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Current Practice, Barriers to, and Facilitators of Exercise Testing and Training by Physiotherapists in Cystic Fibrosis Specialized Centres in Canada

This study surveyed physiotherapists working at Canadian CF specialized centres to investigate the current practice, barriers to, and facilitators of exercise testing and training. Physiotherapists were recruited from 42 Canadian CF centres. They responded to an e-questionnaire regarding their practice. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Eighteen physiotherapists responded (estimated response rate of 23%); median years of clinical experience was 15 (range, min-max,3-30) years. Aerobic testing was administered by 44% of respondents, strength testing by 39%, aerobic training by 78%, and strength training by 67%. The most frequently reported barriers across all four types of exercise testing and training were insufficient funding (reported by 56-67% of respondents), time (50-61%) and staff availability (56%). More late career than early career physiotherapists reported utilizing aerobic testing by (50% vs. 33% of respondents), strength testing (75% vs 33%), aerobic training (100% vs. 67%), and strength training (100% vs. 33%). Exercise testing and training is underutilized in Canadian CF centres. Experienced PTs reported utilizing exercise testing and training more than less-experienced physiotherapists. Post-graduate education and mentorship, especially for less-experienced clinicians, are recommended to emphasize the importance of exercise testing and training. Barriers of funding, time, and staff availability should be addressed to further improve quality of care.