Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness among Healthcare Professionals: a Survey of Physiotherapists in Southwestern Nigeria

Regular and adequate physical activity improves cardiorespiratory fitness and is recommended for health promotion and chronic diseases prevention. Physically active healthcare professionals are more likely to model and encourage physical activity for their patients. There is paucity of information on the physical activity of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. This study was carried out to assess the physical activity level and cardiorespiratory fitness of Physiotherapists in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. The study was a cross sectional survey involving all consenting Physiotherapists in Ibadan. Participants’ height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio and body mass index were assessed and recorded. International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a validated non-exercise testing protocol were used to assess physical activity and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) of the participants respectively. Results of a total of 60 physiotherapists, comprising 32 males (Mean age 34.1± 8.8 years) and 28 females (Mean age 32.7±8.1years) participated in this study were recorded. There was no significant difference in BMI between male and female (males: 22.9±2.6kg/m2; females: 24.4±3.3kg/m2; p=0.54) participants. Eight (13.3%) of participants were highly physically active, while the remaining were either minimally active (75%) or physically inactive (11.7%). Male participants had significantly higher estimated VO2max compared with the female (Males: 42.1±5.9ml/kg/min; females: 35.3±4.6ml/kg/min; p=0.001), a similar observation was made in the physical activity level (Males: 12.0±1.7; females 10.1±1.3 METs; p=0.001). Type of facility, educational level and professional cadre did not have significant effect on physical activity level and cardiorespiratory fitness. It can be concluded that level of physical inactivity among study participants is high. Male participants had significantly higher cardiorespiratory fitness indices and physical activity level compared with the females. There might be need for physiotherapists to take the challenge of physical activity more seriously.