D1: PT Should Be Fit

Question 1

Affirmative opening statement

Answer 1

PTs should be fit to handle job demands, reduce WMSDs, and set an
example.

Question 2

Opposition opening statement

Answer 2

Fitness doesn’t matter—knowledge, care, and skill do.

Question 3

What are the 3 affirmative arguments?

Answer 3

1. Fitness is required to handle career demands.
2. Fitness prevents burnout and improves care.
3. Fit PTs are better role models.

Question 4

What are the 3 opposition arguments?

Answer 4

1. Knowledge > fitness.
2. Excluding disabled PTs (or with chronic diseases) is unfair.
3. PTs aren’t fitness models; their primary role = optimal care

Question 5

Evidence for this affirmative argument:

Fitness is required to handle physical job tasks/career demands.

Answer 5

• “Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physical Therapists Attributable to
Manual Therapy” → Many PTs (38.5%) get injured. Female (43.6%) > male (33.1%)

• “Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physical Therapists: Prevalence…”
→ 91% had injuries. And 1 in 6 PTs either change specialty or quit PT.

• “Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Physical Therapists: A
Systematic Review” → 90% face injury; 50% in 5 years. Especially due to manual
therapy and lifting

Question 6

Evidence for this affirmative argument:

Fitness prevents burnout and improves care.

Answer 6

• JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (2024) → Physical activity lowers burnout.

• 2018 Injury Report → Poor conditioning = more discomfort/injury. Stronger core
muscles = better endurance = less injury

• 2021 survey → Fit PTs had better job satisfaction.

Question 7

Evidence for this affirmative argument:

Fit PTs are better role models.

Answer 7

• “A Visibly Active Healthcare Provider Increases…” → Patients follow advice
more.

• “Modeling and Role-Modeling Theory” → Role models influence behavior
according to behavioral science

• Public perception → Fit therapists are trusted more. (Real world example:
nutritionist is expected to maintain healthy weight)

Question 8

Evidence for this opposition argument:

Knowledge > fitness.

Answer 8

• “APTA Code of Ethics” → Focus on evidence-based practices & patient-centered care,
not appearance.

• “Physical Activity Levels and Counseling Practices…” → Fitness doesn’t impact
care.

Question 9

Evidence for this opposition argument:

Excluding disabled PTs (or with chronic diseases) is unfair.

Answer 9

• “Americans with Disabilities Act” ADA → Protects professionals with disabilities
from discrimination in employment

• “What Counts as Effective Communication in Nursing?” → Patients value
empathy, not looks.

Question 10

Evidence for this opposition argument:

PTs aren’t fitness models; their primary role = optimal care

Answer 10

• “The Behavior Change Wheel” → Motivation doesn’t depend on provider habit;
instead it is impacted by motivation strategies, goal setting, and patient education.

• Bandura’s “Social Cognitive Theory of Self-Regulation” → Behavior change
requires knowledge + environment+ reinforcement&raquo_space; observing others’ lifestyles

Question 11

Affirmative rebuttal

Answer 11

We don’t mean athletes—just fit enough. Fitness improves performance.

Question 12

Opposition rebuttals

Answer 12

Burnout is a mental status and isn’t solved by fitness. Role modeling = actions and
knowledge, not looks.

Question 13

Closing statements for affirmative

Answer 13

Fit PTs focus better on patients, avoid injury, and inspire trust.

Question 14

Closing statements for opposition

Answer 14

Expertise and empathy matter more than looks. Patients need guidance, not muscles.