<b>Level of knowledge of the Physical Education Professional working with hypertensive students in gyms </b>

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovasculardiseases and affects a substantial part of the Brazilian population. The objective ofthis study was to compare the level of knowledge between Physical Education Professionals whoworked with hypertensive students in gyms and those who did not. A total of 400 professionalsworking in gyms in the Municipality of Fortaleza-CE participated in the study. A questionnairecontaining the following information was used: knowledge about criteria for hypertension, typesof laboratory tests, types of hypertension in the students, general care during physical activity, andrecommendations 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 hypertensionsolely on the report of the students. Regarding the situations in which the professionals contraindicatedphysical 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 measurementbefore and after physical activity, most of the professionals (62.3%) working with hypertensivestudents did not measure the student’s blood pressure. The knowledge of the professionals abouthypertension in gyms was insufficient. More specific studies are necessary to obtain data thatwill contribute to the development of programs designed for Physical Education Professionalsthat establish the needs of hypertensive students in gyms.

Keywords

• Knowledge
• Hypertension
• Health education
• Physical education.