Physical Activity: Levels, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Physical Therapy Students in the United States

Purpose: To determine the physical activity (PA) level, knowledge of guidelines, and attitudes and role perceptions about promotion of PA in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Methods: In this cross-sectional design study, convenience sampling was used to recruit DPT students (n = 87, 24.6 ± 4.4 y). Each participant completed a survey that included as follows: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), knowledge, attitudes, and role modeling about PA. A subset (n = 15) used Fitbit to record PA over a 7-day period. Data were converted to metabolic equivalent (METS)/min/min to categorize participants into low/moderate/vigorous PA levels. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were conducted (P < .05). Results: On the IPAQ, 48%, 40%, and 12% participants reported a high, moderate, and low level of PA, respectively, and 62% participants met the guidelines. An agreement was noted between IPAQ and Fitbit data for meeting PA guidelines (P = .005). Respondents (61%) reported correct knowledge of PA guidelines and agreed/strongly agreed to the 7 questions (56%–86%) about the role of physical therapists in promoting PA. Conclusions: Based on our sample, most DPT students engage in and have knowledge of the recommended levels of PA, and value their role to give patients advice about PA.