Knowledge of physical education professionals when dealing with persons with diabetes mellitus in the gyms in the city of Fortaleza, CE

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of the Physical Education Professionals when dealing with Diabetes Mellitus patients in the gyms and health clubs of Fortaleza, CE. This was a quantitative, descriptive and transversal study conducted in gyms registered at the Regional Physical Education Council - CREF-5. Four hundred Physical Education profissionals, registered at the CREF, whom were working at 84 gyms in the city of Fortaleza-CE, answered a questionnaire about their knowledge of diagnostic criteria, glycemic levels, and physical activity and guidelines. Two hundred profissionals (66.3%) worked with diabetes patients, being that 182 (68.7%) were not able to describe the glicemic values and 52 (19.6%) did not know the physical activity guidelines for these patients. Most of the professionals (75%) did not use routine monitoring. The Physical Education professionals in the Fortaleza city still possess insufficient knowledge to effectively prescribe exercise for diabetes patients.