Chiropractic and physical activity promotion: what are we doing or not doing?

The aim of this project is to describe chiropractors’ and final year chiropractic students’ knowledge of the Australian physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour guidelines, as well as investigating factors that improve the understanding of chiropractors’ PA promotion. Allied health care providers acknowledge PA promotion is part of their role, but few have specific knowledge of the PA guidelines. From a public health perspective, this is important as one quarter of adults worldwide report PA levels that fail to meet the recommended guidelines for health benefits. Project outcomes will inform on the development of an implementation framework that will comprise of PA education and/or training resources for registered chiropractors. It will also inform on the current Australian chiropractic student curriculum with respect to PA education. Overall, this can enhance their skills to increase patient PA levels within routine chiropractic consultations, and subsequent improvement in population general health. As lead investigator, I confirm there is no Macquarie University cash/money beginning included in this project proposal.