Metabolic Health Screening in Physical Therapy Private Practice in Australia: A Feasibility Study.
Sally E Mastwyk, Nicholas F Taylor, Anna Lowe and 2 others
PMID 39961026WHAT IT FOUND
Clients found 30-minute metabolic health screens in physical therapy private practice convenient and valuable, with 74% accepting the offer.
Physical therapists saw it as a useful add-on but were uncertain how to integrate it into their business models or scope of practice.
Key findings
0174% of clients offered a health screen accepted it, and all 6 approached clinics participated.
02Clients perceived the screening as convenient and comfortable, and valued receiving new health information.
03Physical therapists were uncertain about integrating screening into their practice due to costs, culture, and competency barriers.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study only tested feasibility, not whether screening improved health outcomes or changed behavior. Participants were from predominantly urban, high-socioeconomic areas, so results may not apply to other populations. The screening was conducted by an independent researcher, not the treating therapists, so real-world integration into a busy clinic day is untested. Physical therapists expressed uncertainty about scope of practice and funding, which may prevent adoption even if patients are willing.
Declared interests
Ethical approval from La Trobe University. No specific funding source or conflicts of interest are explicitly detailed in the provided text beyond standard academic affiliations.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this study proves metabolic screening improves patient health outcomes or reduces disease risk. It only shows that patients and therapists were willing to try the process and that it could be set up logistically.