Novel Physiotherapies

Biography

Biography: Veena Raigangar

Abstract

Background & Aim: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a rapidly developing country with high incomes and increased consumption of fast food including sugar loaded drinks and a multinational population. These factors combined with low levels of physical activity put the UAE population at high risk for obesity and its related comorbidities. This needs to be explored further to identify if it is due to the perception of engaging in regular physical activity. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the perceived exercise benefits of the University of Sharjah community. Methods: Cross-sectional study using the exercise benefits/barriers scale (EBBS) questionnaire. This was sent to faculty, staff and students at the University of Sharjah. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee at the University of Sharjah. A total of 205 responses were obtained over a two weeks period. Responses were recorded on a Likert scale from 4 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree). Results: The perceived exercise benefit items sub-scales with a highest score was observed in the physical performance subscale (3.47±0.55), while the social interaction subscale showed the lowest score (2.87±0.71). The participants had significantly greater total perceived benefits than perceived barriers of exercise with a mean of 3.28±0.22 vs. 2.21±0.3 (p<0.001) and a benefit/barrier ratio of 1.48 (3.28/2.21). Conclusions: Participants from the University community perceived greater benefits than barriers towards exercising, with the predominant benefit being enhanced physical fitness. Community programs especially in order to encourage social inclusion by involving family and friends need to be designed in light of these findings to improve participation in physical activity.