Physiotherapists' experience with online group exercise classes: A nationwide survey

INTRODUCTION: The Covid-19 pandemic provided a research opportunity to explore online group exercise programmes in larger numbers while restrictions on group gatherings were in place. An online survey was conducted with Irish Physiotherapists to ascertain their views on online group exercise programmes and the methods they employed to conduct their online classes in order to guide Physiotherapists with future care delivery. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was employed using a cross-sectional national online survey of Physiotherapists in Ireland. The survey collected both qualitative and quantitative data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the ordinal and continuous data and free-text responses were analysed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: In total, 81 Physiotherapists completed the surveys. The majority of Physiotherapists (62%) feel a blended or hybrid model is the best option for the future. Convenience and decreased travel were cited as the main advantages of online classes. Physiotherapists cited in-person classes as being of higher teaching quality with improved safety and social interaction. Physiotherapists indicated that very little staff or technological resources were needed for their online classes and serious adverse events during the classes were extremely infrequent. CONCLUSION: Online group exercise programmes were well received by Physiotherapists, although the majority of those questioned believe a mixture of both online and in person exercise classes should be offered going forward.