 16 older adults. Data were analyzed thematically. Two themes emerged: (a) coming to a standstill and (b) small steps. Participants described that imposed provincial and federal recommendations caused them to reduce their physical activity with negative consequences. As time progressed, participants used emerging public health knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 to safely increase physical activity. Many participants developed strategies to remain active during the pandemic (e.g., wearing a pedometer, walking outdoors at particular times of day). Findings from this study can better inform the development of programs, clinical practice, and policy for physical activity promotion in older adults during periods of physical distancing and isolation.

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