Physical Activity Promotion: A Systematic Review of The Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals

Francis A. Albert, Melissa J. Crowe, Aduli E. O. Malau-Aduli and Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli
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Francis A. Albert: College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
Melissa J. Crowe: Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
Aduli E. O. Malau-Aduli: College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli: College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-36

Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is a cost-effective and non-pharmacological foundation for the prevention and management of chronic and complex diseases. Healthcare professionals could be viable conduits for PA promotion. However, the evidence regarding the effectiveness and benefits of the current forms of PA promotion are inconclusive. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions on key determinants impact on the optimum promotion of PA were explored in this review. Thirty-four (34) studies were identified after systematically searching seven databases for peer-reviewed articles published within the last decade. PA advice or counselling was the most recorded form of PA promotion, limited counselling time was the most reported obstacle while providing incentives was viewed as a key facilitator. There is widespread consensus among healthcare professionals (HCPs) on some aspects of PA promotion. Utilisation of all PA promotional pathways to their full potential could be an essential turning point towards the optimal success of PA promotional goals. Hence, strategies are required to broaden chronic disease treatment methods to include preventive and integrative PA promotion approaches particularly, between frontline HCPs (e.g., GPs) and PA specialists (e.g., EPs). Future studies could explore the functionality of GP to EP referral pathways to determining what currently works and areas requiring further development.

Keywords: physical activity promotion; healthcare professionals; primary healthcare; physical activity; physical inactivity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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