engleski

Gender differences in cardiovascular diseases risk for physical education teachers

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of habitual physical activity in Croatian physical education (PE) teachers, as well as the exsistence of some other risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The sample consisted 0f 191 PE teachers aged 24-59 years (122 men aged 42, 6 + - 8, 76 and 69 women, mean age 40, 3 + - 8, 84, p=0, 09). In order to assess the level of habitual physical activity, the teachers were asked to fill in Baeke, s questionnaire. The questionnaire comprises 16 items testing physical loads at work, during sport activity and during leasure time. The questionnaire also contains 8 items, each of them representing a certain cardiovascular risk factor. In comparison to average adult employed population, PE teachers have a significantly higher level of sport and leasure time activity, which could have a favorable impact on the incidence of particular risk factors, such as overweight/obesity, systolic hypertension and blood cholesterol level. This is more obvious in females PE reachers who pay more attention to the principles of healthy life style: optimal body weight regulation, low fat diet and higher amount of leisure time physical activity (significantly higher than in male teachers). Femael PE teachers who have maintained their active life style decrease the risk of CVD, particularly after the age of 55. Although it is necessary to keep in mind all the limitations of questionnaire study, this preliminary report leads to the conclusion that PE male teachers, although physically active at job, have still kept sedentary habits, after have maintained heavy smoking habits, are slightly overweight, thus minimizing the positive effects of their demanding workplace. Consequently, average male PE teachers, risk for CVD development corresponds to the risk of general male population.

physical education teachers ; physical activity ; CV risk factors

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