Physiotherapists and physical activity at work among in Benin and France

Abstract

Physical activity at work is an important indicator of the level of activity. Physiotherapists are one of professionals for the prevention against sedentary lifestyle. Objective: To assess the level of physical activity at work among physiotherapists in Benin and France. Method: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from July 2017 to July 2018. With physiotherapists who consent to participate to this study we use a pedometer. They wear it at work for five consecutive days. The average number of daily steps at work was determined. Physiotherapist’s level of inactivity was assessed using the Baecke questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Epi Info 13.0. X2 of Pearson’s and ANOVA tests. They were used for the comparison of qualitative and quantitative variables respectively. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Among fifty-four physiotherapists evaluated, forty-four (81.5%) were sedentary, with a significant level of sedentary lifestyle in twenty-six cases (48.11%). This limitation of physical activity at the workplace and the level of sedentary lifestyle of the subjects were comparable among Beninese and French physiotherapists and they were not associated with any of the factors studied. Conclusion: The level of physical activity of physiotherapists at work is limited. Raising the awareness of these actors seems essential.