Authors:
- Martina Gregčević, Specialist Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation “Naftalan,” Ivanić-Grad
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Daily physical activity of physiotherapists in the workplace is high, and they should have an enviable level of physical fitness because they themselves promote and suggest to patients repeatedly to perform exercises to maintain and strengthen muscles and reduce pain, thus facilitating everyday activities and improving their own health. The aim of this study was to determine whether engaging in any type of physical activity has an impact on the daily work activities of physiotherapists, whether the level of recreational physical activity of physiotherapists increases or decreases pain in their musculoskeletal system, and whether physiotherapists are satisfied with their physical activity. Female physiotherapists are more occasionally physically active than their male counterparts. Twice a week, a higher percentage of men practice physical activity compared to women physiotherapists. Also, men are more physically active 3-4 times a week. Females are more likely to have a higher level of Negativeness to Exercise. The group that exercises occasionally is more likely to have a higher level of Negativeness to Exercise. A statistically significant difference was found between the group exercising once a week and the group exercising 3-4 times a week (p <0.05). A group that exercises once a week is more likely to have a higher level of Negativeness to Exercise. People who exercise 3-4 times a week are more likely to be satisfied with the amount of their physical activity than people who exercise occasionally (p <0.05), and people who exercise twice a week are more likely to be satisfied with the amount of their physical activity than persons who exercise occasionally (p <0.05). The level of physical activity of physiotherapists in this study is not high enough, even though, given the specificity of work and the expectation that physiotherapists are the ones suggesting physical exercise to patients to improve quality of life and reduce pain, they would presumably be those following these recommendations.
Keywords:
physiotherapist, physical activity, work activities, negativity towards exercise