Assessing Nutrition and Fitness Related Knowledge of Healthcare Professionals
Location
Hopwood Auditorium
Access Type
Open Access
Presentation Type
Oral presentation
Entry Number
74
Start Date
4-16-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-16-2026 10:15 AM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Exercise Physiology
Abstract
In the United States there is a prevalent obesity and overweight epidemic. Individuals who are obese and overweight often experience numerous comorbidities. These are manageable and often curable conditions through exercise and nutrition. Health care providers are the front line, qualified individuals recommending a healthy lifestyle to patients; however, we have such an extreme lack of healthy citizens. Healthcare education varies based on profession and most educational models lack extensive nutrition or physical activity guideline emphasis. My research aims to identify the gaps in the knowledge of different health care providers leading to such a large deficit in general health and wellness care. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research study is to determine where clinical health practitioners’ knowledge lies pertaining to physical activity and nutritional guidelines. METHODS: Participants in this study include current clinical healthcare providers/practitioners who are board-certified in physician assistant medicine (PAs), athletic training (ATCs), physical therapy (DPTs), and occupational therapy (OT), from an accredited institution or governing body. Participants must be over the age of 18. Participants must be currently working in the field in which they are certified. Participants were first expected to read an informed consent and upon acknowledging acceptance, subjects were directed to an online survey to complete a nutritional and fitness knowledge questionnaire. Results from the survey were analyzed to determine gaps in the knowledge of clinical healthcare providers/practitioners. RESULTS: CONCLUSION:
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Sean M. Collins, Ph.D.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Exercise Physiology
Additional Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jill Lucas, Ph.D. Dr. Paul K. McClure, Ph.D.
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Assessing Nutrition and Fitness Related Knowledge of Healthcare Professionals
Hopwood Auditorium
In the United States there is a prevalent obesity and overweight epidemic. Individuals who are obese and overweight often experience numerous comorbidities. These are manageable and often curable conditions through exercise and nutrition. Health care providers are the front line, qualified individuals recommending a healthy lifestyle to patients; however, we have such an extreme lack of healthy citizens. Healthcare education varies based on profession and most educational models lack extensive nutrition or physical activity guideline emphasis. My research aims to identify the gaps in the knowledge of different health care providers leading to such a large deficit in general health and wellness care. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research study is to determine where clinical health practitioners’ knowledge lies pertaining to physical activity and nutritional guidelines. METHODS: Participants in this study include current clinical healthcare providers/practitioners who are board-certified in physician assistant medicine (PAs), athletic training (ATCs), physical therapy (DPTs), and occupational therapy (OT), from an accredited institution or governing body. Participants must be over the age of 18. Participants must be currently working in the field in which they are certified. Participants were first expected to read an informed consent and upon acknowledging acceptance, subjects were directed to an online survey to complete a nutritional and fitness knowledge questionnaire. Results from the survey were analyzed to determine gaps in the knowledge of clinical healthcare providers/practitioners. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: