Filipino physical therapists’ practice and perspectives on non-treatment physical activity for older adults

Authors

Frances Rom M. Lunar, University of the PhilippinesFollow
Attilah Mae B. Alog, University of the PhilippinesFollow
Alexa DS Tanchuling, University of the PhilippinesFollow
Kristen Mari Andal, University of the PhilippinesFollow
Beatrice Camille Chan, University of the PhilippinesFollow
Daniel C. Chua, University of the PhilippinesFollow
Claire Beatrice Martinez, University of the PhilippinesFollow
Ma. Anna Carmina D. Orlino, University of the PhilippinesFollow
Jem Bettina G. Tan, University of the PhilippinesFollow
Koji A. Katakura Jr., University of the PhilippinesFollow
Marvin Louie S. Ignacio, University of the PhilippinesFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Frances Rom M. Lunar: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4907-0483

Attilah Mae B. Alog: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8470-9265

Alexa DS Tanchuling: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8244-2210

Kristen Mari Andal: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1869-7171

Beatrice Camille Chan: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8655-7816

Daniel C. Chua: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0214-0854

Claire Beatrice Martinez: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7039-0321

Ma. Anna Carmina D. Orlino: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0882-6264

Jem Bettina G. Tan: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5787-0603

Koji A. Katakura Jr.: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2382-5924

Marvin Louie S. Ignacio: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1665-3156

Abstract

Introduction:

Studies have already investigated the practice of physical therapists (PTs) in promoting non-treatment physical activity (NTPA). However, these were done in the context of mostly western settings or were not specific to older adult practice. It is still unclear if a similar level of practice and perspectives on NTPA promotion exists in a setting where physical therapy is more associated with rehabilitation than health promotion, such as in the Philippines. Therefore, 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. It also explored factors that potentially influenced their engagement in PA promotion.

Methods: Filipino PTs who were handling or interested in handling older adult clients from March to April 2020 answered an online/printed survey.

Results:

More than half of 72 respondents were unaware (59.72%) and most were unable to recall the WHO guidelines (98.61%) correctly. Respondents used a limited range of BCTs when promoting PA. While some (66.66%) were aware of at least one behavior change theory, a number were unfamiliar with all (33.33%) and only a small proportion reported regular use in practice. A number of factors and respondent characteristics were found to have a statistically significant positive relationship with PA promotion.

Discussion: Study results can serve as preliminary basis for programs that improve promotion of NTPA on older-adult clients by Filipino PTs, specifically regarding knowledge on WHO PA guidelines and their use of a wide range of BCTs and theories. This can potentially place them at the forefront of addressing this health concern in the aging population.

Recommended Citation

Lunar, F.R.M., Alog, A.M.B., Tanchuling, A.D.S., Andal, K.M.R., Chan, B.C.E., Chua, D.C., Martinez, C.B., Orlino, M.A.C., Tan, J.B., Katakura Jr., K.A., & Ignacio, M.L. (2022) Filipino physical therapists’ practice and perspectives on non-treatment physical activity for older adults. Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy.1(3):13-29. https://doi.org/10.46409/002.SXMC6433