Milne Nikki, Choy Nancy Low, Leong Gary M, Hughes Roger, Hing Wayne
Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Bond University, 2 Promethean Way, Robina, Qld 4226, Australia.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Road, Banyo, Qld 4014, Australia.
Aust J Prim Health. 2016;22(2):140-146. doi: 10.1071/PY14101.
This study explored current physiotherapy practice trends for management of children who are overweight or obese. The professional needs of physiotherapists working with this population were also assessed, including the perceived need for physiotherapy clinical guidelines for prevention and management of children with obesity. A cross-sectional survey design was used, with questionnaires purposefully distributed through 13 key physiotherapy services throughout Australia. Snowball sampling resulted in completed questionnaires from 64 physiotherapists who provided services to children. Half (n=33, 52%) of respondents provided services specifically to overweight or obese children. Of those providing services, one-quarter had prior training specific to working with this population. Most used multi-disciplinary models (n=16, 76%) and provided under 5h of obesity-related services each week (n=29, 88%). Half (n=16, 49%) used body mass index as an outcome measure but more (n=25, 76%) used bodyweight. Only 14 (42%) assessed motor skills. The majority of respondents (n=57, 89%) indicated a need for physiotherapy guidelines to best manage overweight and obese children. Professional development priorities included: 'Educating children and families', 'Assessment methods' and 'Exercise prescription' for overweight and obese children. This data provides workforce intelligence to guide future professional training and inform development of clinical guidelines for physiotherapists in prevention and management of children with obesity and related chronic disease.
本研究探讨了当前针对超重或肥胖儿童的物理治疗实践趋势。还评估了为这一人群提供服务的物理治疗师的专业需求，包括对肥胖儿童预防和管理的物理治疗临床指南的感知需求。采用横断面调查设计，通过澳大利亚13家主要物理治疗服务机构有目的地发放问卷。通过滚雪球抽样，从64名向儿童提供服务的物理治疗师那里获得了完整的问卷。一半（n=33，52%）的受访者专门为超重或肥胖儿童提供服务。在提供服务的人员中，四分之一曾接受过针对这一人群的专门培训。大多数采用多学科模式（n=16，76%），每周提供的肥胖相关服务少于5小时（n=29，88%）。一半（n=16，49%）使用体重指数作为结果指标，但更多（n=25，76%）使用体重。只有14人（42%）评估了运动技能。大多数受访者（n=57，89%）表示需要物理治疗指南来更好地管理超重和肥胖儿童。专业发展重点包括：针对超重和肥胖儿童的“教育儿童和家庭”、“评估方法”和“运动处方”。这些数据提供了劳动力信息，以指导未来的专业培训，并为物理治疗师制定肥胖儿童及相关慢性病预防和管理的临床指南提供参考。
