Prática de exercícios físicos em áreas verdes e ambientes fechados: percepções de beneficiários e professores dos polos de atividade física de São Luís-MA

Abstract

The objective of the research was to identify the environmental perception of the users physical activity program of the Municipal Health Secretariat (SEMUS) of São Luís - MA investigating the factors that contribute positively and/or negatively to the performance of activities in green areas and/or enclosed spaces. Evaluated as well, the level of user satisfaction and physical education teachers who work in the program. The quantitative and qualitative research was taking place in the first stage, literature and analysis of the National Health Promotion (PNPS) addressing their guidelines, operationalization and its effects on the development of the Municipal Policy fighting the Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) São Luís - MA. The data on hypertension and diabetes were collected on Registration and Monitoring System for Hypertensive Diabetics - HIPERDIA in the period 2005-2011. In the second stage, the data were obtained from semi-structured interviews applied to users and Physical Education teachers working in the program. We used the theory of Social Representation focusing on qualitative and quantitative research through technical analysis of the subject discourse, from the interviews. The program "São Luís in Moviment" was created in 2008, is organized in 04 centers: Park Bom Menino; Coroado-Sacavém; COHAB and Vinhais, serving on average 200 registered users, aged between 16 and 70. As a general conclusion it is emphasized that the users' perception regarding physical exercise is positive, because the regularity of activities in the field provides benefits physiological, psychological and social aspects of the respondents. When comparing the two groups of users that perform activities in areas with green spaces and closed the first group evaluated more positively than the second. However, users who perform in closed stressed the factor of "security" as a determinant to prefer these spaces. We conclude that although the PNPS determine the adoption of a preventive policy against the advancement of NCDs, the research showed that lack of proper structuring, both in the green areas as in enclosed place where the program activities compromise the achievement of the goals established evident that preventive actions are not priorities of local public administrations. The data HIPERDIA revel that during the evaluation period was the growth of the diseases reported, especially hypertension among women. Alongside it was observed that there was a reduction in vegetation cover capital of Maranhão affect even more the availability of green areas for the practice of physical activities, the population in general and users of the program. Thus, it is suggested the expansion and/or maintenance of green areas, open spaces in the capital of Maranhão in conditions of minimal infrastructure needed to encourage sports activities and leisure in general, in addition to expanding the program by creating other hubs in different neighborhoods.