Physical activity counselling and exercise prescription practices of chiropractors in Canada and internationally: an exploratory survey

Background: Physical activity and exercise (PAE) counselling and exercise prescriptions increase patient physical activity. However, the perceptions/practices of chiropractors are poorly understood. Methods: We surveyed the practices among chiropractors working in Canada (n=50) and Internationally (n=37). Chiropractors completed self-reflection questionnaires regarding their current practices and perceptions towards providing PAE counselling to patients. Chiropractor responses were obtained via Canadian provincial survey and educational workshops. Results: Chiropractor respondents included PAE content and exercise prescriptions in most patient appointments (67±27% and 59±35%, respectively), but the largest barriers (2.5/4.0) and least confidence were in their patients to follow through (52±21%). Canadian respondents reported higher knowledge (~0.4/4.0 higher), greater self-confidence (10-20% higher), and provided more PAE recommendations (8%) and prescriptions (16%) than International respondents. Chiropractor respondents were least comfortable advising patients with cancer. Conclusion: Chiropractor respondents may serve as health promotors to address patient inactivity, and the challenges identified should be addressed through educational training.