Are physiotherapy students meeting their professional demands? A cross-sectional correlational study

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: The physiotherapy profession demands strength, endurance, and flexibility, yet the preparedness of students is uncertain. This study assessed the relationship between self-perceived and measured fitness and described exercise behaviours and musculoskeletal complaints among physiotherapy students. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study of 127 students at the Government Physiotherapy College, Surat (October-November 2018). Self-perceived fitness was measured with a modified five-factor questionnaire (general fitness, endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, body composition). Objective fitness was assessed using the push-up and wall squat tests, toe touch and shoulder flexibility tests, and body mass index. Correlations were analyzed in SPSS 23. Results: Body mass index correlated inversely with perceived body composition (r=-0.295, p