Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine physical therapy (PT) students’ participation in and attitudes toward physical activity (PA).
Methods An electronic survey assessed demographic, academic, and sports history. Student’s PA level was assessed with the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin); PA enjoyment was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES); motivation was assessed using 4 items from the Modified Behavioral Regulation in Exercise (BREQ 3); and self-efficacy towards PA was assessed with the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and independent t-tests with 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) were used.
Results In total, 228 PT students completed the survey. The cohort was 82.3% active with 100% reporting high enjoyment, 78.9% high motivation, and 99.5% high self-efficacy towards PA. There was no correlation between undergraduate area of study and PA level or attitudes. Current sport participation was weakly correlated with PA level, enjoyment, motivation, and self-efficacy towards PA. Women reported less PA than men (p =0.018, 95% CI 0.54-15.34), and lower enjoyment (p < 0.001, 95% CI 2.05-8.93), motivation (p
Conclusions: PT students were generally physically active, with positive attitudes towards PA which will likely have positive impacts on future PA counseling. Attention should be paid to women, who were overall less active than men and reported lower enjoyment, motivation, and self-efficacy towards PA.
Author Bio(s)
Lauren Butler, DPT is a Clinical Assistant professor in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL. She is also a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy at Nicklaus Children's Hosptial.
Amanda Thomas, DPT is a Clinical Assistant professor in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL. She is also a licensed Physical Therapist in the state of Florida.
Erasmo Alvarez, DPT is a Clinical Assistant professor in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL. He is also a licensed Physical Therapist in the state of Florida.
Teresa Munecas, DPT, EdD is an Associate Professor, the Director of Clinical Education, and the Assistant Chair in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL. She is also a licensed Physical Therapist in the state of Florida.
David Capote, DPT is a Clinical Assistant professor in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL. He is also a licensed Physical Therapist in the state of Florida.
Alexa Almonte, SPT is a physical therapy student in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL.
Madeline Dawson, SPT is a physical therapy student in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL.
Jordan Hale, SPT is a physical therapy student in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL.
Mikayla Kerekes, SPT is a physical therapy student in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL.
Kaitlyn Mitchell, SPT is a physical therapy student in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL.
Mark D. Rossi, DPT, PhD is the chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and a Tenured Associate Professor in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami FL.
Recommended Citation
Butler L, Thomas A, Munecas T, Alvarez E, Capote D, Almonte A, Dawson M, Hale J, Kerekes M, Mitchell K, Rossi MD. Enjoyment, Motivation, and Self-Efficacy Towards Physical Activity Among Physical Therapy Students. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice.
2025 Jul 28;23(3), Article 11.
