Physical activity counselling and exercise prescription practices of chiropractors in Canada and internationally: an exploratory survey.

BACKGROUND

Physical activity and exercise (PAE) counselling and exercise prescriptions increase patient physical activity. However, the perceptions/practices of chiropractors are poorly understood.

METHODS

We surveyed the practices among chiropractors working in Canada (n=50) and Internationally (n=37). Chiropractors completed self-reflection questionnaires regarding their current practices and perceptions towards providing PAE counselling to patients. Chiropractor responses were obtained via Canadian provincial survey and educational workshops.

RESULTS

Chiropractor respondents included PAE content and exercise prescriptions in most patient appointments (67±27% and 59±35%, respectively), but the largest barriers (2.5/4.0) and least confidence were in their patients to follow through (52±21%). Canadian respondents reported higher knowledge (~0.4/4.0 higher), greater self-confidence (10-20% higher), and provided more PAE recommendations (8%) and prescriptions (16%) than International respondents. Chiropractor respondents were least comfortable advising patients with cancer.

CONCLUSION

Chiropractor respondents may serve as health promotors to address patient inactivity, and the challenges identified should be addressed through educational training.