Exploring the implementation potential of physical activity assessment and prescription tools in physical therapy practice: a mixed-method study.
Mariana Wingood, Nancy M Gell, Jennifer L Vincenzo and 1 others
PMID 35844146WHAT IT FOUND
Physical therapists value prescribing activity but rarely do it, citing time and lack of tools.
They saw a new barrier-assessment scale as acceptable and feasible, provided it was shortened and linked to electronic health records.
Key findings
01Participants identified lack of standardized tools and guidance as a primary reason physical activity prescriptions do not occur regularly.
02The new assessment tool was viewed as appropriate and acceptable, but concerns about its length (originally 40 items) and integration into electronic health records were raised.
03Quantitative data showed a discrepancy between the importance placed on physical activity and actual practice, with only 19.2% prescribing it frequently despite 92.3% rating it very important.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
This was a pre-implementation study; participants did not actually use the IPAB in clinical practice, so their feedback was theoretical. The sample was small (26 participants) and recruited via convenience methods, limiting generalizability. One focus group had only two participants, which may have affected group dynamics and data saturation. Peer influence in focus groups may have biased responses regarding the tool's acceptability.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was approved by the University’s Internal Review Board.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the positive feedback on the IPAB as evidence that it improves patient outcomes or clinical adherence. The study only assessed therapists' perceptions of the tool's potential before any actual implementation.