Promotion of physical activity in primary care: Knowledge and practice of general practitioners and physiotherapists

Abstract

Aim: Being physically active has many proven health benefits and promoting physical activity to patients in primary care is an important component of public health programmes. This study examined the knowledge and practices of general practitioners and physiotherapists in the promotion of physical activity in primary care. Subject and methods: A cross-sectional population survey was conducted in Ireland to establish participants' knowledge of physical activity guidelines and current practice in the promotion of physical activity. A total of 342 general practitioners (response rate 65 %; n = 543) and 89 physiotherapists (response rate 88 %; n = 101) responded to the survey. Results: More physiotherapists (50.5 %; n = 45) than general practitioners (28 %; n = 97) correctly reported the minimal physical activity guidelines (XÂ = 16.56, p