Addressing Physical Activity among Adults 50+: An Ethnographic Study of Physical Therapists

Aims: 1) Gain insight into PA prescription by United States-based physical therapists treating patients 50 years and older, and 2) Explore the contextual factors that impact PA prescription. Methods: We integrated ethnographic study data, including a questionnaire, observations, and semi-structured interviews. Results: Our nine participants with 24.7 years (SD= 11.6) of clinical experience completed frequent PA assessments, but PA prescription was inconsistent. The following themes helped explain the participants' clinical decisions: 1) treatment prioritization; 2) physical therapists' intentions of addressing PA; and 3) contextual factors that impact treatment and treatment prioritization (e.g., experience, beliefs, concerns related to PA prescription, and work environment). Conclusions: Most participants did not address PA among adults 50 years and older. Due to the importance of performing regular PA, it is vital for physical therapists to reflect on their PA prescription. Organizations and health service researchers need to implement strategies that address the PA prescription barriers.

Automated summary

This study aimed to gain insight into the prescription of physical activity (PA) by physical therapists in the United States for patients aged 50 and older, as well as explore the contextual factors that impact PA prescription. The results showed that most participants did not address PA for adults aged 50 and older, and various factors, such as treatment prioritization, therapists' intentions, and contextual factors, influenced their clinical decisions.