Identifying barriers to remaining physically active after rehabilitation: differences in perception between physical therapists and older adult patients.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


OBJECTIVE
To describe readiness for change and barriers to physical activity in older adults and to contrast perceptions of physical therapists and patients using the Barriers to Being Active Quiz.


BACKGROUND
Regular physical activity is vital to recovery after discharge from physical therapy. Physical therapists are positioned to support change in physical activity habits for those transitioning to home care. Understanding of readiness for change and barriers to physical activity could optimize recovery.


METHODS
Thirteen physical therapists enrolled in the study and invited patients who met the inclusion criteria to enroll (79 patients enrolled). The physical therapists provided the ICD-9 code, the physical therapist diagnosis, and completed the Barriers to Being Active Quiz as they perceived their patients would. The enrolled patients provided demographics and filled out the Satisfaction With Life Scale, the stages-of-change scale for physical activity, and the Barriers to Being Active Quiz.


RESULTS
Patients were predominantly in the early stages of readiness for change. Both patients and physical therapists identified lack of willpower as the primary barrier to physical activity. Patients identified lack of willpower and social influence as critical barriers more often than physical therapists, whereas physical therapists identified fear of injury and lack of time more often than their patients did. Differences between physical therapists and their patients were noted for fear of injury (z = 2.66, P = .008) and lack of time (z = 3.46, P = .001). The stage of change for physical activity impacted perception of social influence (χ2 = 9.64, P<.05), lack of willpower (χ2 = 21.91, P<.01), and lack of skill (χ2 = 12.46, P<.05). Women ranked fear of injury higher than men did (χ2 = 6.76, P<.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding readiness for change in and barriers to physical activity may allow physical therapists to better tailor intervention strategies to impact physical activity behavior change.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI.
Kathryn
K
Zalewski
Carlynn
C
Alt
Monna
M
Arvinen-Barrow
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D059825:Physical Therapists; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors