title: Promoting Physical Activity and Exercise in Daily Practice: Current Practices, Barriers, and Training Needs of Physiotherapists in Eastern Nigeria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate current practices, barriers, and training needs for the promotion of physical activity (PA) in physiotherapy practices in eastern Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 141 fully licensed physiotherapists in southeast Nigeria were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey consisting of 23 questions in five key sections, focusing mainly on risk-factor management practices of physiotherapists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 103 questionnaires were returned. Respondents ranged in age from 25 to 54 years and reported a mean of 11 (SD 10) years of clinical experience. Respondents reported that they regularly assess and advise their clients on PA but rarely give written prescriptions. Although they are confident in assessing and advising their clients on PA and consider including PA intervention as a priority in daily practice, lack of time and lack of access to materials were reported as barriers to effective PA intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings showed the potential for physiotherapists to address physical inactivity and highlighted several barriers. Strategies are needed to improve contact time with clients and make material promoting PA available to practising physiotherapists.
authors: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, Enugu Campus, University of Nigeria.
authors: Ukachukwu Okoroafor
authors: UO
authors: Abaraogu
authors: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, Enugu Campus, University of Nigeria.
authors: Juliet Chinonso
authors: JC
authors: Edeonuh
authors: Department of Physiotherapy, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
authors: Jose
authors: J
authors: Frantz
keywords: Nigeria; cancer; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; diabetes; exercise; health promotion