Filipino Physical Therapists’ Promotion of Physical Activity in Older Adults: Knowledge, Practice, and Exploring Related Factors

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to: describe Filipino PTs' knowledge of WHO physical activity (PA) guidelines and their use of behavioral change techniques (BCTs) and theories when promoting PA in older adults, and (2) explore factors that potentially influence their engagement in PA promotion. Methods: Filipino PTs who handled older adult clients from March to April 2020 answered an online orprinted survey. Recruitment was done through various practice sites and the PPTA. Descriptive statistics summarized responses and correlational analysis explored whether key determinants and relevant demographic characteristics were linked to PA promotion in older adult clients. Results: There were 72 respondents. Data collection was concluded early following the COVID pandemic restrictions and major changes in the PT practice landscape in the Philippines. More than half were unaware (59.15%), and most could not recall the WHO guidelines (98.61%) correctly. Respondents used a limited range of BCTs when promoting PA. While some were aware of at least one behavior change theory (66.66%), a number were unfamiliar with these (33.33%), with only a small proportion reporting regular use in practice. Eleven out of 18 domains of determinants of PA promotion as well as the age and years of practice of the respondents were found to have a statistically significant positive relationship with PA promotion. Conclusion and Implications: Study results can serve as the basis for programs that improve knowledge of Filipino PTs with regards to WHO PA guidelines and strengthen their use of a wider range of BCTs and theories to guide PA promotion in older adult clients. This can potentially place Filipino PTs at the forefront of addressing this public health concern in the aging Filipino population.