Exploring and assessing the level of physical activity among physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey

Alnaji, Abdulelah Hussain A. and Phillips, Nicola 2025. Exploring and assessing the level of physical activity among physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey. Saudi Journal of Sports Medicine 25 (3) , pp. 113-123. 10.4103/sjsm.sjsm_24_25

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Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is an essential part of good health. There is considerable evidence of declining PA globally, including in Saudi Arabia. One of the primary goals of physiotherapists is to advocate for a healthy lifestyle, as they serve as role models for their patients. However, there is a lack of information about PA among physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia. Aim: This research aimed to explore the level of PA among physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia and to understand the barriers to and facilitators of PA. Design: This was a cross-sectional survey. Materials and Methods: This study included 172 physiotherapists currently working in Saudi Arabia as citizens or residents, with 71% ( n = 122) being male. Between December 28, 2022, and February 2, 2023, the researcher distributed an online form of an adapted version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Version via various social media platforms. Results: The findings demonstrate that (1) 9.3% ( n = 16) of respondents did not engage in any PA; (2) 90.7% ( n = 156) engaged in various intensities of moderate, vigorous, and a combined PA; (3) 61% ( n = 105) met international PA recommendations; (4) lack of time and work commitments were the most significant barriers; and (5) motivation to improve health and losing or maintaining weight were the most notable facilitators. Conclusion: A high percentage of physiotherapists in this study participated in PA. However, nearly 39% of the physiotherapists did not meet international PA recommendations. Further research with a large sample is needed to improve generalizability.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	Medknow Publications
ISSN:	1319-6308
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 December 2025
Date of Acceptance:	26 September 2025
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2025 09:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183076

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