Perceptions of the physical activity and exercise promotion and prescription content of the undergraduate physiotherapy curriculum at a selected university in the Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that non-communicable diseases are increasing at an alarming rate, leading to an increase in mortality and disability. A lack of physical activity is a global problem, but if more people changed their unhealthy habits and participated in physical activity, it would reduce the risk of premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases. The role of physiotherapists in promoting physical activity cannot be overstated. The role of this professional has been recognized by world professional bodies. It is unclear whether the entry-level physiotherapy curriculum produces graduates who can promote physical activity significantly in the lives of individuals. Thus, the overall goal of this study was to examine how undergraduate physiotherapy curriculums at the University of the Western Cape promote and prescribe physical activity and exercise