Level of knowledge of the Physical Education Professional working with hypertensive students in gyms

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and affects a substantial part of the Brazilian population. The objective of this study was to compare the level of knowledge between Physical Education Professionals who worked with hypertensive students in gyms and those who did not. A total of 400 professionals working in gyms in the Municipality of Fortaleza-CE participated in the study. A questionnaire containing the following information was used: knowledge about criteria for hypertension, types of laboratory tests, types of hypertension in the students, general care during physical activity, and recommendations for a better control of hypertension. Among the 400 professionals, 302 (75.5%) worked with hypertensive students. Of these, 236 (59%) based their diagnosis of hypertension solely on the report of the students. Regarding the situations in which the professionals contraindicated physical activity for the hypertensive students, 43.1% reported high blood pressure, 15.5% reported no situation, and 21.5% had no information. With respect o blood pressure measurement before and after physical activity, most of the professionals (62.3%) working with hypertensive students did not measure the student’s blood pressure. The knowledge of the professionals about hypertension in gyms was insufficient. More specific studies are necessary to obtain data that will contribute to the development of programs designed for Physical Education Professionals that establish the needs of hypertensive students in gyms.