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

Author

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  • Conor Cunningham

    (Institute of Public Health, Belfast BT1 4JH, UK)

  • Roger O’Sullivan

    (Institute of Public Health, Belfast BT1 4JH, UK
    Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Belfast BT37 0QB, UK)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Conor Cunningham & Roger O’Sullivan, 2021. "Healthcare Professionals Promotion of Physical Activity with Older Adults: A Survey of Knowledge and Routine Practice," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:6064-:d:568939
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Samson O. Ojo & Daniel P. Bailey & David J. Hewson & Angel M. Chater, 2019. "Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Breaking Up Sitting Time among Desk-Based Office Workers: A Qualitative Investigation Using the TDF and COM-B," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-19, August.
    2. Natalie Klempel & Nicole E. Blackburn & Ilona L. McMullan & Jason J. Wilson & Lee Smith & Conor Cunningham & Roger O’Sullivan & Paolo Caserotti & Mark A. Tully, 2021. "The Effect of Chair-Based Exercise on Physical Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-17, February.
    3. Hélène Payette & N'Deye Rokhaya Gueye & Pierrette Gaudreau & José A. Morais & Bryna Shatenstein & Katherine Gray-Donald, 2011. "Trajectories of Physical Function Decline and Psychological Functioning: The Québec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge)," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 66(suppl_1), pages 82-90.
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    Cited by:

    1. Andra Muhu & Henri Tilga, 2023. "Strength Training Habits and Awareness of Its Recommendations among 18–63-Year-Old Adults," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Genevieve S. E. Smith & Wendy Moyle & Nicola W. Burton, 2023. "The Relationship between Social Support for Physical Activity and Physical Activity across Nine Years in Adults Aged 60–65 Years at Baseline," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-13, March.
    3. Conor Cunningham & Roger O’Sullivan, 2021. "Healthcare Professionals’ Application and Integration of Physical Activity in Routine Practice with Older Adults: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-19, October.

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