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- Physical activity and supervised exercise among hypertensives and normotensives: status and barriersPublication . Esteves, Dulce; Duarte, Paulo; Pinheiro, Paulo; Brás, Rui; Rodrigues, Ricardo; Gouveia, Ana; O'Hara, KellyPurpose Physical activity (PA) is considered central to hypertension prevention and management. The main purpose of this article is to compare supervised exercise (SE) patterns among hypertensive and normotensive Portuguese adults. Methods A total of 966 participants aged between 15 and 90 years old (mean 41.9; SD 19.5) were surveyed face-to-face in public places across Portugal. Participants were considered hypertensives (n=144) if they have systolic and diastolic blood pressure higher than 160 and 90 mmHg or report taking antihypertensive medication. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test for associations and t test for independent samples were used to analyze data. Results Hypertensive individuals show a higher prevalence of sedentary lifestyle than normotensive (31% vs 20%). About 40% of hypertensive patients have a high level of physical activity. Several signifcant diferences were found between hypertensives and normotensives regarding the causes for non-participation, information sources and motivation to participate. For infrastructures, only the quality of the equipment (p=0.032), innovative activities (p=0.027), and the opportunity to socialize (p=0.000) are capable of diferentiating the two groups. Conclusions This study shows the prevalence of sedentary behavior among the hypertensive population. Hypertensives and normotensive behavior reveal diferent patterns on the barriers, sources of information, and perception regarding the structures. Service providers seem incapable to make hypertensives aware of the risks associated with PA and the benefts associated with SE. More information is needed to make hypertensives aware of the benefts of SE programs.
- Evaluation of Risks and Benefits of Physical Activity: Fighting a Societal BurdenPublication . Brás, Rui; Esteves, Dulce; Rodrigues, Ricardo; Duarte, Paulo; Gouveia, Ana; O'Hara, Kelly; Pinheiro, PauloPhysical Activity (PA) is considered a coadjutant factor in the control of hypertension, helping to control this societal burden. This study investigates the factors that may influence the adoption of PA recommendations by hypertensive individuals by comparing physical activity patterns among hypertensives and normotensives and the importance placed on PA by both groups. Data from 966 Portuguese participants aged between 18 to 90 years old, representing hypertensives (n=144) and normotensives (n=822) were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire. The results show significant differences between the two groups in terms of causes of non-participation and dropping out, preferred PA activities, perceived knowledge, and information-seeking behaviour. The main barriers to exercise reported by hypertensives were the perception that PA is not adequate or even dangerous to their health. Doctors must be considered a key factor in promoting exercise. When compared to normotensives, hypertensives feel that PA information available is not appropriate (p=.0006). Hypertensives consider that existing programmes will not meet their needs and do not like traditional fitness classes, such as those in gyms. The fear of risks associated with exercise seems to be a significant barrier that impairs PA participation.