In July, 2020 the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) unveiled a new #ChoosePT public awareness campaign to promote physical activity (PA), and highlight the important role that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can and should play in helping people achieve their PA goals.
The Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy (JGPT) is pleased to begin the new year with this Special Topics Issue on Physical Activity. The articles selected for this issue are authored by investigators from around the world, reflecting global concern regarding the need for increased PA in the aging population. A broad spectrum of older adults is represented in these studies, including those receiving therapy services in skilled nursing facilities, women who live in retirement communities, and those who are community dwelling. The collection of reports presented here is diverse, comprised of quantitative and qualitative approaches, cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, measurement and intervention questions, theoretical and practical ideas.
This issue opens with a thought-provoking Special Interest Paper from Levinger and Hill, who first explicitly recognize that published recommended physical activity guidelines are impractical and unrealistic for many older adults with multiple complex health conditions or frailty, then propose an individualized approach to PA prescription that is well-suited to physical therapy practice. Results from two studies, Bland et al and Rethorn et al, raise concerns of insufficient promotion of PA among therapists in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. To implement an individualized approach to PA prescription, annual screening of baseline physical fitness levels and perceived factors that may influence adoption of and adherence to a more physically active lifestyle is needed; Puthoff reports on a tool for the former, while Bjornsdottir and colleagues provide a user-ready checklist for the latter. Kahraman and co-authors report more rapid age-related declines in body systems and functions than in activities and participation; they likewise recommend annual evaluations, and early intervention when needed, to prevent secondary declines in activities and participation, including PA. Encouraging findings are presented by Boolani et al, Cole et al, and Heinrich et al, who report (respectively) that (1) as little as 6 minutes of aerobic PA may improve mood, (2) there is no correlation between executive function and PA levels, and (3) high-intensity functional training may counteract sedentary behavior and increase community PA participation.
Taken together, these studies share a common theme that runs throughout and weaves these varied studies together: to ensure the health and well-being of the older adults we serve, physical therapists must do more to promote PA during and beyond any "episode of care".
Leslie Allison, PT, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
NEW IN 2021: CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS FEATURE
Beginning with this issue, for each article, readers will find a "Clinical Implications" feature box immediately after the Abstract. Here authors will provide several concise bullet points that permit readers to quickly understand three key points:
1. What knowledge gap that negatively affects clinical practice was identified? OR What was the clinical motivation for the study?
2. The most important finding(s) from the study with the potential to positively impact clinical practice
3. The clinical relevance and/or clinical application of the study findings
The JGPT Editorial Team hopes that the addition of the Clinical Implications feature will enhance author-to-reader communication regarding the clinical relevance of the study. We welcome your feedback on this or any other aspect of the JGPT.