Exploring And Assessing The Level Of Physical Activity Among Physiotherapists In Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is an essential part of good health. There is considerable evidence of declining PA globally, including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). One of the primary goals of physiotherapists is to advocate for a healthy lifestyle. Since physiotherapists act as healthy role models for their patients. However, there is a lack of information about PA among physiotherapists in KSA.

Aim of the study: The current research aimed to explore the level of PA among physiotherapists in KSA and to understand the barriers to and facilitators of PA.

Design: A cross-sectional survey.

Methods: This study included 172 physiotherapists currently working in the KSA as citizens or residents, a large percentage of whom were male (71%; n: 122). Between 28 December 2022 and 2 February 2023, the investigator distributed an online form of the international physical activity questionnaire (short version) via various social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

Results: The study's findings demonstrate: (1) 9.3% (n = 16) of the study respondents did not engage in any PA; (2) the majority of the participants (90.7%, n:156) engaged in various intensities of moderate, vigorous, and a combination of moderate and vigorous PA; (3) more than half (61%, n: 105) of the respondents followed the international PA recommendations; (4) lack of time and work commitments were the most significant challenges that the participants faced when they engaged in PA; (5) motivation to improve health and losing or maintaining weight were the most notable facilitators for participating in PA among the participants.

Conclusion: According to the results, a high percentage of physiotherapists in this study participated in PA. However, nearly 39% of study participants did not meet international PA recommendations. Thus, a study with large sample size is needed to improve the generalisability of the findings.