What factors are associated with physical activity promotion in the podiatry setting? a cross-sectional study

Objective: To describe the status of and identify factors associated with physical activity promotion by podiatrists.

Design: Cross sectional survey.

Method: In 2016-17 Australian podiatrists were invited to complete an online survey. Items assessed by Likert scale included; frequency of assessing and promoting physical activity and podiatrists' intentions, attitudes, social norms, confidence, barriers, role beliefs and perceived knowledge and skills regarding the promotion of physical activity. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Results: Of 316 respondents, 62% reported always/or often giving general and 39% specific physical activity advice. Attitudes to physical activity promotion were mostly positive and 83% agreed it was part of their role. Many believed they have the knowledge 62%) and skills to promote physical activity. Most podiatrists were confident to carry out basic physical activity promotion activities (83%), but fewer were confident assessing physical activity levels (54%), providing specific advice (47%), monitoring patient physical activity levels (49%) and carrying out physical activity counselling (41%). Modelling revealed intention to promote physical activity was most strongly influenced by experiential beliefs (β=0.35, 95%CI 0.20-0.51) and instrumental beliefs (β=0.27, 95%CI 0.15-0.40), whereas physical activity promotion was influenced by intention (β=0.45, 95%CI 0.35-0.55) and behavioural control (β=0.43, 95%CI 0.33-0.53).

Conclusion: Physical activity promotion is feasible and regularly practiced in the podiatry setting, however current practice appears suboptimal. Attitudes and behavioural control appear influential in engagement and deserve consideration when designing strategies to improve delivery in podiatric practice.