Implementation of Nutritional Assessment and Counseling in Physical Therapy Treatment: An Anonymous Cross-Sectional Survey

Michal Elboim-Gabyzon, Roy Netzer
Purpose:

This study aimed to assess the extent to which PTs incorporate nutritional assessment and counseling into their clinical practice. The secondary objective was to identify personal and professional factors that influence this integration.


Methods:

An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among 409 certified PTs in Israel. The survey assessed participants' professional background, nutritional knowledge, lifestyle habits, and the extent of nutritional care integration. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of nutritional care integration.


Results:

The study revealed that PTs in Israel have significant lack of nutritional knowledge (mean score of 43.43, out of 100, with score of 100 representing complete knowledge). Nonetheless, PTs expressed a favorable nutritional lifestyle (M =18.6 ± 4.6, with range of 8 to 40. Lower scores indicating better nutritional lifestyle). However, the integration of nutrition into clinical practice was notably limited (M = 20.3 ± 3.2, with range of 9 to 27. Lower scores indicating higher integration). PTs with more than 13 years of clinical experience and those working in outpatient clinics reported higher levels of integration of nutritional assessment and counseling into their practices.Linear regression analysis revealed that the predictors of increased integration were working in an outpatient clinic, positive nutritional lifestyle, and enhanced nutritional knowledge.





Conclusion(s):

PTs in Israel report limited incorporation of nutritional assessment and counseling in their clinical practice, and limited nutritional knowledge, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and formal nutrition education to bridge the knowledge gaps. Key predictors of higher nutritional care integration include the workplace setting, nutritional lifestyle, and nutritional knowledge. 

Implications:

The current findings advocate for comprehensive nutrition education in PT programs and the promotion of PTs as role models for healthy behaviors. Future work should focus on developing and implementing targeted interventions to improve PTs' nutritional knowledge and its practical application in PT practice. Integrating nutritional assessment and counseling within PT practice can empower PTs to enhance patient outcomes and fulfill their role in preventive healthcare.



Funding acknowledgements:
This research received no external funding.
Keywords:
Nutrition
Physical Therapy
Health Promotion
Primary topic:
Health promotion and wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
Second topic:
Education: continuing professional development
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
Provide the ethics approval number:
Approval number: 2858
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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