Motivational strategies for physiotherapists

Abstract

Physical inactivity and non-adherence to physiotherapy are common problems. Physiotherapists as promoters, preventers and rehabilitators are ideally placed to influence physical activity behaviours. Possessing the knowledge and skills to facilitate this behaviour change and to promote adherence to physiotherapy must be viewed as clinical competency. This paper reviews four psychological strategies; self-determination theory, social cognitive theory, cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing that have been shown to have a positive influence on exercise behaviour. The origins and theoretical model of all four are discussed and an example of an intervention based on each model from the literature is provided. A review of how physiotherapists can use each to inform their practice follows. To conclude the similarities between all four that can be implemented into practice are discussed.

Keywords:

• Exercise
• motivation
• patient adherence
• physical activity
• physiotherapy