MSc Physiotherapy students champion health promotion during Physical Activity Week

Students on the MSc Physiotherapy course at the University of Roehampton recently transformed the library into a hub of activity as they engaged with students and staff about Physical Activity and conducted grip strength tests during Physical Activity Week. 

This initiative formed a practical component of their module, Health, Physical Activity and Primary Care, which explores the critical role of physical activity in population health and its importance in managing and reducing the risk of long-term conditions. 

The library session provided an opportunity for students to hone their skills in health promotion and education by initiating meaningful discussions with fellow students and staff about physical activity. 

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Kareem Sultan, an MSc Physiotherapy student who participated in the event, said: 

“This module mainly focuses on why physical activity is so simple and how to promote it for different groups, such as the elderly or younger adults. By integrating this into the actual course early on, we as physiotherapists can see just how important it is when we become qualified. In different sectors of physiotherapy such as, acute care, it is not really at the forefront of their minds that health promotion is important. But it is because every contact counts, and we can really make a difference by promoting physical activity.”

The module aligns with the latest Delphi consensus recommendations, which outline the core competencies healthcare professionals should possess in promoting physical activity. Students also participated in a range of physical activity sessions throughout the module, gaining first-hand experience of diverse activities and learning to appreciate why different approaches appeal to different individuals. 

Rachel Chan, Head of Physiotherapy at the University, said: 

“The strong focus on health promotion, we believe, is a unique selling point (USP) for our course. The purpose of this event was to create an opportunity for our students to engage staff and students in conversations about physical activity and promote health. 

“It is hugely important that our graduates feel confident about initiating these conversations and develop competence in this space; Knowing their local communities, making considered recommendations, and being open-minded and inclusive of all forms of activity and wellbeing. 

“This was a hugely successful event and one that we hope will grow in years to come. As part of the module, students were also encouraged to engage in lunchtime physical activity sessions to emphasise the importance of role-modelling behaviour. This was also very successful and a lot of fun, with students themselves leading the sessions on occasion. 

“We would love to see more students across all health and social care programmes involved in these initiatives in the future to promote positive movement behaviours and drive collaboration forwards between exercise professionals and other health professionals.”