Background

 Physical inactivity has become a global health concern and is among the 10 leading causes of death and disability. This has led to increased concern for chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL). Studies have revealed that regular physical activity is effective in combating several CDL. Physiotherapists are in a position to combat inactivity and effectively promote physical activity to their clients.

Purpose

This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity levels of physiotherapists and their physical activity promotion strategies.

Relevance

The study highlights the need for physical activity for promoting health among physiotherapists. Therefore, this will show the barriers as well as planning appropriate strategies to promote health using physical activity among physiotherapists

Methods

A sequential Mixed Method Design was used. Data was collected by means of a self administered questionnaire and a total of 92 physiotherapists working in both referral and district hospitals voluntarily answered the questionnaire. A focus group discussion comprising of 10 purposively selected physiotherapists was conducted. The questionnaire assessed physical activity levels and physical activity promoting strategies while the focus group discussion looked at the barriers to promoting physical activity. Permission to conduct the study and ethical clearance will be sought from UWC Senate, Research Grant and Study Leave committee. Further permission from Ministry of Health of Rwanda and hospital Directors will be sought.

Analysis

 Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize demographic information. Inferential statistics (chi-square) was used to test the associations between different categorical variables (p<0.05). Focus group discussions were used to collect qualitative data. Tape recorded interviews were transcribed. Thematic analysis was then done.

 Results

The findings revealed that 63.9% of the participants were physical active both at work and recreation domains, 96.8% of the participants were good physical activity promoting practices. Discussing physical activity and giving out information regarding physical activity were most common methods used in promotion of physical activity. Policies on physical activity, cultural influence, nature of work, time management as well as environmental barriers were the barriers highlighted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ensuring that health promotion strategies are plausible, it is often guided by policy and in Rwanda policies in place. However challenges still exist, therefore all stakeholders should play an active role so that barriers seen in this study can be overcome.

I am grateful to the Rwandan government through SFAR for providing me with the financial resources to accomplish my study.

Key words: Physical Activity, Chronic Diseases of   Lifestyle,   Health promotion strategies,