Perceptions and Practices of Providing Physical Activity Counselling and Exercise Prescriptions among Physiotherapists in Nova Scotia

Purpose:We assessed the perceptions and practices of physical activity counselling and exercise prescription of physiotherapists in Nova Scotia.Method:A total of 146 physiotherapists in Nova Scotia completed an online self-reflection survey regarding their current practice of, confidence in, barriers to, and facilitators of providing physical activity and exercise (PAE) counselling to their patients.Results:Physiotherapists included physical activity counselling and exercise content in 85% of patient counselling appointments. They reported a high level of confidence (> 90%) in providing PAE information and answering patients' PAE questions and moderate confidence in their patients' abilities to maintain PAE over the long term (73%) and to follow through on their PAE recommendations (66%). Patients' interest in PAE was the greatest barrier to providing PAE counselling. The physiotherapists reported being most comfortable when prescribing exercise for patients with musculoskeletal conditions and least comfortable with patients with cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Most physiotherapists (71%) reported being interested in pursuing further education or training in PAE counselling and prescription.Conclusions:The physiotherapists frequently recommended PAE to their patients, had moderate confidence in their patients' ability to follow through on their advice, and experienced patients' disinterest in PAE as the greatest barrier to providing PAE counselling. The results of this study suggest a desire by physiotherapists for educational training opportunities, which we recommend be focused on providing behavioural strategies and further information to help overcome patient-focused barriers; this will help patients adopt and maintain physically active lifestyles.