Publication:

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

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.