A Literature Review on Physical Fitness of Physical Therapy Students

Background: Physical fitness refers to a multidimensional state encompassing strength, endurance, flexibility, and efficient performance of daily and professional tasks with minimal fatigue. For physiotherapy students, adequate physical fitness is critical as it directly influences their clinical competence, physical capacity, and ability to model health-promoting behaviours. Objective: This review aimed to evaluate the physical fitness levels among physiotherapy students and emphasise the importance of incorporating health and fitness enhancement within their academic curriculum. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases with keywords “physical fitness” and “physiotherapy students.” Studies published between 1983 and 2025 were screened, and thirteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Results: Findings revealed that most physiotherapy students exhibit below-average fitness, particularly in aerobic endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility. Contributing factors include sedentary lifestyles, academic workload, low motivation, and inadequate emphasis on physical conditioning in curricula. These deficiencies may predispose them to musculoskeletal disorders and limit professional performance. Conclusion: Integrating structured exercise and wellness programs within physiotherapy education is essential. Promoting active lifestyles and awareness about personal fitness can enhance students’ health, clinical efficiency, and their role as advocates of physical activity.