‘Use it or lose it’ vs ‘it’s just your age’ Experiences of healthcare professionals delivering physical activity advice for people with musculoskeletal conditions – A systematic literature review

Berry, Alice; Pilkington, Samantha; Griffiths, Michelle

Abstract

Background:
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect over 10 million people (UK). Physical activity (PA) is recommended as a primary treatment to improve strength and mobility, yet high numbers of people with MSK conditions are inactive (Versus Arthritis, 2023).
People with MSK conditions report a lack of confidence, knowledge, and skills about what PA is appropriate (Hurley et al., 2018). Healthcare professionals (HCPs) provide advice about PA; therefore, HCPs’ attitudes and beliefs may play an integral part in PA messaging (Bishop et al., 2008).
Aim
To explore the perspectives of HCPs in delivering PA messaging to patients with MSK conditions.
Design
Systematic Literature Review
Inclusion:
·Papers capturing experiences/attitudes/beliefs/confidence of HCPs.
·Papers reporting barriers/facilitators to PA messaging.
·MSK patient population.

Purpose: To understand the perspectives of HCPs in delivering PA messaging.

Methods:
Electronic databases searched up to July 2024. Interventions with MSK conditions, which included an element of PA messaging delivered by a HCP were included.

Results: Full screening and data extraction underway (completion mid-October 2024).
Key areas:
•Importance of PA acknowledged.
•Facilitating PA engagement difficult due to environmental/social and system level barriers (patient misconceptions around pain, lack of motivation, accessibility issues)
•HCPs lack confidence (particularly early career).
•Lack of shared decision-making resources.
•Lack of continuity of care.
•Inadequate communication and interaction skills.
•Insufficient knowledge of MSK conditions.
•Need to increase awareness regarding the benefits of strengthening and aerobic exercise.

Conclusions: Findings highlight factors impacting PA messaging delivered by HCPs.
Practical implications: A greater understanding of the barriers/enablers to delivering PA messaging provides guidance for future HCP support/training.
Funding: University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: International Society for Physical Activity and Health
• Start Date: Oct 28, 2024
• End Date: Oct 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 14, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 15, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14303577