Perspectives of health professionals on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in hospitalised adults: A systematic review and thematic synthesis.

This is a synthesis of staff perspectives, not evidence that any practice change improved patient activity, function, falls or length of stay. The included studies varied in methodological quality, and low-quality studies were not excluded. Only English-language studies were included, so relevant work in other languages may be missing. Most studies predated the pandemic, so pandemic staffing, isolation and visitor restrictions may limit transfer to current hospital conditions. Some included studies were nested in interventions, so staff views may have been shaped by participation in a programme. Patient and caregiver perspectives were excluded, so the summary reflects staff views only. Structured exercise programmes were excluded, so it does not answer questions specific to exercise prescription.

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. The funding statement says an author was supported by an Australian Government and University of Queensland scholarship.

Do not read this as evidence that reducing bed rest improves patient outcomes. It reports staff perceptions and themes, not measured effects on activity, function or falls.