Are physiotherapy students meeting their professional demands? A cross-sectional correlational study

Abstract

Background: The physiotherapy profession demands strength, endurance, and flexibility, yet the preparedness of students is uncertain. This study assessed the relationship between self-perceived and measured fitness and described exercise behaviours and musculoskeletal complaints among physiotherapy students.

Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study of 127 students at the Government Physiotherapy College, Surat (October-November 2018). Self-perceived fitness was measured with a modified five-factor questionnaire (general fitness, endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, body composition). Objective fitness was assessed using the push-up and wall squat tests, toe touch and shoulder flexibility tests, and body mass index. Correlations were analyzed in SPSS 23.

Results: Body mass index correlated inversely with perceived body composition (r=-0.295, p<0.01). Flexibility tests correlated with perceived flexibility (toe touch r=0.449; shoulder flexibility r=0.218, p<0.05). No significant correlation existed between perceived muscular strength and push-up (r=0.016) or wall squat (r=0.145) performance. One third of students reported musculoskeletal pain, often in the neck, lower back, and shoulder while over half reported end-of-day fatigue. Most students rated their fitness as average. Among participants, 67.2% reported daily exercise, mainly walking, while only 32.7% engaged in organised sports; barriers were lack of time (33.6%) and low motivation (43.0%).

Conclusions: Students accurately judge body composition and flexibility but overestimate muscular strength. Given prevalent pain and limited strength-building activity, fitness and ergonomics training should be incorporated into undergraduate physiotherapy curricula.