Original scientific paper
DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN SUFFERING FROM DIABETES MELLITUS
Josipa Radaš
; Kineziološki fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
Gordana Furjan-Mandić
; Kineziološki fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
Lana Ružić
; Kineziološki fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
Abstract
Physical activity is one of the most important factors
in treating diabetes mellitus. Even though many
physicians strongly recommend it, some of the patients
are reluctant to enroll. Aim of this study was to determine
the amount of the physical activity in diabetic patients and
to explore for differences according to gender. The sample
of 65 patients (37 women and 28 men), on average 44
years old, who had suffered from diabetes for at least two
years, filled in a questionnaire consisting of 13 items. The
results were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, t-test
and multiple regression analysis and showed that 78.5%
of patients perform some kind of physical exercises, but
mostly not in an organized way, but on their own. The
majority of the patients (84.3%) had noticed that physical
exercises had a positive influence on their wellbeing. Men
performed more physical activity than women (p<0.01).
The multiple regression analysis had shown that the
gender and the type of diabetes were the only factors
relevant for activity, while the age, type of therapy and the
physicians' recommendations were not of importance.
There was no significant difference in frequency of doing
exercises between men and women and both genders
reported frequency of 5 times a week. It could be
concluded that a significant number of diabetics do
exercises, but not in an organized or adequate way when it
comes to the duration, intensity and the type of the
activity. As 64.6% of diabetics would be willing to
participate in an organized physical activity, if it had been
available, such programs should be carried out.
Keywords
physical activity; diabetes mellitus; gender
Hrčak ID:
87703
URI
Publication date:
10.7.2012.
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