Measuring physical activity, automaticity and memory are determinants for physical activity promotion among physical therapists in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation: a cross-sectional survey

Purpose: The study aims to identify determinants of implementation behavior among physical therapists frequently promoting physical activity (PA) in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey incorporating the Determinants of Implementation Behavior Questionnaire (DIBQ) and anchored by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was sent to physical therapists working in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation practices in Australia and Singapore. All items on the DIBQ were scored on a 7-point Likert scale from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.” Demographics and determinants were associated with frequency of PA promotion using logistic regression analysis with manual backward stepwise elimination. Differences between countries were measured using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Thirty-four Australia and 32 Singapore physical therapists responded to the survey. Seventy-four percent of them correctly identified the PA guidelines and almost all (98%) agreed that PA promotion was the physical therapist’s role. However, only 58% encouraged ≥ 10 patients monthly to be physically active. The logistic regression revealed that physical therapists with > 8 years of working experience (AOR = 8.08: 95% CI 1.69–38.67), currently measuring PA (AOR = 8.04: 95% CI 1.73–37.39) and who promote it automatically (Nature of Behaviors) (AOR = 8.57: 95% CI 0.66–111.55) were more likely to frequently promote PA. Similar determinants, except Belief about Consequences, were found between Australia and Singapore physical therapists. Conclusion: Currently measuring PA, automaticity and working experience influence PA promotion frequency among physical therapists working in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, regardless of PA guidelines knowledge, role awareness and countries they practice in.