Insights into physical activity promotion among Australian chiropractors: A cross-sectional survey

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. Little however 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 engagement. Methods: From February to May 2021, a limited 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. Familiarity with and knowledge of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines, chiropractors’ own physical activity and whether they met activity guidelines was explored. Survey responses were descriptively reported. Univariable logistic regression models identified 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 we more likely to promote physical activity, [odds ratio (OR)=2.33; CI: 1.32-4.12)], while chiropractors who frequently treat children 0-3 years (OR=0.5; CI: 0.28-0.87), children 4-18 years (OR=0.42; CI: 0.21-0.86), and pregnant women (OR=0.5; CI: 0.26-0.94) were least likely. Chiropractors were more likely to promote physical activity if they were familiar with the activity guidelines (OR=2.9; CI: 1.32-6.41), were confident promoting (OR=11.6; CI: 1.37-98.71) and prescribing physical activity programs (OR=4.5; CI: 2.03-9.99). Conclusion: One third of chiropractors reporting poor knowledge of the activity guidelines, yet most were confident, regularly integrating physical activity into practice. Identified barriers to promotion and implementing activity guideline knowledge for population groups should be further explored.