Participate in a survey on nature prescriptions in musculoskeletal rehabilitation

Participate in a survey on nature prescriptions in MSK rehabilitation

In partnership with the Environmental Physiotherapy Association (EPA), research led by Dr. Aleksandra Zecevic and Nicole Struthers (MPT/PhD student) at Western University in Canada are conducting an international modified Delphi study on the use of nature prescriptions in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

We would like to invite all EPA members, readers of the EPA blog, and any physiotherapists interested to participate in this research study 

The survey is estimated to take 15-25min to complete and all information you provide will be used for research purposes only. We would appreciate your participation and support in advancing this important research in environmental physiotherapy.

Background and purpose of the study

Worldwide, musculoskeletal conditions are a leading cause of pain and disability, and physiotherapists commonly provide exercise and education to help manage these conditions. Population aging further increases the personal, social, economic, and environmental burdens of musculoskeletal conditions; thus, there is an urgent need to understand not only medical, but the broader societal nuances of musculoskeletal health. Physiotherapists have a unique advantage in the enhancement of people’s contribution to the health of the planet through reconsidering the relationship between biomedical, socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors of musculoskeletal health and overall wellbeing.

Nature-based interventions, such as nature prescriptions, are activities, strategies, or programs taking place in nature settings with the aim to improve health and wellbeing. Nature prescriptions allow diverse healthcare providers, including physiotherapists, to recommend spending time in nature to reap a myriad of health benefits. Spending time in nature may resonate more with the intrinsic motivations for exercise and physical activity of people living with musculoskeletal conditions.

Further advancement of knowledge on the personal, societal, and planetary benefits of nature prescription is required, and to do so, we are conducting an international modified Delphi study. We aim to answer two broad research questions: (1) How can the utilization of nature prescription address personal, social, environmental, and global burdens of musculoskeletal conditions? and (2) What is the direction for future research and utilization of nature prescription?

For your interest, a full letter of informed consent is available for download here.