Date of Conferral

1-7-2026

Date of Award

January 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

Shawn Munford

Abstract

Physical inactivity among older adults remains a major national and global public health concern linked to preventable morbidity, mortality, and rising healthcare costs. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to promote physical activity (PA) through health education, yet their engagement in this role is not well defined. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined associations between clinical practice factors—years of experience, board certification status, and practice setting—and three domains of the theoretical domains framework (knowledge, skills, and behavioral regulation) related to PA promotion among older adults. The framework guided identification of behavioral and contextual factors influencing therapists’ delivery of PA promotion interventions. Data were collected through an online national survey of U.S. physical therapists (N = 310). Descriptive and chi-square analyses assessed relationships among variables. Significant associations were found between board certification in geriatrics and awareness of national PA guidelines (χ² = 20.73, p < .001), while behavioral regulation outcomes were associated with years of experience (p = .016) and practice setting (p = .014). Only 6.5% of participants identified all guideline components, and fewer than half (44.2%) reported having a clear plan for PA discussions. Findings suggest that behavioral regulation plays a key role in promoting routine PA conversations in practice. Results support the need for targeted professional development and continuing education to enhance therapists’ competence as health educators and advance positive social change by improving older adults’ health and reducing disparities.

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