What Is the Effect of Health Coaching Delivered by Physical Therapists? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Health coaching has emerged as an intervention for improving health behaviors. Given the recent increased integration of health coaching into physical therapist practice, there has been a subsequent rise in research examining the effects of health coaching provided by physical therapists. However, there is a lack of literature summarizing the effectiveness of health coaching delivered by physical therapists in changing patient health behaviors. Purpose The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of health coaching delivered by physical therapists on promoting participant health behaviors. Data Sources Cochrane, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PEDro, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to May 26, 2018, to identify randomized controlled trials examining the effects of health coaching delivered by physical therapists. Study Selection Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts according to inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine study eligibility. Data Extraction Methodological quality was assessed using Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scores. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias assessment tool. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form describing study methods, design, and outcomes. Data Synthesis Eleven trials met the inclusion criteria for this study. Health coaching produced positive effects on physical activity (6 studies) as well as physiological and psychological secondary outcomes. Limitations The inclusion of only 11 randomized controlled trials in this review could limit the generalizability of the findings. The heterogeneity of the findings precluded the performance of a meta-analysis. Conclusions Research on the effectiveness of health coaching delivered by physical therapists on health behavior outcomes is mixed. Data indicate statistically significant changes in some health behavior, physiological, and psychological outcomes.