Child obesity service provision: a cross-sectional survey of physiotherapy practice trends and professional needs
Nikki Milne A E , Nancy Low Choy B , Gary M. Leong C D , Roger Hughes A and Wayne Hing AA Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Bond University, 2 Promethean Way, Robina, Qld 4226, Australia.
B Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Road, Banyo, Qld 4014, Australia.
C Obesity Research Centre, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.
D Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Mater Children’s Hospital, Qld 4101, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: nmilne@bond.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 22(2) 140-146 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY14101
Submitted: 16 June 2014 Accepted: 3 November 2014 Published: 14 January 2015
Abstract
This study explored current physiotherapy practice trends for management of children who are overweight or obese. The professional needs of physiotherapists working with this population were also assessed, including the perceived need for physiotherapy clinical guidelines for prevention and management of children with obesity. A cross-sectional survey design was used, with questionnaires purposefully distributed through 13 key physiotherapy services throughout Australia. Snowball sampling resulted in completed questionnaires from 64 physiotherapists who provided services to children. Half (n = 33, 52%) of respondents provided services specifically to overweight or obese children. Of those providing services, one-quarter had prior training specific to working with this population. Most used multi-disciplinary models (n = 16, 76%) and provided under 5 h of obesity-related services each week (n = 29, 88%). Half (n = 16, 49%) used body mass index as an outcome measure but more (n = 25, 76%) used bodyweight. Only 14 (42%) assessed motor skills. The majority of respondents (n = 57, 89%) indicated a need for physiotherapy guidelines to best manage overweight and obese children. Professional development priorities included: ‘Educating children and families’, ‘Assessment methods’ and ‘Exercise prescription’ for overweight and obese children. This data provides workforce intelligence to guide future professional training and inform development of clinical guidelines for physiotherapists in prevention and management of children with obesity and related chronic disease.
Additional keywords: children, clinical, guidelines, health, motor proficiency.
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