title: The role of physical therapists in pediatric health promotion and obesity prevention: comparison of attitudes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify attitudes of teachers, parents, and physical therapists (PTs) toward PTs' roles in health promotion (HP), obesity prevention (OP), and physical activity (PA) for preschoolers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surveys (n = 618) were distributed to preschools and pediatric PTs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall response rate was 42%. Dietitians or physicians were selected as most knowledgeable about HP/OP/PA. Teachers were selected as most appropriate to educate preschoolers, whereas PTs were identified as appropriate to educate parents and teachers about HP/OP/PA. Most respondents were unaware of PTs' involvement in HP/OP/PA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physical therapist expertise is underrecognized and underused for pediatric HP/OP/PA. Parents and teachers are open to PT's involvement. Physical therapists need to improve awareness and become involved.
authors.affiliation: Kid Dynamics LLC, Maineville, Ohio, USA. kiddynamics@fuse.net
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Schlessman
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Pamela D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Ritzline
authors.forename: Christopher L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Petrosino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002654:Child Care; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000379:methods*; D024382:Professional Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult